Wildlife

Wild Turtle Dove Conservation Welfare

The turtle dove is one of the UK's most rapidly declining birds, with welfare implications from both habitat loss and hunting during migration.

Key Facts

Turtle dove populations have declined by 98% in the UK since 1970
Hunting during migration through Mediterranean countries kills millions annually
Loss of weed-rich farmland removes the seeds turtledoves need for summer survival
Operation Turtle Dove works with farmers to create suitable feeding habitat
BirdLife International works to reduce migration hunting through policy dialogue

Welfare Considerations

Turtle doves face welfare threats from both starvation through habitat loss and shooting during migration. Individual birds experiencing habitat loss face chronic food insecurity. Targeted habitat creation and migration hunting reduction are both welfare and conservation priorities.

What You Can Do

Support Operation Turtle Dove and farmland bird habitat creation
Donate to BirdLife International's work on Mediterranean migration hunting
Plant seed-rich weedy patches in gardens near suitable habitat