Wildlife

Wild Turtle Dove Conservation Welfare

Turtle doves are one of the most rapidly declining farmland birds in Europe, with breeding populations falling over 95% in the UK since 1970, and individuals face multiple welfare threats during migration.

Key Facts

UK turtle dove populations declined 98% between 1970 and 2020
Hunting mortality during Mediterranean migration is estimated at 2-3 million birds annually
Weed seed loss from agricultural intensification reduces summer food availability critically
Project Turtle Dove promotes supplementary seed mixes to support breeding populations
International agreements on migration route hunting reform are progressing slowly

Welfare Considerations

Turtle doves face exhausting migrations through regions where illegal hunting is prevalent. Conservation must address both breeding habitat and migration route hunting to prevent extinction.

What You Can Do

Create or support habitats with supplementary seed for turtle doves
Donate to conservation projects focused on turtle dove recovery
Raise awareness of migration route hunting as a conservation emergency
Support international agreements to reduce illegal bird hunting on migration routes