CAN WE RESURRECT OUR BIRDS?

Earlier this year, a US gene-editing company announced ambitions to bring back the dodo using extracted DNA. This complex process could cost millions, raising the question: might it not be a better use of resources to protect the animals currently at risk rather than resurrect those that are already extinct? Some 67 birds are on the UK’S Red List of threatened species and we still have time to save them.

CURLEW

THE RISK We’ve lost more than 60 per cent of these ground-nesting waders in 40 years.

THE RESCUE PLAN Curlew Action urges walkers and cyclers to avoid disturbing their nests. curlewaction.org

WILLOW TIT

THE RISK Numbers of this bird have plummeted since the 1970s, but there is hope.

THE RESCUE PLAN Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the RSPB have secured protected status for the species in South Yorkshire’s Dearne Valley. ywt.org.uk

CAPERCAILLIE

THE RISK Most of the UK’S 542 remaining capercaillies live in the Cairngorms National Park.

THE RESCUE PLAN

The Cairngorms Capercaillie Project is improving their habitat to help them survive. cairngormscapercaillie.scot

KITTIWAKE

THE RISK This small gull is at risk from industrial fishing of its staple food: the sand eel.

THE RESCUE PLAN The Tyne Kittiwakes Partnership is working to protect them. Watch them on the Kittiwake Cam at durham wt.com/kittiwake-cam.

MONTAGU’S HARRIER

THE RISK Our rarest breeding bird of prey is vulnerable to illegal persecution.

THE RESCUE PLAN Become an RSPB “bird of prey defender” to help fund surveillance via cameras, drones and GPS tags to stop wildlife crime. rspb.org.uk