Protected birds faring better in Europe

EU birds directive is having a positive impact on threatened populations as Dalmatian pelicans, griffon vultures, red kites and cranes see their numbers rise

Birds which have been given the highest level of protection by European rules are faring significantly better than other bird species, research has shown.

The study found birds protected as "annex 1" species under the EU's birds directive, which requires governments to take action to conserve them, are more likely to have increasing populations than those that are not annex 1.