The European Turtle-dove: Navigating Perilous Migratory Paths

The original article on BirdLife International’s website highlights the pressing challenges faced by the European Turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur), a species renowned for its long-distance migratory feats. As the Turtle-dove navigates its perilous journey between Europe and Africa’s Sahel belt, it encounters numerous threats, primarily due to human activities.

The article delves into the alarming population declines, primarily driven by habitat loss and illegal hunting, while shedding light on the conservationists’ concerted efforts to protect this vulnerable species.

Through initiatives like the Adaptive Harvest Management Model and tagging projects, BirdLife International and its partners strive to ensure the survival of the Turtle-dove, emphasizing the critical need for international cooperation in safeguarding these migratory birds.

European Turtle-dove

The European Turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a remarkable long-distance migrant, traversing vast distances between its breeding grounds in Europe and the Sahel belt in Africa. This nocturnal flyer can cover up to 700 km without stopping, navigating a difficult journey fraught with numerous threats, primarily from human activities.

Key Information Of This Species

• Latin name: Streptopelia turtur
• IUCN status (Europe): Vulnerable
• Global population: Estimated at 12.8-47.6 million mature individuals.
• European breeding population: Ranges between 3.15-5.94 million pairs, equivalent to 6.31-11.9 million mature individuals.
• Migration Route: African-Eurasian flyway

Description

• Wingspan: 47–53 cm
• Life span: Up to 4-5 years
• Distinct features: Gentle purring song, scaly-patterned feathers on wings, and a black and white neck patch absent in juveniles.
• Favorite food: Primarily seeds and grains
• Top Speed: Up to 60 km/h
• Habitat: Open woodland, forest edges, hedgerows, and farmlands, particularly where woodland and farmland meet.

Flight of the Turtle-dove: A Journey Through Danger and Decline

The Turtle-dove’s population in Europe has drastically declined, with a staggering 30-40% drop in the last two decades and some regions witnessing over 90% reductions since 1994. This decline is largely due to habitat loss from intensive farming practices, and pesticide and herbicide use, which deplete their primary food source and pose poisoning risks.

Illegal hunting also poses a severe threat, particularly in the Mediterranean. Despite EU laws prohibiting hunting during the breeding season, the practice persists. In Greece, for instance, over 70,000 Turtle-doves are estimated to be killed each spring on the Ionian Islands, one of the worst blackspots along their migratory route.

Safeguarding the Turtle-dove: Conservation Efforts Amidst Threats

BirdLife International and its partners have taken significant steps to protect the Turtle-dove. The European Commission has recommended a temporary hunting pause until the species shows signs of recovery. They support the Adaptive Harvest Management Model (AHMM) to determine sustainable hunting levels. However, adherence varies, with some countries like Malta continuing spring hunting, which contravenes the EU’s Birds Directive.

The Adaptive Harvest Management Model

The Adaptive Harvest Management Model (AHMM) represents a significant step in wildlife conservation, particularly in the context of managing hunting pressures on vulnerable species like the European Turtle-dove. Developed to create a balanced approach between conservation needs and hunting activities, AHMM employs scientific data to determine sustainable hunting levels.

Purpose and Development

The primary goal of AHMM is to ensure that hunting practices do not further endanger already vulnerable species. By using a dynamic framework that adjusts to new data and changing environmental conditions, AHMM helps in making informed decisions about hunting quotas and seasons. This approach is crucial for species like the European Turtle-dove, which has seen drastic population declines due to various factors, including habitat loss, illegal hunting, and changes in agricultural practices.

Satellite Tracking

BirdLife Malta has tagged several Turtle-doves with satellite trackers to better understand their movements. These tags, weighing only 5 grams, provide valuable data on their migratory patterns. Currently, three tagged birds, Francesco, Hope, and Virginijus, continue to transmit their locations, offering insights into their survival and travel routes.

You can follow their movements here.

Operation Turtle-dove in UK

In the UK, the RSPB’s “Operation Turtle-dove” focuses on enhancing breeding sites and reducing hunting along migratory routes. In 2023, they established 230 hectares of prime feeding habitat, collaborating with 370 farmers and land managers to create suitable environments with flower-rich feeding areas and good quality nesting habitats.

Migratory Marvel: The European Turtle-dove’s Struggle for Survival

The European Turtle-dove’s plight highlights broader environmental challenges facing migratory birds. International cooperation and robust conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of these avian travelers and preserving the biodiversity they support.

The graph depicts a significant decline in the European Turtle-dove population from 1980 to 2022. The numbers dropped from nearly 100% to below 20% over this period. It indicates a severe and ongoing decline in the species’ population.

Interesting Facts

• Love Birds: The Turtle-dove has symbolized love and fidelity in European culture for centuries. Known for its gentle purring song, it has inspired art, poetry, and song, including the works of Shakespeare. This soft cooing plays a crucial role in mating and territorial defense.
• Nurturing Nature: As granivores, Turtle-doves feed primarily on seeds and grains. In this way, it aids in the dispersal of various plant species and contributes to ecosystem health. During breeding, they produce nutritious ‘crop milk’ to feed their young, ensuring they receive essential nutrients.
• Swift Drinkers: Unique among birds, Turtle-doves can suck up water through their beaks like a straw. A process aided by a piston-like action of their tongues. This method allows them to drink quickly and efficiently, reducing their vulnerability to predators.

From Purring Songs to Perilous Flights: The Tale of the Turtle-dove

The European Turtle-dove’s gentle cooing and enduring symbols of love are now overshadowed by their struggle for survival. With populations dwindling due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting, the species’ plight serves as a poignant reminder of the broader environmental challenges facing migratory birds today. The concerted efforts of conservationists and international cooperation offer a glimmer of hope for these remarkable birds and their incredible journeys.

Final Thoughts

The European Turtle-dove’s journey is a testament to the resilience and beauty of migratory birds. As this vulnerable species faces habitat loss and illegal hunting, the urgency for comprehensive conservation efforts becomes increasingly apparent.

Through initiatives led by organizations like BirdLife International, there is hope for reversing the decline and securing a future for the Turtle-dove. The collaborative work involving tracking, habitat restoration, and international policy advocacy underscores the necessity of global cooperation in protecting migratory species. By supporting these efforts, we can help ensure that the gentle cooing of the Turtle-dove continues to be heard across its migratory paths.

Literature Cited

1. BirdLife International. 2021. European Red List of Birds. Compiled by BirdLife International. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
2. BirdLife International. 2024. Species factsheet: Streptopelia turtur. Retrieved from BirdLife Data Zone.
3. JNCC. Population trends for Turtle Dove in the UK and England. Retrieved from JNCC.