Science matters
BASC monitors scientific journals, environmental, policy and political alerts for the results of studies of relevance to shooting and conservation. Below are links to a selection of papers published in March – April 2025.
Read the latest research on...
Birds
- Naturalised populations of Barnacle Geese in the UK: an update on numbers, distribution and breeding
- Sanctuary for migrating and wintering waterfowl: Synthesis and insights for waterfowl management and conservation planning
- Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) Introductions: Genetic Survey on Wild and Captive Populations at the Edges of the Range
- Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling
- The return of raptors to Scotland’s skies: Investigating the diets of reintroduced red kites and white-tailed eagles using stable isotopes
Mammals
- Mortality in European lynxes
- Seven Year Decline of Mountain Hare Abundance in the Peak District, England
- Babesia Species Detected in Deer from Southwest England
- Is Britain still Great for Pine Marten? A Habitat Suitability Assessment – PREPRINT
- Nutritional value of wild-harvested game meat of fallow deer (Dama dama), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
- Illegal reintroductions of lynx are irresponsible and the wrong path forward for rewilding in Scotland.
Land management
- Landscape context influences efficacy of protected areas and agri-environment scheme delivery for breeding waders
- Rewilding for biodiversity offsets: A case study of passive ecological restoration on lowland agricultural land for Biodiversity Net Gain in England
- Using participatory scenario planning to explore the synergies and trade-offs from upland treescape expansion
- Feasibility of woodland expansion for carbon offsetting in Scotland revisited
- Seasonal variation in bird species richness and abundance across contrasting farmland: The importance of heterogeneous and non-cropped habitats
Other topics
- Practical Application of Disease Risk Assessment in Native Species Reintroductions: A Case Study of a European Wildcat (Felis silvestris) Population Reinforcement in the Cairngorms National Park
- Rewilding’s social–ecological aims: Integrating coexistence into a rewilding continuum
- The Future of Game Shooting in the UK
- Assessing stakeholder inclusion within high pathogenicity avian influenza risk governance strategies in the United Kingdom and United States
- The Release of Non-Native Gamebirds Is Associated With Amplified Zoonotic Disease Risk
- Sarcocystis infection in domestic and wild avian hosts: Inseparable flight partners
- Challenges and opportunities for integrating social science in a conservation nongovernmental organization
- Investigating Consumer Attitudes About Game Meat: A Market Segmentation Approach
Subscribe to our BASC Live newsletter to receive Science Matters updates straight into your inbox once a month.
Looking for more insight?
Science matters: wonderful woodcock
Heather Warrender reviews the latest research on woodcock, looking at the shooting community’s role in reversing the decline in the fortunes of this enigmatic wader.
Citizen science data at the forefront of new research
Sophie Stafford reviews research published in March and April, with a particular focus on studies underpinned by data submitted by the public.
From drones to data: the role of technology in wildlife conservation
Dr Cat McNicol discusses the impact that rapid advances in technology are having on research centred around sustainable shooting and conservation.
Why are nutrient cycles important to deer and gamebird management?
What are nutrient cycles and why are they important to deer and gamebird management? Dr Cat McNicol explains.
Conservation in action – winter 2024/25
Read our latest update on BASC conservation projects, including how you, your shoot or club can get involved.
