Europe’s birds under threat

NEARLY HALF of Europe‘s bird species face an uncertain future according to studies from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Birdlife International, reports The Guardian.

The two studies published on Mon (Nov 8) claim 43% of Europe‘s birds are in serious decline, some are so threatened they may disappear altogether.

The report from Birdlife International recognises the problem extends beyond Europe to include the 52 countries and terroritories that make up the Eurasian landmass.

The RSPB was quick to blame intensive agriculture for the decline in habitat for birds‘ resident and migrating to the UK.

“Unfortunately, losing our farmland bird population is an area where the UK excels in Europe,” said Mark Avery, conservation director at the RSPB.

“The great danger is that we will now export intensive agriculture to eastern Europe, destroying their wildlife too,” Mr Avery told the paper.