Fresh fears over future of iconic corncrake

ONE of Scotland’s rarest breeding birds could become extinct, according to the RSPB.

The corncrake, known for its rasping ‘crex, crex’ call, was once widespread, but habitat loss and changes in farming meant it almost disappeared.

The species has slowly recovered from a low point of fewer than 500 males in the 1990s, but last year’s annual count recorded only 866 – the lowest number since 2003.

Launching this year’s survey yesterday, RSPB Scotland warned: ‘The future of the species is far from assured.’

Advisory manager for Scotland Chris Bailey said: ‘We cannot let all the hard work that has been put in over the last 25 years be undone.

‘We need the Scottish Government to articulate a long-term vision for rural support and commit to a clear plan for how species and habitats that are dependent on appropriate land-management systems will be safeguarded.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Corncrakes are a red-listed species. Previous management schemes prevented the loss of this species from Scotland and they remain a conservation priority.

‘However, the UK Government must provide urgent clarity on future funding of this issue as part of Brexit negotiations.’

Corncrakes are a summer migrant, flying thousands of miles from Central and Southern Africa to breed.