Chough: Cliff Ecology Welfare Science

Key Welfare Facts

Choughs are stronghold breeders on cliff coastlines in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and the Isles of Scilly.
Their welfare depends on short-grazed maritime grassland providing access to their specialised ant and beetle larvae diet.
Appropriate livestock grazing management at cliff grasslands is the most critical welfare management tool.
Nest cave sites on cliff faces provide protection from predators but are vulnerable to human disturbance.
Recovery from very low numbers in Wales and Ireland demonstrates successful conservation when habitat is managed.
Climate change is causing coastal habitat change that may affect chough food availability in coming decades.

Welfare Assessment

Chough welfare depends on maintaining short-grazed cliff grassland through appropriate livestock grazing. Supporting farm management at key chough sites and engaging with agri-environment schemes maintaining suitable grazing regimes is the most direct welfare action available.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes maintaining appropriate grazing management at chough sites
Respect access restrictions near chough nest sites during the breeding season
Donate to conservation organisations monitoring and managing chough populations in Wales and Ireland
Record chough sightings for national monitoring schemes to track population recovery