Slavonian grebes breed only in the Scottish Highlands in the UK and face welfare threats from disturbance, predation, and climate-driven changes to breeding loch water levels and fish availability.
Slavonian grebe welfare at UK breeding sites is highly sensitive to disturbance given the tiny population size. Each breeding pair represents significant population-level value. Floating nests are vulnerable to water level changes — sudden rises from rainfall flood nests; drops strand them. Mink predation destroys nests and kills chicks. Recreational disturbance from kayaking, fishing, and dog walking near breeding lochs causes nest abandonment. Mink control at key breeding lochs, combined with access management during the breeding season, has demonstrably improved breeding success. Given the critically small UK population, every breeding attempt and its welfare outcome matters.