Book description
Globally, there are at least 45 species of game bird that have the word
partridge in their name, but in this book G. R. Potts devotes himself to
the Grey, Red-legged and Chukar Partridges, with particular emphasis on
the Grey Partridge due to its well-known decline in Britain.
In this groundbreaking addition to the New Naturalist series, 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, with a heady mix of hunting,
farming, predation, parasites, disease and climate change. The way these
factors 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. '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 G
R [Dick] Potts DSc, FRAgS, a farmer's son from Yorkshire, is an
internationally renowned expert on the Grey Partridge and farmland
ecology. He graduated from the University of Durham where his studies of
the Shag in the 1960s led to concerns over the effects of pesticides on
wildlife. He joined the Game Conservancy in 1968, eventually becoming
Director General. His pioneering approach led to changes in conservation
methods and new legislation to benefit wildlife and agriculture. He has
served as Chairman of the World Pheasant Association, Cranborne Chase
AONB and Vice President of the British Ornithologist's Union, where he
was awarded the Godman-Salvin Medal. His written work includes the
award-winning book .The Partridge: Pesticides, Predation and
Conservation.
