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Red-backed shrike BAP report
The red-backed shrike has declined considerably in recent years
What are we trying to achieve?
The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The target for this plan was reviewed in 2006 and is as follows:
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Re-establish the red-backed shrike as a regular breeding species in the UK by 2015
The red-backed shrike has declined considerably in recent years and is no longer a regular breeding species in the UK. The reasons for the decline are not fully understood. Re-colonisation is likely to depend on chance events outside our control. Given the current knowledge of this species, this target is very much aspirational.
What is the RSPB doing to help?
RSPB action is confined to safeguarding any breeding attempts. We will provide wardening and protection to pairs attempting to breed if this is appropriate.
Summary of progress
There were no known breeding attempts in 2006. A lone male summered in Scotland.
Has our work been effective?
We will make efforts to safeguard any future breeding attempts, to ensure their success.
What do we plan to do next?
We will monitor reports of breeding red-backed shrikes in future years and provide protection and wardening to any breeding pairs if necessary. We will maintain appropriate confidentiality over the location of nesting sites.
What are the constraints to achieving the targets fully?
As red-backed shrike is no longer a regular breeding species in the UK and the factors causing the decline are not fully understood, there is little that can be done other than try to protect any sporadic breeding attempts.
Last modified: 03 September 2007