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Posted: 27th December 2012

Threatened swans see baby boom
Increase in number of Bewick swans reported

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) has reported an increase in the number of young Bewick swans this year.

Though the species of endangered swan has dramatically declined since the 1990s, the number of young has risen this winter.

Over the last 10 years, there was an average of just 10 per cent of young Bewicks each winter, however, there has been 17.6 per cent this year, according to WWT.

Bewick swans are the smallest swans in Europe, and have a small, yellow blob on their black beaks. Up to 7,000 of them will migrate 2,500 miles from their breeding grounds in Russia, to spend their winter in the warmer climates of northern Europe.

Also reported this year, is the highest number of young swans overall since 2001 across northern Europe.

Ornithologists still don't fully understand why the Bewick swan population has been dramatically declining, though illegal shooting and lead poisoning are known dangers.

Jullia Newth, of WWT, said ornithologists are trying to work out why there has been a swan baby boom this year.

"Weather is thought to be a big factor, but it is not yet fully clear so we can only speculate at this stage," she said.

"But this year's good breeding season is very welcome news."



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