Current status
The red-necked phalarope is a rare species with fewer than 50 breeding males recorded at a small number of sites (mires with areas of open water and emergent vegetation), all within Scotland. It has been lost this century from the Inner Hebrides, the Uists, Orkney, the southern half of Shetland and mainland Scotland. On Fetlar and Unst, the population dropped below 15 breeding males in the late 1980s, but has recently revived, with 37 breeding males in 1997. Three to five breeding males are recorded at another regularly used site on Lewis.
The red-necked phalarope is specially protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive, and is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Succession of vegetation within breeding mires resulting in loss of open water. Cessation of grazing may also have contributed to this.
Changes in water levels and drainage of pool systems, particularly in the Hebrides and Mainland Shetland.
Eutrophication of pool systems through agricultural improvement is implicated in the Republic of Ireland. Similar changes may have affected some Scottish sites.
Predation may have contributed to the decline in Shetland.
The reasons for decline in Outer Hebrides are unclear; there still appears to be a number of suitable breeding sites on the Uists.
Current action
Most of the Fetlar breeding sites are protected within SSSIs and SPA.
About 85% of the British red-necked phalarope population breeds on sites managed by the RSPB; these are being actively managed to maintain suitable pool systems and emergent vegetation.
Management agreements over further mires in Shetland, potentially suitable for red-necked phalaropes, are presently being negotiated by RSPB.
Research into phalarope habitat requirements has been conducted by RSPB in the early 1980s and between 1993 and 1996. The results of the latter studies are now being implemented.
Action plan objectives and targets
In the short term, maintain the red-necked phalarope as a breeding species in the UK, with at least 35-40 breeding males at 10 sites.
By 2003, increase the north Shetland breeding population to 55-60 breeding males at 16 sites on Fetlar and Unst.
By 2005, increase the breeding population in the Hebrides to 10 breeding males on at least three sites.
Enable range expansion to a number of previously occupied sites.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Ensure that changes in agricultural systems within breeding areas do not cause deterioration in nesting habitat, water levels or water quality. (ACTION: NoSWA, SAC, SEPA, SNH, SOAEFD)
Ensure that prescriptions for Shetland, Western Isles and Argyll Islands ESAs produce good wetland habitat for breeding red-necked phalaropes in the traditional range. (ACTION: NoSWA, SAC, SNH, SOAEFD)
Site safeguard and management
Ensure that any regular breeding sites are appropriately protected by statutory mechanisms or voluntary agreements. (ACTION: SNH, SOAEFD)
Review the management of sites for red-necked phalaropes, and ensure appropriate grazing and management of vegetation succession. (ACTION: SAC, SNH, SOAEFD)
Continue to negotiate management agreements over existing and potentially suitable breeding sites for phalaropes in the traditional range. (ACTION: SNH)
Ensure that existing water management and drainage at breeding sites are appropriate, and that changes do not adversely affect any existing or potential breeding sites. (ACTION: SAC, SEPA, SNH, SOAEFD)
Species management and protection
Establish exclosures around phalarope nesting pools to prevent trampling during the nesting season. (ACTION: SNH, SOAEFD)
Ensure disturbance to red-necked phalaropes from birdwatchers is minimised. (ACTION: SNH)
Protect the species from egg collection.
Advisory
Ensure landowners and managers are aware of the presence, legal status and conservation requirements of this species, and promote appropriate habitat management. (ACTION: SAC, SNH, SOAEFD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake annual monitoring of phalarope numbers and productivity, and provide information to the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. (ACTION: SNH)
In conjunction with NGOs, review results of their large-scale experimental management; disseminate and implement findings accordingly. (ACTION: SNH).
Undertake regular vegetation monitoring at existing and potential breeding sites to ensure that suitable breeding habitat is maintained. (ACTION: SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Retain viewing facilities over a successful breeding site on Mires of Funzie, Fetlar. (ACTION: SNH)
Provide information to highlight the decline and importance of the species. (ACTION: SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants (June 1998, Tranche 2, Vol I, p97)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species