UK Wildlife

Bewick's Swan Dramatic Decline

Bewick's swans from Siberia have undergone dramatic declines at UK wintering sites, with concerns about breeding ground conditions, hunting on migration routes, and lead poisoning.

Key Facts

UK Bewick's swan numbers declined from over 7,000 in the 1990s to fewer than 4,000 today
Individual Bewick's swans can be identified by their unique yellow and black bill patterns
Migrate from Siberian breeding grounds through Russia to reach UK
WWT Slimbridge maintains long-term records of returning individual swans
Hunting on migration routes in some countries may be contributing to decline

Welfare Considerations

Bewick's swan decline is one of the most alarming conservation stories in UK waterbirds. Illegal hunting on Russian migration routes, lead poisoning, and changes in Siberian breeding habitat are all suspected causes. International cooperation is essential.

What You Can Do

Support WWT's research and advocacy for Bewick's swan conservation
Advocate for international protection of wetland habitats on migration routes
Record Bewick's swans at WWT reserves to contribute to long-term population monitoring