How pesticides and fertilizers have resulted in loss of 500 million birds

Jun 7, 2023

The large use of pesticides and fertilizers on farms in particular is the most significant driver of bird population declines across Europe, including the UK. Image: Pexels/ mohamed abdelghaffar

Richard Gregory

Honorary Professor of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, UCL

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The pesticides and fertilizers applied to maximise crop yields have taken a heavy toll on wildlife. Image: Charles Bowman/Shutterstock

Birds which live on and around farms have suffered the deepest declines. Image: Rigal et al. (2023)/PNAS

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Insect-eating birds, like the common swift, have the most to gain from restrictions on pesticides. Image: Erni/Shutterstock

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