RSPB scientist warns: 'Dotterels are disappearing almost before our very eyes'

                                                             

Although it occurs on migration in  England and Wales, breeding is restricted to high ground in Scotland 

IT is now looking increasingly certain that the Dotterel will soon be lost as a breeding species in Britain.

When a survey of 217 potential site was carried out in spring and summer last year, only 22 contained breeding birds.

It  may be that there were nesting birds elsewhere, but researchers reckon that, at best, the breeding population of Britain is now no more than  just 112 pairs.

This compares with 981 pairs when a similar project was carried out in 1989.

But the decline is believed to date back at least to the 1950s.

The species is migratory and spends winter in the Atlas mountains of North Africa.

It is many years since  breeding Dotterels have been detected in England, Wales or southern Scotland. The surviving  population is now restricted to the eastern and northern Highlands of Scotland. 

A gloomy note is sounded by one of the researchers, Dr Leah Kelly of the  RSPB: "We are seeing Dotterels disappear almost before our very eyes. 

"The fact they need mountain tops to breed has made them particularly susceptible to habitat loss as climate change alters their montane environment.

"Importantly, Dotterels' preferred food, cranefly larvae, also appear to have undergone declines in UK montane sites."

Although prospects look bleak, the RSPB suggests  grazing management to keep habitat in good condition and reducing disturbance by hillwalkers and dogs, may provide some help.

Photos: RSPB

                                       

Mountain range in the Cairngorms - habitat favoured (until climate change) by the Dotterel