Lets talk about traps!
A curlew killed by a raptor. All raptors are protected.
Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group
These rather unpleasant images show the effects of predation by stoats, mink, crows and weasels. This happens everyday on moorland but particularly during the spring months when the upland bird species return to breed. Predators killing other birds and mammals is perfectly natural we hear you say and that is not even debatable. But what if some predators had an unfair advantage? What if some of their prey species were extremely vulnerable and facing staggering declines or even local extinction?
Legal trap for rats and other small predators
Taking life to protect other lives is a contentious subject for some and can evoke fury and condemnation. However when the facts are elucidated and the reasons for predator management are openly explained, the subject can be understood and appreciated.
Our managed uplands are home to some of the most endangered birds in the country. Species such as curlew, merlin, hen harrier and golden plover are all ground nesting birds. Other birds such as black grouse, snipe, ring ouzel and meadow pipits all nest on the ground as well as many more. For this reason they are at higher risk than all other birds and can fall easy prey for any of our mammalian and avian predators. The UK has one of the highest populations of predatory species, many of which such as foxes, gulls and crows are thriving on this isle due to their capacity to adapt to human lifestyles. These species are not in any natural trophic cascade here in the UK they are beneficiaries of the way we humans live. On managed uplands these apex predators are by necessity reduced through trapping and shooting (under certain licences) to alter this imbalance in order to give the ground nesters a chance of survival. It is for this reason that our Dales grouse moors are such iconic places, rich with rare species and full of diversity.
Corvids are such egg thieves that they find traps thus baited very enticing
Gamekeepers do not wish, nor could ever, eradicate any of our upland predators. This is not the intention. But without predator management on our moors we would see catastrophic losses of species that in the 21st century have become reliant on these protected upland areas. Studies on curlews that were attempting to breed on unmanaged landscapes found that out of 100+ monitored nests (over a five year study) over 98% of them failed due to predation. This study site no longer has any curlews. Mustelids (stoats, weasels, mink etc) are particularly proficient at targeting ground nesting birds. Weasels for example need to eat a third of their own body weight everyday to survive. Stoats a little less. This makes them prolific hunters and where stoats or weasels are left to raise their large litters unchecked they can significantly impact on nesting birds, eggs and chicks over a very wide area. Neither of these mustelids are uncommon and controlling them particularly during spring time does not reduce their distribution but does prevent huge losses of rare birds at a very key time.
Curlew eggs predated by crows before the clutch was completed.
These photographs show some of the legal and government approved traps employed by moor keepers in order to carry out this important conservation work. Their use is compliant with protocols on welfare and humaneness. All traps must pass stringent testing by government departments before they can be approved for use.
If you are visiting the moors or upland landscapes and you see any of these traps please do not tamper or interfere with them. It is an offence to do so and whilst it is natural to feel sentimental towards a decoy crow it is more important to think about the lapwing and curlew chicks as well as the red grouse that these traps are protecting. Apologies for this long post but it is important to explain why these appliances are used and the incredibly important conservation role that they play in making the moors of Yorkshire and beyond such important habitats. Your cooperation is very much appreciated by the operators who use them but especially by those rare and iconic birds that need the protection.