Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Cornish Chough Recovery Goals

Cornish chough recovery goals for 2030 and beyond identify habitat, population, and welfare targets for this charismatic species.

Key Facts

The 2030 target is for self-sustaining chough populations in Cornwall and other former strongholds
Habitat creation through heathland and coastal grassland restoration is the primary recovery lever
Genetic diversity management may require movement of birds between island and mainland populations
Anti-persecution measures including education and enforcement protect breeding adults
Public engagement with chough recovery creates the community support needed for long-term success

Welfare Considerations

Individual choughs in Cornwall and beyond benefit from targeted habitat management and population recovery goals. Each breeding pair established in Cornwall represents a welfare success - birds living in habitat conditions appropriate to their ecology.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Cornwall chough recovery and monitoring programmes
Engage with coastal habitat restoration projects that benefit chough foraging
Advocate for agri-environment schemes that maintain chough-friendly coastal grassland