The Way Forward
There is now considerable evidence to support the view that, unless the population of some predators is controlled, there is little, if any, hope that some small bird populations can recover.
A moratorium on the re-introduction of any more predatory species is our aim. At least until such time as all the reasons for the decline of song and ground nesting birds have been fully researched and clearly understood.
SongBird Survival believes that there must be sensitive control of selective predator populations to aid the recovery of songbirds while habitat improvements are taking place.
Some major conservation bodies cannot claim that their actions have in any way proved effective in preventing the decline in the songbird populations. For example, there have been succesful re-introducions of some raptor species without advertising that these predatory birds will add to the killing of millions of songbirds every year.
SongBird Survival will measure its success by its ability, with the proper research, to educate the public about the need to manage those predators whose populations have increased to such levels that they are proving a threat to song and other small birds.
We support all those who are promoting environmental improvements and, whilst we have no interest in hunting, shooting or fishing, we recognise the benefits that these sports have provided in the maintenance of wildlife habitat.