Why birds die
I agree with I King that it is upsetting to see a cat kill a bird ("The problems that cats cause", Mailbox, November 11).
However, research shows that bird mortality and declining populations are invariably linked to human causes.
Loss of habitat is the greatest human-caused threat to populations worldwide.
Other human-caused threats include pollution and pesticides. Collisions with automobiles, wind turbines, communication towers, high-tension lines and windows are also responsible for bird mortality.
Of these, by far the largest number of deaths are caused by windows. Daniel Klem who has researched the problem says: "Windows kill more birds each year than cats and hunters."
Let's not forget that chickens are birds. Almost 800 million broiler chickens are slaughtered annually in the UK. Does I King eat chicken?
Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.
4 Comments
by Sarah, Surrey
Monday, November 15 2010, 6:45PM
“So, what, now we have to ban windows?”
by karin, Oadby
Monday, November 15 2010, 2:00PM
“People are entitled to their views on cats. I personally like them provided they are looked after and wear hi viz collars and bells. However, the drop in the sparrow population has far more to do with the ghastly fascia boards and obsession with tidiness not to mention the regular slabbing over of gardens. The clue is in the name 'house sparrows' I have a few gaps between roof and house and they take up residence every year. Not a problem!! Furthermore I also provide an abundance of wildlife friendly shrubs to provide insects for the young. Not everyone would agree but I doubt the cat population is the main villain of the piece.”
by Peter, Wigston, Leicestershire
Monday, November 15 2010, 12:56PM
“The problem with cats is the health risk they pose, especially for youngsters, when they leave their poo all over their neighbours gardens.”
by PB, Leicester
Monday, November 15 2010, 12:53PM
“Another pointless letter from our resident veggie nut-job. I wonder how Elizabeth gets any sleep at night with the burden of mans inhumanity to animals on her shoulders.”