Having read the letter by Ajaye Curry (March 11) regarding the culling of ruddy ducks in Britain, I felt it necessary to reply to put this issue in context. The letter gives the impression that this is a UK problem being orchestrated by the RSPB, whereas in fact eradication measures are being undertaken Europe-wide.

By 2002 at least 13 countries had taken some action, (Belgium, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK). Birds have now been shot in six and a further two have indicated that attempts will be made to shoot birds if they appear.

Several nations have implemented or intend to implement eradication programmes. This shows just how much a threat to the survival of the white-headed duck the ruddy is perceived to be.

I agree that hunting and habitat destruction played its part, and had the white-headed's population not been so severely reduced by this then it might have been able to cope with its aggressive yankee cousin without help (I ought to point out that ruddy duck is not native to Europe and under normal circumstances the two species would not meet).

But it is now an endangered species and could well become extinct through cross-breeding.

To call for people to withdraw their support from the RSPB is highly irresponsible as this could greatly harm the work they are carrying out on our behalf to protect and enhance our birds and their habitats.

Of course these arguments may be irrelevant as the ruddy duck may prove to be impossible to eradicate anyway (similar population controls have been carried out on Canada Geese with, so far, little long term effect) but I feel we ought to at least try for the sake of continued biodiversity.

It was human intervention that brought the Ruddy here in the first place so I feel the same is needed to remove it.

Steve Covey

White Edge Moor

Liden

Swindon