MUTE SWANS IN THE WYLYE VALLEY - POPULATION-DYNAMICS AND HABITAT USE

Following declining numbers in some areas in the 1980s, Mute Swan numb ers have shown a marked increase in recent years. In some areas, such as the Wylye Valley in Wiltshire, this increase has been accompanied b y complaints of damage caused to farming and fishing interests. The po pulation dynamics of this population of Mute Swans is described, inclu ding its habitat preferences, and these findings are related to possib le management options. As the Wylye catchment already receives immigra nts from unknown sources, culling and translocation are not appropriat e solutions to prevent agricultural damage. A combination of scaring, repellents and the provision of alternative food sources could provide the most successful long-term management. Whilst different techniques may be needed to resolve the fishing problem, it is considered that i ntegration of selected management options is most likely to provide ma ximum benefit.