What is the basis for the Minister's statement that the RSPB's policy against using snares are not detrimental to natural curlew levels when it has been unable to compare curlew breeding success at RSPB and non-RSPB sites?
As stated in my response to WQ 86872 and 86878 we do not hold information on the breeding success of curlews whether on RSPB or non-RSPB sites. However, the general decline of curlews can be attributed to a combination of factors such as habitat loss, fragmentation, predation, and inappropriate land management practice which will differ from site to site.
The Gylfinir Cymru/Curlew Wales Partnership will be looking to address these factors on a range of important sites for curlew through the implementation of the Wales action plan for the recovery of curlew.
RSPB’s policy on predator control is a matter for them, but their position on snares is consistent with that of Welsh Government. The banning of snare use in Wales is a Programme for Government commitment and has been introduced as part of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill on animal welfare grounds. The banning of snares is about preventing inhumane methods being used and does not prevent other, more humane methods of control.