Page 55 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

FINDING SOLUTIONS
Conservation is complicated, and
to achieve a political solution to
some of the more intractable
problems conservationists must
have hard facts and figures.There
is no substitute for good, reliable
research to give a solid and well-
respected backing to any
conservation argument. Once
the problems and their causes are
understood, it is possible to have
a more organized and objective
approach to finding practical and RADIO TAGGING
economic solutions which other This Black Grouse is being fitted CONSERVATION
people, such as farmers, foresters, and with a minute radio transmitter so GROUPS
gamekeepers, then put into practice. that its movements can be followed.
Black Grouse have declined rapidly Bird and habitat
so finding out more about them and conservation groups
their problems is essential if solutions
are to be found. worldwide work together
in a global federation called
CORNCRAKE
In some countries, farmers are paid to BirdLife International. Each
maintain uncut field corners that provide early country has a BirdLife “partner”.
spring cover for Corncrakes, and to continue growing The largest is the RSPB in the
hay and cutting it late in the season. Such schemes are UK.The RSPB works for a
essential for the bird’s survival.
healthy environment that is rich
in birds and other wildlife. It relies
GANNET PROBLEMS
Pollution and discarded waste, on the support and generosity
especially at sea, may cause of others to make a difference.
unexpected problems for birds. Without members and other
Gannets build their nests out supporters it would lack the
of discarded nylon twine and finance to do its work.When it
other debris that can entangle
their growing chicks. Greater does find and advocate solutions
awareness and improved rules to problems faced by birds in the
for the disposal of waste at ports countryside, it relies on the
rather than overboard at sea willingness of decision-makers,
would help solve such problems.
landowners, and others to take
notice, and act upon its advice.
RECORD KEEPING
Conservation in Europe relies on collating facts and There are many other bird
figures, following trends, and identifying sudden conservation bodies, bird clubs,
changes in numbers and distributions of birds. and local groups that also play a
This has a proud tradition of extensive amateur vital role in conservation. Contact
involvement, as thousands of people add their own your country’s BirdLife partner
records to the national and international data upon
which our collective knowledge depends. for further details of societies
and groups near you
if you would like
to get involved.

THREATENED LESSER KESTREL

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