The Partridge Book

The aim of this book is to achieve a better understanding of partridge ecology, and thereby to promote methods of conservation which could arrest the enormous tide of decline with regard to this species. Until the 1960s the partridge was a very common bird in many countries - each Autumn there was a total of over 120 million, almost all of which were to be found on farmland. In this book the reasons for the decline are examined in detail and the major cause is found to be pesticides, in particular the use of herbicides and insecticides which has reduced the supply of insect food available for the partridge chicks. Methods of restricting pesticide use dealt with in the book give a clear prospect of more partridges, more wildlife, little hindrance to farmers in the short term and additional benefits to the environment in the long term. Of interest to ecologists, game conservationists and naturalists, the book is also of interest to those engaged in agricultural practices and to countryside environmental officers.Read More