Reasons for the recent decline of common pochard are investigated for the very first time in the latest issue of Wildfowl, the international scientific journal of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).
The number of common pochard migrating to the UK for winter has decreased by 60% since the 1980s, despite the number that breed here doubling over the same period. This decrease reflects the widespread declines in breeding numbers recorded elsewhere across Europe, of which little has been understood until now.
The paper by 29 researchers from across Europe describes the changes that have most likely affected the pochards:
Wildfowl Editor and WWT Research Fellow Dr Eileen Rees said:
“Shedding light on the problems such as those facing the common pochard is why Wildfowl is so important. Waterbirds live complex lives and their wetland habitats are entwined with our own need for food and water. Waterbird populations are often spread across nations and continents, and they’re highly mobile, breeding, staging and wintering in different places.
“Wildfowl has long been acknowledged as an international scientific journal dedicated to wetlands and the birds that inhabit them. We’re able to report the concerted efforts of colleagues from institutions across the globe to help our understanding of these magnificent birds. I’m delighted that yet again we have a rich and broad selection of papers to share.”
Research published subsequent to this review additionally suggests a link between the decline in common pochard wintering in the UK and lead poisoning.
Other papers published in this issue of Wildfowl include: