The little grebe is a small diving waterbird breeding on slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds. Its welfare depends on clear water with abundant small fish and invertebrates.
Little grebe welfare depends on water clarity and prey availability. Algal blooms and eutrophication from agricultural run-off reduce water clarity, impairing underwater prey detection and reducing feeding success. Nest flooding from managed water level changes destroys clutches, forcing repeat nesting. Predation by mink is a significant welfare and population concern on many waterways. Mink control programmes on rivers benefit little grebes alongside water voles and other ground-nesting waterbirds.