British Turtle Dove population in a tailspin

The latest Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report, published today, has revealed that Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) numbers have hit a new low, declining by 93% since 1994. This trend is mirrored across Europe, with a decline of 78% between 1980 and 2013. The highest remaining breeding densities occur in eastern and southern England, and they have now disappeared from large areas of the country. Mark Eaton, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, said: ‘The Turtle Dove is the UK’s fastest declining bird and, given the matching decline across Europe, is now considered at risk of global extinction. If we are to prevent it going the way of the Dodo, we need urgent coordinated conservation action, with farmers and conservationists working together to create the best conditions for them on our farmland.’
Source: British Birds, 7 July 2016
https://britishbirds.co.uk/article/turtle-dove-population-tailspin/