The Curlew Conservation Programme Annual Report 2021 has been released and it shows the perilous state of the Irish breeding population.

There were only 34 breeding pairs confirmed in 2021, down from an estimated 3,300 - 5,500 pairs in the 1980s - a staggering decline in 40 years.

Of these 34 pairs, only 17 chicks are recorded as fledged.

The Irish breeding curlew is headed to extinction - we need action.

Ireland needs to focus on 2 main items; productivity and habitat immediately to stop extinction

This petition is calling  on Minister Noonan and NPWS for;

1) Immediate funding increase for Curlew Conservation and an integrated stakeholder emergency task force established led by Curlew Conservation Programme.

2) Immediate establishment of a head starting programme in 2022 to ensure fledging of chicks, and use of all other pioneering management options, as appropriate.

3) Immediate restoration and allocation of ex-BnM peatlands as priority habitat for Curlew.

4) Review of commercial forestry license and assessments in areas where habitat is favourable to ground nesting birds.

5) Establishment of targeted Curlew Agri-Environmental Schemes to ensure existing habitat is protected and restored.

6) Review of existing agri-schemes to incorporate measures for Curlew, where appropriate.

If these actions are not taken, the Irish Curlew will be lost within the next decade - this will be a preventable tragedy we can not stand idly by and let happen.