November 6, 2009
First step to save the world's rarest bird taken successfully!
A complicated and challenging mission to a remote lake in Madagascar has resulted in
a huge step being taken in efforts to save the world's rarest duck from extinction.
A collaborative team of specialists were hampered by electrical storms, gruelling
journeys and illness in their bid to secure a precious batch of eggs laid by the
Critically Endangered Madagascar pochard (Aythya innotata) in early October.
Madagascar Pochard © Peter Cranswick/WWT
The pochard, a medium-sized diving duck, was feared extinct by the late 1990s but it
was rediscovered in 2006 when biologists from The Peregrine Fund, who were scouting
for a threatened bird of prey, the Madagascar Harrier, observed 20 adult pochards
living on a single lake in northern Madagascar.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), The
Peregrine Fund and the Government of Madagascar joined efforts to establish a
conservation-breeding programme for the ducks, with the hope of reintroducing them
back into their wetland habitats.
However, an emergency rescue plan was mounted after a reconnaissance visit in July
revealed the situation was worse than feared - with the sighting of just six females
and evidence that the young had died just a few weeks old.
As a result, members of the team monitored the tiny population during their breeding
season, reporting that three female birds were preparing to lay eggs. A team of duck
specialists from WWT and Durrell immediately flew to Madagascar in an attempt to
bring the eggs into captivity.
Patience was becoming a required skill, as Glyn Young from Durrell describes; "It
was a race against time to get the team and the equipment to the lake before eggs
started hatching. The situation was not made any easier as massive electrical storms
had delayed our arrival in the country. Once all the equipment had cleared Customs,
we had to wait for three days as a bridge was repaired on the only access road to
the lake. To add to our woes, having finally made it to the lake, we all fell ill!"
Having commandeered part of a local hotel in order to create a temporary breeding
facility, a batch of eggs was removed from a lake-side nest as near to hatching as
possible. With extreme care, the day-old ducklings were transported to their
make-shift rearing facility, 12 hours away.
Peter Cranswick from WWT describes the significance of this achievement, "This is
conservation at the cutting edge. The urgency of the situation has meant a great
deal of invention and improvisation - but next year simply may have been too late.
Safely bringing birds into captivity marks the start of a 20- or 30-year
conservation project that will also help restore wetlands across the region."
Eight ducklings are now reported to be doing very well, but work continues as the
team attempts to secure two more clutches from the wild over the next few weeks.
However, this collaborative rescue mission has provided hope for the future for the
Madagascar pochard.
"This is the first important step toward saving this rare species from extinction,"
said Russell Thorstrom, a biologist in charge of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar
program. "It shows how organizations working cooperatively can overcome challenges
and continue onward in their conservation effort for this critically endangered
duck."
Read Saving the Madagascar Pochard, the rarest duck in the World by Dr Glyn Young"
Posted by Surfbirds at 6:35 AM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2009
Will our wildlife be celebrating Natural England’s third birthday?
Three years ago last weekend, Natural England was born. Formed from the merger of three organisations, it emerged into the expectant glare of England’s wildlife charities, including WWT, the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity.
We have been watching Natural England intently since its birth, helping and co-operating where we can. Its responsibilities have been clear – to protect and improve England’s natural environment, its wildlife, and the habitats upon which wildlife depends.
Black-tailed Godwit © Neil Triggs, from the surfbirds galleries
But three years on, how well it is doing?
There is no doubt that Natural England has made some impressive progress. And it deserves considerable praise for that. But with the political and economic landscape moving under its feet, what does the future look like? And where do we think Natural England should turn its attentions next?
We joined Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, The Grasslands Trust, Plantlife and the RSPB in a snapshot assessment of Natural England’s initial tenure. This is what we agreed…
An ‘A’ for effort
We’re pleased with Natural England’s progress towards the vital goal of improving the condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England. It’s not all rosy - only 15% of SSSIs include invertebrates as protected features, and considerably more could be done for plants. But great progress has been made with 89% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in a recovering or favourable condition – on track to meet the Government 2010 target.
We’re also impressed by the organisation’s evidence-based input to policy development, such as recent moves related to set aside, and the formation of a government policy that supports environmentally responsible renewables. Wildlife-friendly farming has undoubtedly benefited under Natural England, with innovative and well targeted agri-environment schemes aimed at halting wildlife declines. The take-up of these schemes by the farming community has been good and wildlife should benefit as a result.
And as the Government’s main conduit into saving species from extinction, we know that Natural England faces a tall order. However, we’ve been collectively impressed by its scientifically based approach to saving endangered species, involving a wide range of NGO partners.
Must try harder
This wouldn’t be a realistic report, though, if it didn’t point out some of the areas into which we think Natural England could put more effort. And as campaigners advocating a bigger voice for nature, we’re sure you’d expect nothing less. In the next few years, we want to see Natural England became a more vocal champion for nature. We hope our own voices are strong, but a little extra volume would go a long way! We need Natural England to provide impartial scrutiny of Government performance on wildlife conservation, and offer more consistent and well-versed advice to landowners, planners and other bodies so that they can contribute fully to conserving wildlife.
And while the intention has been good, Natural England has been painfully slow in organising systems for administering key agri-environment schemes. This overly bureaucratic approach is really hindering delivery of these schemes, and we want to see all blockages removed.
Finally, Natural England has made only tentative steps on habitat restoration and creation – notably through funding Wetland Vision projects. This really worries us, as larger areas of good habitat and ecological corridors to join them up are essential to help nature survive under a changing climate. We think the slow pace of progress is largely down to a lack of funding, but this area deserves more of Natural England’s resources. So how should we assess Natural England’s overall progress? There’s no doubt that its vision is good, and its progress is sound in some areas. But could it do more? Of course it could – and because our nation’s wildlife depends on it, it absolutely should.
That’s why we’re pleased to wish Natural England a Happy Third Birthday. We hope that, in another three years time, we can give it an even bigger party – and raise a toast to an even more secure future for England’s wildlife.
Posted by Surfbirds at 6:50 AM | Comments (0)
October 3, 2009
The Crimson Wing debuts with footage from Slimbridge
The million+ lesser flamingos at Lake Natron in Tanzania are the subject of a visually stunning new documentary film from Disneynature.
The Crimson Wing charts the life of a lesser flamingo from birth and follows its battle to thrive in the unforgiving environment of Lake Natron.
This exciting and thought-provoking film features amazing footage of a flamingo hatching - filmed at WWT Slimbridge back in spring 2007.
See The Crimson Wing exclusively at Cineworld cinemas across the country on Tuesday 29 September (Friday 25 September in London) Check www.cineworld.co.uk for details.
To celebrate the film and WWT's work with flamingos, WWT has teamed up with Disneynature and Cineworld Cinemas for an exciting offer for cinema goers and visitors to WWT centres at Slimbridge, Martin Mere and Washington.
See the film on Tuesday 29 September at Cineworld Boldon, Bolton, Bristol or Cheltenham, keep your cinema ticket stub and visit WWT Washington, Martin Mere or Slimbridge before the end of November to receive a FREE flamingo adoption* (rrp £24.99).
Click here to learn more about The Crimson Wing.
Posted by Surfbirds at 8:01 AM | Comments (0)
May 31, 2009
Largest butterfly invasion in over a decade!
Over three thousand painted lady butterflies were counted at WWT Slimbridge yesterday in what is thought to be the largest migration of the species in over a decade.
Millions of the species have been arriving in Britain in the past week after an amazing 1,000 mile migration from North Africa and reserve wardens at Slimbridge have been frantically counting the fast-flying insects ever since.
James Lees, WWT Reserve Warden said: "We have all heard about the great migration of monarch butterflies in North America but to see this on our doorstep is superb. We are used to seeing great bird migration at Slimbridge but to see butterfly migration in such huge numbers is a real privilege and very exciting."
Painted Lady © Steve Round, from the surfbirds galleries
Butterfly Conservation received reports at the start of the Bank Holiday weekend of sightings of large numbers of these butterflies and believe this could indicate the largest migration to Britain in over a decade.
Butterfly Conservation's Chief Executive, Dr Martin Warren said: "There are literally millions of painted lady butterflies arriving right across Britain with more expected this weekend. We need the public's help to get better information on the nature and scale of this spectacular and unprecedented migration. If you can spare two hours on Saturday morning, take part in our UK-wide count. Visit www.butterfly-conservation.org for more information."
Scientists have been predicting an unusually large migration since late winter. The butterflies originate from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where heavy winter rains allowed good germination of the caterpillar food-plants. A Spanish researcher, Constanti Stefanescu had reported seeing hundreds of thousands emerging in mid February and beginning their long flight north. They were seen in large numbers in Spain during April and a few weeks later in France.
Painted ladies like rough grasslands with knapweed and thistles and the reserve at WWT Slimbridge, which is currently covered in wild flowers and wild clover, provides these butterflies with excellent refuelling snacks during their epic migration.
Take a Land Rover safari at WWT Slimbridge to get up close to the wildlife James Lees added: "It's truly amazing to stand on the River Severn and see thousands of these small dainty butterflies flying past all heading in the same direction and it is remarkable that despite being lighter than paper they are able to navigate and travel thousands of miles over land and sea."
The painted lady butterfly and many other species of butterfly, dragonfly and wildflowers can be best seen during a daily Land Rover safari 6at Slimbridge which takes visitors into the wild nature reserve and up to the sea wall on the banks of the River Severn. For more information on the safaris and other events at Slimbridge visit www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge or call 01453 891 232.
Posted by Surfbirds at 8:30 PM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2009
IUCN Red List for birds is updated
On 14 May 2009, the new Red List update for birds was published. Set up by Sir Peter Scott in 1962, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plants and animal species. It evaluates the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction.
BirdLife International's latest evaluation of the world's birds, on behalf of IUCN, has revealed that more species than ever are threatened with extinction. A staggering 1,227 species (12%) are now classified as Globally Threatened, including 192 as Critically Endangered, the highest threat category, a total of two more than in 2008. This includes the Brazilian merganser and Madagascar pochard, both priority species for the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
Brazilian Merganser © Robson Silva e Silva, courtesy WWT
WWT is drafting a research and monitoring strategy for the Brazilian merganser. This follows a successful expedition with Terra Brasilis to Serra da Canastra, Brazil, in 2008 where 14 Brazilian mergansers were caught and colour-ringed - a conservation first. The Brazilian merganser is extremely sensitive to habitat loss and disturbance caused by factors such as logging, river siltation, mining and tourism. There are currently just 200-250 known to exist in the wild, almost all in Brazil.
The Madagascar pochard, is the rarest duck in the world. Only 25 birds are thought to remain in the wild, all at a single lake in northern Madagascar. Without dedicated conservation action, there is a significant possibility it may become extinct in the near future. WWT has joined up with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and The Peregrine Fund in a major conservation project to save this endangered species. This will establish a viable population of Madagascar pochards in the wild through a conservation-breeding and release programme. A site visit will take place in July to identify the best place for a breeding facility.
Peter Cranswick, Head of Species Planning, explains: "At WWT, saving threatened species is a key focus for our activity. Critically Endangered species, such as the Brazilian merganser and Madagascar pochard need urgent help if they are to survive. In this, Sir Peter Scott's centenary year, we are working as hard as ever to continue his legacy to improve the outlook for these special birds."
Posted by Surfbirds at 7:34 AM | Comments (0)
May 2, 2009
To Hell and back
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is off to Hell, near Trondheim in Norway, to head up a workshop on the Lesser White-fronted Goose on behalf of the Norwegian government on 4-6 May.
The aim of the project is to assess the feasibility of re-introducing lesser white-fronted geese Anser erythropus to Norway. Over the last century, numbers have fallen from around 10,000 individuals in Fennoscandia to just 20-30 pairs in more recent years, all now confined to Norway. It is listed as vulnerable on the upcoming IUCN Red List, no change from the last time this list was published. Conservation is therefore key to halt the decline in numbers, and this workshop is the first step towards this aim.
Lesser White-fronted Goose © Steve Round, from the surfbirds galleries
The breeding range of lesser white fronted-geese is now largely restricted to northern Russia, though significant numbers still winter in southeast Europe. Although only a very rare visitor to western Europe, ones or twos occurred regularly at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. It was finding two of these rare geese on his initial visit that inspired Sir Peter Scott to establish what is now the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at that site in 1946.
Peter Cranswick, Head of Species Planning, explains: "There have been an increasing number of successful re-introduction schemes for birds over the last decade. That lesser white-fronted geese are migratory will make this project more difficult than most. A major conservation problem for this species is that the threats - especially hunting - occur elsewhere in the flyway, and this poses an additional challenge for a re-introduction programme. We hope that the findings of this project will therefore be of use for other species also."
The workshop is to be attended by conservation and government organisations and the Secretariat of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement, a reflection of the complex nature of re-introduction schemes and of the broad range of support needed to ensure they are successful.
Posted by Surfbirds at 7:26 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2009
Super Whooper website launched
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), in collaboration with COWRIE, has launched Super Whooper 2009. This project, which aims to monitor the migration of a total of 50 whooper swans fitted with satellite transmitters as they make their incredible journeys from Britain to Iceland and back again. Each swan will be fitted with a transmitter, making this WWT's largest satellite tracking study of whooper swans to date.
A new interactive website will follow closely the migration routes of nine key swans starting from the three WWT centres at Caerlaverock, Martin Mere and Welney. The fantastic names chosen include Supersonic Bill, Lars and Snow Cloud. For information on the other swans, visit wwt.org.uk/flywiththeswans
Whooper Swan © William Marshall School, courtesy of WWT
WWT's Super Whooper project scientist Eileen Rees, whose blog can be followed on the website, explains: "Whilst we have tracked whooper swans before, we have never done so on this scale. Tracking 40 whooper swans on their spring migration, and a further 10 from their Icelandic breeding grounds in the autumn, will enable WWT to analyse the flight patterns of these magnificent birds between Britain and Iceland. We've previously tracked migration focusing mainly on birds wintering in Scotland and Ireland. This will be the first time that the swans' migration routes from and to the southern parts of Britain have been monitored in detail."
Super Whooper 2009 is a chance to track your favourite whooper swan through the regular blogs, our very own twitter and Flickr pages and the regularly updated maps. You will be able to see for yourself the height at which they are flying, their speeds and where they are headed at any point in time. This all helps to build a fascinating and complete picture of the whooper swans' migration.
This website is a vital element of a project being undertaken for COWRIE*, which aims to find out the migration routes, the heights and speeds at which the whooper swans fly, and the effects of weather conditions on the swans' flight patterns. This data will then be analysed in relation to existing offshore wind farms positioned in the Greater Wash and East Irish Sea areas, as well as potential wind farm sites.
The Icelandic-breeding whooper swans occur in large flocks on the wintering grounds, and can be seen in numbers at several WWT centres during the winter months, notably at WWT Caerlaverock in Scotland (up to 300 birds), WWT Welney in Norfolk (4,000 birds), and at WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire (1,500 birds). They are very site-faithful and it is common for individual birds to return to the same wintering site year after year.
Posted by Surfbirds at 7:58 AM | Comments (0)
February 3, 2009
Water: the environmental issue of 2009?
Water is rapidly moving up the agenda as the major environmental issue and 2009 brings unprecedented opportunities for the UK government to make positive changes for society.
Several important policy developments will happen this year: new legislation will address flooding and water, Ofwat will decide how water companies fund environmental improvement and, crucially, government will decide how to deliver the ambitious objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive.
This 2nd February the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) marks World Wetlands Day by urging everyone to let the government know we want a sustainable future for water that maximises the benefits that wetlands deliver to society.
Water Vole © Darren Chapman, from the surfbirds galleries
Carrie Hume, WWT's head of conservation policy explains why water is such an important issue for all of us: "Our activities have destroyed many of our natural river systems and waterways, and the functions, such as flood relief, that they provided. The ways in which we have manipulated and managed our water has come at a big cost to us and our wetland wildlife. Over 80% of our water bodies are in poor ecological condition. They are not working as nature intended and for every natural process that is unpicked, we are obliged to replace it with a costly artificial one. The urgent need to restore the balance is gaining more and more support. But we still need to use every opportunity to become a tsunami of opinion for the restoration of our wetlands."
The EU Water Framework Directive requires governments to set out how they will improve the health of wetlands by the end of 2009. There is an opportunity for every one of us to have our say. Until the 22 June, the Environment Agency is asking for the public's views on its draft River Basin Management Plans, which outline what action is needed where in order to deliver the Directive.
Carrie Hume explains: "The draft plans do not go far enough at the moment, but we have a window to influence them and a seemingly open ear. It's vital we give government a strong message that there is support for clean, ecologically rich waterways. Each of us can give the benefit of on-the-ground, local knowledge to inform these plans. WWT has posted its guide to responding to the River Basin Management Plans on its website and we will be providing our own response later in the year."
Posted by Surfbirds at 9:00 AM | Comments (0)
December 16, 2008
Wigeon flock to Lady Fen
The first wigeon have been recorded on 38 hectares of specially created wetland habitat next to the WWT Welney Wetland Centre, thanks to the combined efforts of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and the Environment Agency (EA), who funded the project.
Since receiving planning permission in January 2008, the WWT at Welney have transformed this farmland into wet grassland by digging a system of ditches, channels and scrapes, inserting a waterproof liner to protect surrounding farmland and seeding it with native grasses. The first 100 wigeon were recorded on the new wetland in the first week of December with 114 teal, 29 mallard and 15 pintail. Other sightings on the land include eight snipe, over 200 golden plover, more than 100 lapwing, a short-eared owl and 200 whooper swans roosting on the scrapes.
Wigeon © John Miller, from the surfbirds galleries
"We started to wet-up the site for the first time at the beginning of November and already it is being used by good numbers of birds," said Emma Hutchins, head of reserves management for WWT. "The site is still in an establishment phase (the last area of grass was only seeded in October) but already it is attracting the desired wildlife."
Back in 2006, the EA purchased the former agricultural land, known as Lady Fen Farm, to establish wet grassland for wigeon as part of the compensatory habitat creation for flood defence work carried out on the Middle Level Barrier Bank of the Ouse Washes. This involved protecting sections of the Barrier Bank from erosion by installing concrete panels along the foot of bank. The land is also a part of the Environment Agency's wider biodiversity action plan.
Dr Geoff Brighty, area manager for the Environment Agency said: "The purchase of Lady Fen has enabled us to get the best of both Environment Agency worlds - to help us protect local communities from flooding while creating a wildlife habitat which is good for birds. We are delighted that WWT are managing Lady Fen on our behalf and we look forward to it attracting even more wildlife."
WWT Welney holds internationally important wintering populations of wigeon. The Ouse Washes form the largest example of internationally important washland in Britain, and is the most important area of lowland wet grassland for birds in Britain.
Posted by Surfbirds at 10:39 PM | Comments (0)
December 6, 2008
Philippines Department of Tourism announces support for wildlife conservation
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is delighted that the Philippines Department of Tourism is showing support for its worldwide conservation work by becoming a corporate patron scheme member. This follows the successful launch of the Birdwatching in the Philippines campaign held at the London Wetland Centre on 10 November.
Indigo Banded Kingfisher © copyright Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
John Creedon, Corporate Relations Manager at WWT, says: "This is fantastic news, cementing what has become a very strong relationship between our two organisations. The Philippines offers an extraordinarily rich haven for birdwatchers, and we are delighted that they wish to be associated with our expertise and knowledge in wildfowl, wildlife and wetland conservation."
By becoming a member, the Philippines Department of Tourism is helping us with our vital work supporting some of the most important wetlands in the UK and around the world, as well as saving threatened species and inspiring millions of visitors. In return, we will help to enhance the reputation of the Philippines as a birdwatching destination by offering a tailored package of benefits including a range of ways to reach WWT's almost one million visitors a year.
Philippine Minister of Tourism, Joseph 'Ace' Durano, explains: "We are proud to be linked with WWT and all it stands for. Through key relationships like this one, we aim to grow the profile of the Philippines' vast range of bird species and their habitats. This will help us not only to protect the beauty of the Philippine environment, but also save our endemic bird life from extinction."
Posted by Surfbirds at 6:31 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2008
WWT Martin Mere welcomes a record brood of swans
A pair of whooper swans have flown into WWT Martin Mere with a record number of nine cygnets.
Three of the cygnets are slightly lighter in colour, which suggest that this is in fact two broods of six and three. The likelihood is that the smaller brood has been adopted as they could have lost their parents during the migration, which is not unusual in poor weather, and subsequently latched onto the family.
Whooper Swans, Martin Mere, copyright Mike Connell, courtesy Wildlife and Wetlands Trust
Centre manager Andy Wooldridge, said: "It is not completely unusual for swans to adopt cygnets that have been orphaned through the migration journey. The research undertaken at Martin Mere is starting to show this trend more and more, making this an invaluable source of information on the migration habits of these birds."
Whooper swans spend the breeding season in Iceland before flying over to winter in the UK, with Martin Mere welcoming approximately seven percent of the Icelandic population from November to March. A pair of whooper swans would usually expect to have three to four cygnets per year, and the cygnets could be as young as one month old when they make the migration journey.
Whooper swans tend to pair for life, and research is being undertaken at Martin Mere over the winter to ring the swans with their own identification numbers. It will then be possible to start building pictures of their family trees and migration habits every year. One of the parents of this brood, H3V, first visited Martin Mere in 2006, but his mate is currently unringed.
Visitors can currently experience a swan spectacular at Martin Mere everyday at 3pm and 3.30pm when the swans have their daily feed.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 5.00pm and parking is free of charge. Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6. The centre is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston line by train from Burscough Rail Stations. Visit the web site http://www.wwt.org.uk/visitus/4/visit_us.html to find out what's on all year round at Martin Mere and the other eight centres.
Posted by Surfbirds at 1:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2008
Action plan for conservation of lesser flamingo adopted
A secure future for the iconic lesser flamingo is one step closer after a conservation action plan co-written by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) was adopted at an AEWA* meeting in Madagascar last month.
The successful meeting, which was attended by WWT's head of species conservation Dr Baz Hughes, is a huge stride forward in the conservation of the lesser flamingo. It means that governments across the lesser flamingo's range have committed to putting measures in place to conserve this important bird and its habitats.
Lesser Flamingo, copyright Richard Taylor-Jones, courtesy Wildlife and Wetlands Trust
The action plan, put together by WWT and the IUCN-SSC/Wetlands International Flamingo Specialist Group, outlines the main threats to the species and the key activities needed to address them. The long-term goal is to upgrade this bird from its current IUCN Red-List status of 'near threatened' to 'least concern'.
The lesser flamingo, which can be seen at WWT's Slimbridge Wetland Centre, adapts to changes in local environmental conditions by moving among a network of suitable wetlands. As Baz explains: "The major threats to the survival of the lesser flamingo are the loss and degradation of its specialised habitat at key sites through altered hydrology and water quality, wetland pollution, extraction of salt and soda ash, and the disruption of its few breeding colonies by human activities. The action plan we've produced identifies measures to address these threats and fill current knowledge gaps, providing a framework for conservation across the
lesser flamingo's range."
Lesser Flamingo, copyright Richard Taylor-Jones, courtesy Wildlife and Wetlands Trust
Posted by Surfbirds at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2008
Brazilian Merganser trip a roaring success
The first ever Brazilian Mergansers have been caught and colour ringed during a highly successful WWT and Terra Brasilis trip to Serra da Canastra, Brazil.
The crucial 10 day expedition has resulted in a superb 14 Brazilian Mergansers being marked, five of which have also been fitted with radio transmitters. This remarkable achievement will enable valuable information to be collected on their habitat use, movements and social interactions on the River Sao Francisco. These findings will help the project leaders (Terra Brasilis in partnership with Minas Gerais State Forestry Institute - IEF, ICMBio and WWT) to understand what these amazing birds require to survive.
Brazilian Merganser, copyright Wildlife and Wetlands Trust
Brazilian Mergansers are one of just six species of wildfowl to be considered Critically Endangered on the World Conservation Union Red List. These birds are extremely sensitive to habitat loss and disturbance caused by factors such as logging, river siltation, mining and tourism. For these reasons, there are currently just 200-250 known to exist in the wild, almost all in Brazil. There are also small numbers persisting in Argentina, but they have not been seen in Paraguay for more than 20 years. However, areas remain which haven't been surveyed adequately.
WWT programme manager for waterbird monitoring Rich Hearn, who participated in the expedition, explains: "This trip has been extremely successful and a valuable learning experience for all involved. The conservation team from Terra Brasilis are now ready to continue to capture and mark more mergansers as the breeding season comes to an end for another year over the next month or so".
Rich continues: "Partnerships such as this one between WWT and Terra Brasilis are one of the most effective ways in which WWT can support the conservation of threatened waterbirds. The efforts being made in Brazil to secure a bright future for one of the rarest and most enigmatic birds in the world will continue to be supported by WWT in the years ahead."
Posted by Surfbirds at 6:43 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2008
WWT's concern at critically endangered Laysan Teal deaths in Hawaii
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is saddened to hear news of the recent deaths of some 136 Laysan Teal from avian botulism at Midway Atoll in Hawaii.
Laysan Teal are a critically endangered IUCN Red List species with total population of less than 1,000, 60 per cent of which are based at Laysan Island, some 225 km off the Hawaiian Islands.
Back in 2005, WWT scientists were part of a specialist conservation team which moved 22 of the ducks from Laysan Island to created wetlands at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in attempt to establish a sizeable population there. This had been very successful and some 400 of the species are now based there.
The first Laysan Teal was found dead at Midway last month and the death toll has been steadily rising over recent weeks. However, since the diagnosis was confirmed, the catchment basin has been drained and freshwater introduced to the wetlands in other nesting areas in an attempt to dilute the botulism. According to experts, this outbreak will not affect the 600 ducks based at Laysan Island.
Dr. Debbie Pain, Head of Conservation at the WWT, said: "This is terrible news for what is one of the most endangered species of duck in the world. Having helped reintroduce the teal to Hawaii in 2005, we really hope that the introduction of freshwater to the wetlands stops the toxin from spreading further. It is key that we do not lose any more of these wonderful birds."
Posted by Surfbirds at 9:08 PM | Comments (0)
September 7, 2008
Surveys confirm Red-breasted Goose decline as WWT conservation efforts step up
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is stepping up its conservation efforts to save the Red-breasted Goose after recent surveys confirmed the population numbers just over 30,000 birds - a decline of over half in just 10 years.
The species is classified as Endangered on the World Conservation Union Red List and WWT, as part of the Red-breasted Goose International Working Group, is pleased to announce a series of developments aimed at reversing this worrying decline.
Red-breasted Goose © Martin Gillingham, from the surfbirds galleries
WWT is funding a field station at Durankulak in Bulgaria (the key wintering site for Red-breasted Geese) which will provide a focal point for Red-breasted Goose conservation action locally, including accommodation for survey teams and researchers, advice to farmers to manage their land sympathetically for the geese, and an education centre for tourists and local schools. The land was purchased in June, design plans are underway and construction should be completed by summer 2009.
WWT led an International Action Planning Workshop for Red-breasted Goose in Romania in February 2008. This identified major threats and knowledge gaps, and formulated key actions needed for their conservation, including
→ conserving habitat in breeding areas
→ identifying and ensuring designation of key feeding areas as protected sites
→ understanding the effects of climate change on the sites used by the geese
→ mitigating the effects of hunting and disturbance by aligning hunting seasons across flyway and by educating hunters
→ identifying crop rotation systems that are suitable for the geese
→ lobbying for introduction of agri-environmental measures targeted at Red-breasted Geese
WWT is planning to track ten Red-breasted Geese using satellite transmitters in 2009, following a successful bid to the BBC Wildlife Fund. WWT scientists will travel to the breeding grounds on the Taimyr Peninsula next summer to catch the geese and fit transmitters. Following the birds' movements will help to identify any previously unknown sites, particularly in Russia, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine, and give us a better understanding of site and habitat use.
WWT is also preparing a monitoring strategy for Red-breasted Geese across the flyway. This will ensure standardised methods for monitoring population size and trends, monitoring breeding success, and assessing threats. The strategy will be drafted in autumn 2008.
Posted by Surfbirds at 8:01 AM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2008
Scoter numbers fall for second year
Common Scoter numbers wintering at Carmarthen Bay have dipped below 16,000 for the second consecutive year, according to figures released by WWT.
Common Scoters © Sean Gray, from the surfbirds galleries
It was the 20,000 plus overwintering scoters that earned Carmarthen Bay the distinction of being the UK's first marine Special Protection Area (SPA). However, the last few years have seen the marine duck suffer. An aerial survey carried out by WWT earlier this year recorded just 13,100 birds. This is the second year in a row the count has come in at under 16,000 - the lowest level that makes a population of international importance, and numbers are at their lowest since 1997/8, when the Sea Empress oil spill wiped out many birds.
Peter Cranswick, WWT's Programme Manager for Threatened Waterbirds, said: "It is too early to draw firm conclusions about what may be happening in Carmarthen Bay, but the decline in this Biodiversity Action Plan species is of concern and merits close monitoring. We urge the Countryside Council for Wales to maintain a full programme of surveys of the SPA."
Posted by Surfbirds at 6:52 AM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2008
Legal protection may herald better future for endangered voles
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is delighted that the government has given full legal protection to Britain's most endangered mammal, the water vole.
Speaking in February 2008 at WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes, the Minister for Biodiversity, Joan Ruddock, announced that water voles will be protected against being killed, injured or taken from the wild. Police will also have the power to prosecute where water voles have been deliberately persecuted.
Water Vole © S.G.Davis, from the surfbirds galleries
WWT has thriving water vole populations at six of its wetland centres, including WWT London Wetland Centre where they were successfully introduced in 2001. The centre is now home to 3-400 individuals.
Debbie Pain, Director of Conservation at WWT, welcomed the new measures, "Water voles have suffered the most dramatic decline of any British mammal. Over the last century numbers have plummeted to a tiny fraction and they are completely gone from many areas where they were once common. So we're delighted with today's news that they will get proper protection. It makes the law much clearer for people who manage land and it gives the police the power to deal with people who deliberately kill water voles."
WWT has been actively working to maintain and then expand water vole populations on the land it manages wherever suitable. Water voles are present at WWT Llanelli, Martin Mere, Slimbridge and Welney Wetland Centres. WWT has also reintroduced them to WWT Arundel Wetland Centre and, most notably, successfully introduced them to the London Wetland Centre in 2001 with the Environment Agency.
Immortalised as Ratty in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, the water vole was common and widespread at the start of the 20th century. Since then they have suffered a massive decline in numbers and distribution. There is only one water vole alive today for every twenty that were alive then.
The loss of wetland habitat has been major factor in the water voles' decline. The spread of American mink, a recent introduction to the UK, has compounded their decline. American mink have become the water voles' main predator. Water voles are now so few and spread out that their future is at risk from individual incidents, such as accidental poisoning. Today's announcement makes the law much clearer for everyone whose business could affect water voles.
Posted by Surfbirds at 7:06 AM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2007
Help WWT save British breeding waders
This week, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the plight of British wading birds due to a startling decline in their breeding habitat.
Black-tailed Godwit, copyright Stephen Round
British wading birds need wet grassland to live and breed, yet it is one of the fastest disappearing habitats in the UK. We have lost almost half our wet grasslands over the last century as a result of land drainage and agricultural intensification and, as a result, populations of breeding waders have fallen dramatically. Numbers of Snipe have dropped by a massive 61% across in the last 20 years, Curlew by 40% and Lapwing numbers have plummeted by 35%.
Population studies have also shown that land changes are forcing remaining waders onto nature reserves where effective management of their habitat is becoming increasingly important if we are to stop individual species from disappearing altogether. With such a high proportion of breeding waders concentrated in just a few sites, it is vital that these areas are protected and maintained.
WWT has begun a project to create new areas of wet grassland on its reserves and ensure that existing areas are expertly managed to encourage greater populations of these breeding waders. So far WWT has had some significant success. Leigh Marshall, Reserve Manager at WWT Welney Wetland Centre in Cambridgeshire, said: “Back in the 1970s, some 50 pairs of Black-tailed Godwit bred on the Ouse Washes, south of WWT Welney. Since then the population has steadily declined to almost nothing. Careful attention to water levels, grass management and cattle grazing has created ideal habitat at Welney itself. In 2006 there were four breeding pairs on site, and two successfully raised two young each.”
Work is continuing on WWT’s reserves at Arundel, London, Martin Mere, Slimbridge, Washington and Welney to ensure the right type of vegetation by allowing the right cattle to graze during non-breeding seasons; to carefully control water levels by installing specialist sluices; and to install effective measures to protect waders and their young from predators.
If wet grasslands continue to be lost, so will these unique wader species. Help WWT stop British wading birds disappearing forever.
Posted by Surfbirds at 3:23 PM | Comments (0)
January 25, 2006
The Bitterns Return
Three rare Bitterns have returned to the WWT London Wetland Centre and they are making their presence known – just in time for this year’s free entry days on Sunday 29 January and Thursday 2 February 2006.
© Nigel Blake from Surfbirds Galleries
These normally shy and secretive birds have been visiting the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust’s London reserve each winter since 2002, but in the past have remained hidden from view for weeks at a time. However, this year the birds are more confident and have moved into smaller areas of reedbed adjacent to the viewing hides, enabling visitors to get some amazing views.
It is hoped that the three birds will remain visible to visitors when the London Wetland Centre opens its doors for free on Sunday 29 January and Thursday 2 February, in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2006 (for a full list of activities on these days please visit: http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/wetlandcentre/event.asp )
Reserve Manager John Arbon said: “Bitterns have fluctuated from being an extremely common bird in centuries gone by, to almost extinct in the UK in the last few decades. Thankfully their numbers are on the rise again and it is amazing to think people can see them here, just 4 miles from Westminster. And with three birds in such a small area of reedbed it might be one of the highest densities of Bitterns in one area in the UK.â€
The Bitterns have been seen at several different locations around the reserve, but the best views have been from the WWF Hide and the Peacock Tower, on occasion the birds being just metres away from the hide windows.
§ The Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is a large buff-brown heron, smaller and more compact in shape than the grey heron. Its ginger-brown colouration helps it to be almost entirely invisible in its habitat of reedbed – especially when it adopts its camouflage position with bill pointing up (a habit known as ‘Bitterning posture’)
§ Feeding on a diet of fish, amphibians, small mammals and insects the male’s booming call (used to attract its mate during the breeding season), which sounds like a very low fog-horn and can carry up to 5km on a calm night, is often the only thing that gives away the presence of this bird.
§ It is thought Bitterns require a reedbed area of at least 10 hectares to breed, with double this amount being preferable. Male Bitterns have been recorded ‘booming’ in only 10 places (across 4 counties) in the UK. It is not likely that they will ever be heard booming at the London Wetland Centre as the reedbeds are currently about a quarter of the size required of a breeding territory.
Bittern were first recorded at the London Wetland Centre on 11th January 2002 when three birds were sighted and subsequently stayed for up to 6 weeks. They have since returned each winter, usually first being seen in later December.
World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar on 2 February 1971, when governments across the world agreed to conserve and make the best possible use of their valuable wetland resources. With 1314 designated Ramsar Sites, covering 111 million hectares world-wide, the Ramsar Convention now has 138 countries signed up.
This year’s World Wetlands Day theme is Alleviating Poverty through Sustainability. Visitors to the London Wetland Centre on the free days of Sunday 29 January and Thursday 2 February 2006 will be able to go on free bird-watching walks and guided tours. There will be children’s activities throughout the weekend of 28 and 29 Jan, as well as a programme of talks for adults around sustainable living on Thursday 2 February.
www.wwt.org.uk
Saving wetlands for Wildlife and People.
Help us to save wetland birds and their habitats by becoming a member of WWT. Telephone the Membership office on +44 (0)1453 891198
or email: membership@wwt.org.uk
Posted by Surfbirds at 7:07 AM | Comments (0)
October 7, 2005
Spotted Crake on the Menu for Sparrowhawk
Birdwatchers at the London Wetland Centre last weekend were horrified when they witnessed a rare bird they had come to see being devoured by a Sparrowhawk in front of their eyes.
The Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana), a small diminutive member of the Rail family was first spotted at the centre on 25th September (one of 2 birds initially seen) and since then a steady stream of visitors arrived daily to see this rare spectacle. The last time this species was seen at the London Wetland Centre was in 1999, before the centre opened to the public.
Eye-witness Mike Waite described the moment this indistinct but alluring rarity met its fate: "It was last Saturday, 1st October, just after 4pm. A group of around a dozen visitors were watching the juvenile Spotted Crake through binoculars and telescopes as it obligingly fed out in the open along the muddy edge of the wader scrape.
All of a sudden WHACK! a handsome male Sparrowhawk swooped down and grabbed the bird in its talons. The latter struggled feebly for a short while, but the Sparrowhawk maintained its vice-like grip until flying off with its still twitching prey in its talons, into a tree on the Thames bank, to consume its rare victim.
Everyone in the hide was universally shocked, and outraged in a 'slaughter-of-the-innocents' kind of way! The Crake learned in the hardest possible way why its conspicuous behaviour was unbecoming of this species."
The London Wetland Centre commented: "It was quite a shock for visitors to see this rare bird come to such a violent end, but what they saw was evolution in action. The inexperienced juvenile Spotted Crake had been clearly visible for several days in the same area - it was only a matter of time before it came to the attention of a hungry predator. This experience shows why this species is normally shy and secretive!"
Posted by Surfbirds at 7:34 AM | Comments (0)
January 22, 2005
Celebrate World Wetlands Day
Celebrate World Wetlands Day for Free at the London Wetland Centre
Sunday 30th & Monday 31st January 2005.
The London Wetland Centre will be throwing open its doors for free on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st January in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2005, offering everyone the opportunity to experience wetlands and their beautiful wildlife.
Special free hourly guided tours of the reserve and 'World Wetlands'
exhibit will run on Saturday 29th (although normal entry charges apply on this day), Sunday 30th and Monday 31st January. Family activities on these days include 'The Great Human Pondskater Experiment' (an attempt to mimic a pondskater and defy the laws of gravity to walk on water!), the 'Wetlands Lecture' investigating the properties of water and who lives in water, and 'The Great Pond Safari'.
Centre Manager, Stephanie Fudge, said: "Wetlands around the world serve a vital function in storing water and helping to prevent flooding, in addition to providing food and supporting diverse wildlife. With climate change heralding an increase in extreme weather events, including both floods and droughts, the importance of saving wetlands now is paramount.
We hope people will come along to the London Wetland Centre and take
advantage of the free entry to learn more about their inherent value to people and wildlife and why we must act to save them."
Wetlands are second only to rain forests for the diversity of life they support. Over half of the world's precious wetlands have been lost over the past century and, while there is still a wealth of wetland diversity around us, we must now make a concerted effort to save it - WWT will show everyone just how they can do their bit.
World Wetlands Day marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar on 2 February 1971, when
governments across the world agreed to conserve and make the best
possible use of their valuable wetland resources. With 1314 designated Ramsar Sites, covering 111 million hectares world-wide, the Ramsar Convention now has 138 countries signed up so WWT's celebrations will certainly be in good company.
For more information contact Martin Senior: T 020 8409 4405
martin.senior@wwt.org.uk
or Catherine Worswick on 020 8409 4412 or catherine.worswick@wwt.org.uk
Posted by Surfbirds at 9:13 PM | Comments (0)