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Wryneck BAP report
Wrynecks feed almost exclusively on ants and, unlike other woodpeckers, are seen mainly on the ground
What are we trying to achieve?
The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1998. The target for this plan was revised in 2006 and is as follows:
· Re-establish the wryneck as a regular breeding species in the UK by 2015
The wryneck is no longer a regular breeding species in the UK. The reasons for the decline are not fully understood. Possible factors behind the decline include climatic deterioration, habitat loss and degradation, agricultural chemicals and egg-theft. Given the current knowledge of this species, this target is very much aspirational.
What is the RSPB doing to help?
RSPB action is currently confined to safeguarding any breeding attempts. We will provide wardening and protection to pairs attempting to breed if this is appropriate.
Summary of progress
In 2006 there were no known breeding attempts.
Has our work been effective?
We will make efforts to safeguard any future breeding attempts.
What do we plan to do next?
We will monitor reports of breeding wrynecks 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 the wryneck 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: 05 September 2007