Dartmoor's Wild Ponies Face Extinction Risk Amid New Grazing Regulations
Fears Dartmoor's endangered wild ponies could become extinct under Government's new eco-rules
Mail Online
Image: Mail Online
Dartmoor's wild ponies, a semi-wild breed with a population decline from 30,000 to 1,000 over 70 years, are now at risk of extinction due to new grazing restrictions from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Campaigners fear up to 93% of the ponies could be culled to accommodate commercial cattle-grazing.
- 01Dartmoor's wild pony population has decreased from approximately 30,000 to just 1,000 in the last 70 years.
- 02New regulations require Commoners to reduce livestock by 75%, which now includes the endangered ponies.
- 03Campaigners argue that the new rules could lead to the culling of up to 93% of the ponies.
- 04A petition to protect the ponies has garnered over 17,000 signatures.
- 05Critics claim that Natural England's proposals contradict the goal of protecting Dartmoor's biodiversity.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Concerns are escalating regarding the survival of Dartmoor's wild ponies, which have inhabited the moors of Devon for over 3,500 years. Their population has plummeted from around 30,000 to just 1,000 in the past seven decades. The UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has introduced new grazing restrictions that could include the ponies for the first time. This change is aimed at reducing overgrazing and its detrimental effects on biodiversity but poses a significant threat to the ponies. Campaigners, including Charlotte Faulkner of the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony group, fear that the ponies will be culled to make way for commercial cattle-grazing, with estimates suggesting that up to 93% could be removed. A petition started by Sarah-Jane Norris has gained significant traction, highlighting the contradiction in policies that aim to protect Dartmoor's ecology while threatening its iconic ponies. Critics emphasize that Natural England's approach is misguided and detrimental to both the ponies and the environment.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The new grazing regulations could lead to a drastic reduction in the population of Dartmoor's wild ponies, affecting local biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the region.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the new grazing regulations affecting Dartmoor's ponies?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


