Partridges: New Naturalist 121. Hardback.

£30.00

Partridges: New Naturalist 121. Hardback. Author: Format: Hardback First Published: Published By: HarperCollins
string(3) "480"
Pages: 480 Illustrations and other contents: 200 col illus, Index ISBN: 9780007418701 Category:

Potts explores how mankind and partridges have evolved together, both ultimately dependent on grasslands rather than forests. For thousands of years, both ate grass seeds and this continued until cereals largely replaced them. Hundreds of species of plant and insect that partridges and other birds eat thrived on farms for thousands of years until the dawn of the pesticides era. Since then the long decline in partridge abundance has been a barometer for biodiversity over vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere.

Highlighting the positive example of the Norfolk Estate in the Sussex Study area, Potts investigates how both Grey and Red-legged Partridge numbers have been increased, flourishing in a highly productive and profitable system of farming and an oasis in what has often looked and sounded like a desert. In a small corner of England farmland wildlife is able to thrive much as it did before pesticides were introduced.

This is a complex and fascinating story. The way that hunting, farming, predation, parasites, disease and climate change have interacted tells us a lot about how lesser known species have fared and how they can be conserved for the future. Potts stresses the importance of these conservation efforts, as farmers respond to the needs of an extra three billion people worldwide, not just for food but for bio-fuels. Additionally, the pressures on farmland wildlife will further intensify in the coming years.
Hardback
465 pages. Colour illustrations and photographs throughout.
9780007418701

Weight1.2 kg
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‘Among the most important wildlife science and conservation books of the past 2–3 decades.’ Journal of Wildlife Management ‘A must-read for anyone interested in the British countryside.’ Edward Norfolk, The Field ‘Very enjoyable, deeper and wider ranging than the title suggests, packed with information and insight.’ British Birds ‘[…] a stimulating read from an expert in his (arable) field.’ Mark Avery, Birdwatch ‘Plenty for everyone’ Bird Watching ‘A worthy addition to the New Naturalist series that should appeal to anyone interested in farmland ecology and the countryside.’ BTO News ‘An absorbing account of the modern agricultural landscape’ BBC Wildlife ‘This is a book that will keep you thinking’ Scottish Birds ‘I hope his arguments and ideas, along with his call for cooperation between agribusiness, protectionists and hunters, are listened to and acted upon for the sake of farmland biodiversity and the future of our countryside.’ Ibis