The conservationist's dilemma: an update on the science, policy and practice of the impact of predators on wild birds (8)

As we have written in previous years, the decision to introduce any form of predator control (lethal or non-lethal) is something we never take lightly. It’s always based on evidence and guided by the RSPB’s Council-agreed policy.

The RSPB’s approach to any type of predator control means that we first seek evidence of a problem, check whether there is a non-lethal solution and if so implement that. In many cases this does the job needed.

But non-lethal methods, whilst always the preferred way of doing things, are not always practical. Lethal vertebrate control on RSPB reserves is only considered where the following four criteria are met:

• That the seriousness of the problem has been established;
• That non-lethal measures have been assessed and found not to be practicable;
• That killing is an effective way of addressing the problem;
• That killing will not have an adverse impact on the conservation status of the target or other non-target species.

If we can satisfy ourselves of all these things, then we can be sure to make the right decision.

Continuing our openness and transparency on this subject, the figures are presented below for our last reporting period (Nov 2019-Oct 2020).

For more information on how the RSPB's network of 224 nature reserves across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, read the latest RSPB Reserves Report. The report brings together all the information about the wildlife on the RSPB’s nature reserves and it reports on the ups and downs of the bird breeding season, together with other wildlife highlights.