African drought may kill UK birds
Last updated 11:11, Saturday, 22 November 2008
A University of Cumbria scientist has warned of a ‘silent spring’ if drought hits the African wintering grounds of British summer bird migrants.
Dr Roy Armstrong is spearheading a research programme entitled Project Gambia to collect crucial data about bird populations in the smallest country in Africa.
Several species of British birds may be heading towards extinction. The underlying cause is the destruction of their West African wintering grounds but melting icecaps could also sound their death knell because they affect ocean currents and weather patterns.
