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Muntjac Deer Pushing English Turtle Doves to Extinction
24 Jan
Summary
- Muntjac deer are causing a collapse in turtle dove numbers.
- Invasive deer are destroying vital hedgerow habitats for birds.
- The turtle dove population has existed in England for centuries.
Turtle doves in England face an increased risk of extinction, primarily due to the destructive impact of invasive muntjac deer on their essential hedgerow habitats. These deer, originally from Asia and standing only 20 inches tall, are directly implicated in the sharp decline of the turtle dove population.
The continued presence and feeding habits of muntjac deer are accelerating the collapse of turtle dove numbers. This ecological pressure threatens a species that has inhabited England for many centuries.
Conservationists are concerned as the destruction of these vital habitats by an invasive species poses a severe threat to the long-term survival of the turtle dove in England.
