Wildlife Welfare

Wild Great Bustard UK Welfare

Great bustards were extinct in the UK for over 170 years before a reintroduction programme began in 2004. The small Salisbury Plain population requires intensive management to protect individual bird welfare.

Key Facts

Great bustards were extinct in Britain since the 1830s before reintroduction from Russia
UK population has grown to over 100 birds through sustained captive-rearing and release
Bustards require large areas of open farmland with minimal disturbance for display and nesting
Road collisions are a significant cause of bustard mortality on Salisbury Plain
Supplementary feeding during winter supports population welfare during cold periods

Welfare Considerations

Individual great bustards face welfare risks from road collisions as they cross roads within their large home ranges, agricultural operations during the breeding season, and predation on eggs and chicks. Intensive monitoring, supplementary feeding during winter, and management of visitor disturbance directly protect individual bird welfare and breeding success.

What You Can Do

Support the Great Bustard Group reintroduction and monitoring programme
Respect access restrictions in bustard areas during the breeding season
Advocate for wildlife-aware road design near bustard habitat on Salisbury Plain