Turtledoves need areas that are rich in blossom and seeds
Markus Varesvuo/naturepl.com
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for lovebirds, but real lovebirds – turtledoves – are struggling, according to BirdLife Switzerland. Their numbers have plummeted by 80% in Europe since 1980.
“Save the turtledoves,” BirdLife urged in a statementExternal link on Friday. The reasons for the sharp decline are habitat loss, poaching and legal but no longer sustainable hunting, it said.
The loss of suitable habitats for breeding is related to the advancing industrialisation of agriculture, the organisation explained.
Turtledoves feed on seeds. In the past, numerous plant species could be found on unpaved paths in cultivated land, and so-called arable flora grew in fields, a rich group of valuable plants which have almost completely disappeared today.
“Herbicides and the frequent cultivation of the soil with agricultural machinery make it almost impossible for these plants to survive,” says the report.
BirdLife Switzerland is calling for a rethink and an agricultural policy that better compensates farmers for services to biodiversity and the environment. The turtledove needs areas that are rich in blossom and seeds with patchy vegetation, especially below 500 metres above sea level, it said.
Together with farmers, BirdLife Switzerland has started trials to create suitable areas for turtledoves to be able to forage.
More
More
Making Switzerland a better place for birds
This content was published on
If you’re a crested tit in the woods, Switzerland is a great place to live. But if you’re a skylark you’re in trouble.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
This content was published on
No matter how green and beautiful it appears in postcards and social media posts, Switzerland is struggling to boost its biodiversity.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.