The Spanish authorities make every effort to remove ruddy ducks and hybrids, but this task would become increasingly difficult if numbers increased. Catch up with the RSPB’s own nature detectives on the case as they look to save some very special places. This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region. They would not have made it here, however, without the help of humans. Ruddy ducks were imported into the UK in 1948 by conservationist Sir Peter Scott. This has been seen in New Zealand where the introduction of mallards has resulted in the catastrophic decline of the native grey duck due to hybridisation. However, failure to tackle the spread of ruddy ducks in Europe could condemn the white-headed duck to global extinction. Get out, get busy and get wild! In 2003, the government decided to proceed with an eradication programme as part of a package of measures to help safeguard the white-headed duck. Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help. Nature is an adventure waiting to be had. This confirmed that eradication from Britain was feasible and it was determined as necessary to ensure the survival of White-headed Duck in Europe. 207076, Scotland no. Tell me more, Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird, Help nature thrive as a corporate partner, Climate change effects on nature and wildlife, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The species is globally threatened with extinction. See our ideas to keep you connected to nature during coronavirus, From our regular emails to your favourite social media, there’s more than one way to keep in touch with nature. A small number escaped from captivity and formed a feral population which by January 2005 numbered around 4,400. Following the floods this winter, watch how one area is using nature as a natural protector. Ruddy ducks interbreed with white-headed ducks, producing fertile hybrids. But bird lovers hoping to see the ruddy duck in … We are faced with a stark choice - either we act to stop ruddy ducks spreading from the UK, or we stand by and watch as the white-headed duck is pushed ever closer to extinction. Or will you help us continue to improve our content by making a DONATION. THE SHOP. There is a small resident population in Spain. If ruddy ducks became established here and spread eastwards, control would be impossible due to lack of infrastructure and resources. VIEW MENU. However, reports of this little duck reaching Spain and mating with the rare white-headed duck caused outrage amongst certain bird groups. As well as a free gift and magazines, you’ll get loads of ideas for activities to try at home. Du… This is happening in Spain and there is a real danger that if the number of ruddy ducks arriving in Spain were allowed to increase, they would inundate the white-headed duck population. Most breed in Russia and Kazakhstan, and winter in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey and Asia. We hope you will join the Association, you can do that HERE. International conservation organisations and European governments believe hybridisation poses a very serious threat to the survival of the white-headed duck. Difficult as it is, our position is based on lengthy and careful consideration of the detailed scientific research carried out into this issue. In contrast to the ruddy duck in North America, numbers have declined severely over the last century, from 100,000 birds to fewer than 10,000. A Duck Roast with no washing up…perfect. Escapees first bred in the wild in 1952, and by 2000 the UK population numbered 6,000 birds. As ruddy ducks are more promiscuous in their mating behaviour, the likely result would be a population comprising increasing numbers of hybrids showing fewer characteristics of the white-headed duck, until the species disappears. It is illegal to trade ruddy ducks in the UK without a licence, and further restrictions on keeping will be sought to prevent any future escape. The programme began in September 2005, and initially ran until August 2010. Find out more about the nature and wildlife outside your window. See our toolkit for ways to campaign with us to protect nature and save wildlife. If it was to disappear then a key argument used in achieving protection of wetland habitats and control of hunting would vanish. Other European countries with small feral populations of ruddy ducks, such as France, must also play their part in addressing this threat to the white-headed duck. In order to protect the endangered White-headed Duck, the EU Invasive Alien Species (IAS) regulation (1143/214) came into force on 1 January 2015. It is a traditional English pub with a warm friendly atmosphere and we offer homemade food served in our cosy bar, one of our two restaurants or alfresco style on our patio terrace.