And a Partridge In a Pear Tree?

 

Turtle doves, pair for life. These birds fly annually, from sub-Saharan Africa, to breed in northern Europe. As they crossed this continent, they were shot for sport, especially Spain and Italy. As the Turtle dove was classed as vulnerable, a temporary hunting ban was imposed by the EU in 2021. It's now been agreed that 132,000 Turtle doves can again be shot by hunters, as they cross Europe. The EU argue that the species has shown a remarkable 25% increase in its western population. Hunters are ecstatic, as they make lots of money from this annual event (https://www.birdlife.org/news/2025/04/01/press-release-european-commission-gives-green-light-to-reopen-hunting-season-for-turtle-dove/). The Turtle dove is currently the fastest declining UK bird species. Lifting the European shooting ban, is likely to drive the species to extinction in this country. One more present that can't be delivered in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'?