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 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
  
-Are corvids cold blooded killers or merely opportunistic scavengers? This is the question we are trying to answer in this blog post. Mainstream media and advertising businesses often have a tendency to present an idyllic and idealised version of farming practices, showcasing for example animals living in picturesque environments. This imagery is employed to evoke positive emotions and create a connection with consumers. It is nothing else than a marketing strategy aimed at promoting the products derived from the use of non-human animals, such as meat or wool, by associating them with positive and wholesome images. Humans have a natural inclination to connect with and appreciate the beauty of animals. The sight of a playful and adorable lamb triggers positive emotions, such as joy and warmth, which does evoke empathy and a sense of compassion.+{{ :2016-11-04_5648.jpeg?200|}}Are corvids cold blooded killers or merely opportunistic scavengers? This is the question we are trying to answer in this blog post. Mainstream media and advertising businesses often have a tendency to present an idyllic and idealised version of farming practices, showcasing for example animals living in picturesque environments. This imagery is employed to evoke positive emotions and create a connection with consumers. It is nothing else than a marketing strategy aimed at promoting the products derived from the use of non-human animals, such as meat or wool, by associating them with positive and wholesome images. Humans have a natural inclination to connect with and appreciate the beauty of animals. The sight of a playful and adorable lamb triggers positive emotions, such as joy and warmth, which does evoke empathy and a sense of compassion.
  
 Bearing this in mind, then it is not surprising that the sight of corvids scavenging on such an innocent being will without a doubt be repulsive for most people, who will immediately sympathise with the victim, and not with the scavenger. Unfortunately, media representations of such wildlife interactions with domesticated non-human animals are commonly very much one-sided, despite the well known fact that it is always essential to consider all nuances and complexities of such interactions. Bearing this in mind, then it is not surprising that the sight of corvids scavenging on such an innocent being will without a doubt be repulsive for most people, who will immediately sympathise with the victim, and not with the scavenger. Unfortunately, media representations of such wildlife interactions with domesticated non-human animals are commonly very much one-sided, despite the well known fact that it is always essential to consider all nuances and complexities of such interactions.
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 ===== Ethical Views ===== ===== Ethical Views =====
  
-People often develop emotional connections with animals they interact with, which can foster empathy and a sense of responsibility towards their well-being. People may form bonds with pets or farm animals and learn to value their companionship, leading to a desire to protect and care for them. However, these emotional connections do not always extend universally to all animals, and cultural conditioning can shape which animals are seen as suitable for consumption, and which are not. Cats and dogs are typical examples of animals not being considered a food source in western societies. Food habits and traditions are deeply rooted in cultural practices and are influenced by factors such as geography, climate and availability of resources. Certain animals have been domesticated and bred specifically for human consumption over thousands of years, and became a part of so called culinary traditions and dietary habits. These perceived traditions are passed down from generation to generation and become deeply ingrained in human brains.+People often develop emotional connections with animals they interact with, which can foster empathy and a sense of responsibility towards their well-being. People may form bonds with pets or farm animals and learn to value their companionship, leading to a desire to protect and care for them. However, these emotional connections do not always extend universally to all animals, and cultural conditioning can shape which animals are seen as suitable for consumption, and which are not. Cats and dogs are typical examples of animals not being considered a food source in western societies. Food habits and traditions are deeply rooted in cultural practices and are influenced by factors such as geography, climate and availability of resources.  
 + 
 +Certain animals have been domesticated and bred specifically for human consumption over thousands of years, and became a part of so called culinary traditions and dietary habits. These perceived traditions are passed down from generation to generation and become deeply ingrained in human brains.
 Dietary food choices, animal welfare and animal rights are three of commonly found key phrases, which are intrinsically interlinked, but substantially different. Welfare-oriented food choices by omnivores and vegetarians typically focus on the well-being of animals within the context of their production and consumption. This approach emphasises minimising animal suffering and improving living conditions through various means, such as supporting organic farming, free-range or pasture-raised animal products. Doubtful certifications are provided to the consumer, which supposedly ensure certain animal welfare standards are met. Their goal is to promote more humane practices within animal agriculture while still abusing non-human animals for food or derived animal products. Dietary food choices, animal welfare and animal rights are three of commonly found key phrases, which are intrinsically interlinked, but substantially different. Welfare-oriented food choices by omnivores and vegetarians typically focus on the well-being of animals within the context of their production and consumption. This approach emphasises minimising animal suffering and improving living conditions through various means, such as supporting organic farming, free-range or pasture-raised animal products. Doubtful certifications are provided to the consumer, which supposedly ensure certain animal welfare standards are met. Their goal is to promote more humane practices within animal agriculture while still abusing non-human animals for food or derived animal products.
  
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 Holistic non-violence does take an even broader ethical approach. It draws inspiration from various philosophical, religious and ethical traditions, including principles from figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent peace advocates. It provides a comprehensive framework for individuals and societies to cultivate peace, promote justice and address conflicts in a non-violent and ethical manner, including both, human and non-human animals. Holistic non-violence does take an even broader ethical approach. It draws inspiration from various philosophical, religious and ethical traditions, including principles from figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent peace advocates. It provides a comprehensive framework for individuals and societies to cultivate peace, promote justice and address conflicts in a non-violent and ethical manner, including both, human and non-human animals.
  
-‘Walking the path of holistic nonviolence is about questioning ALL forms of oppression and violence, seeking to better understand their common roots, and choosing alternatives. It is about being unwilling — directly or indirectly — to take part in violence, to profit from the harm of others, or to willfully ignore oppression. It is about refusing to intentionally take away the dignity, bodily integrity, freedom, or the life of another individual, no matter how they may differ from ourselves, be they a fellow human or a fellow animal. Pursuing this path is not about being perfect, but about challenging ourselves to ever expand our understanding of how our actions affect others, and over time, to come closer and closer to the ideal of nonviolence toward all. It is a long term path of self-development, integrity and service.’ (1)+‘Walking the path of holistic nonviolence is about questioning ALL forms of oppression and violence, seeking to better understand their common roots, and choosing alternatives. It is about being unwilling — directly or indirectly — to take part in violence, to profit from the harm of others, or to willfully ignore oppression. It is about refusing to intentionally take away the dignity, bodily integrity, freedom, or the life of another individual, no matter how they may differ from ourselves, be they a fellow human or a fellow animal. Pursuing this path is not about being perfect, but about challenging ourselves to ever expand our understanding of how our actions affect others, and over time, to come closer and closer to the ideal of nonviolence toward all. It is a long term path of self-development, integrity and service.’ ((Tribe of Heart, https://www.tribeofheart.org/sr/home_english.htm))
  
 ===== Cultural Views ===== ===== Cultural Views =====
  
-The three native corvid species common raven (Corvus corax), rook (Corvus frugilegus) and carrion crow (Corvus corone) are commonly inaccurately differentiated from each other by the general public or the media, mainly due to their similar appearances. Similarly, lack of general and specific corvid biology knowledge leads to assumptions that corvids are being regarded as birds of prey by completely ignoring the fact that they are a suborder of song birds or passerines, just as blue tits and robins are. (2)+The three native corvid species common raven (Corvus corax), rook (Corvus frugilegus) and carrion crow (Corvus corone) are commonly inaccurately differentiated from each other by the general public or the media, mainly due to their similar appearances. Similarly, lack of general and specific corvid biology knowledge leads to assumptions that corvids are being regarded as birds of prey by completely ignoring the fact that they are a suborder of song birds or passerines, just as blue tits and robins are.((Wolves, Crows, and Spiders: An eclectic Literature Review inspires a Model explaining Humans’ similar Reactions to ecologically different Wildlife. Front. Environ. Sci. 9:593501. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2021.593501)
 In some agricultural communities, crows and ravens are considered pests due to their potential impact on crops or livestock. This perception leads to negative attitudes and dangerous efforts to control their populations. These perceptions are also influenced by local beliefs, folklore, personal experiences and interactions with these birds. In some agricultural communities, crows and ravens are considered pests due to their potential impact on crops or livestock. This perception leads to negative attitudes and dangerous efforts to control their populations. These perceptions are also influenced by local beliefs, folklore, personal experiences and interactions with these birds.
  
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 It seems also understandable that predators such as foxes, birds of prey, but also uncontrolled dogs can pose a threat to newborn lambs, especially when they are vulnerable, poorly and unable to defend themselves. However, despite best efforts, the proportion of lamb deaths remains rather stable at 15% to 20%, whereas predation does play no economical role whatsoever, as we will demonstrate later. It seems also understandable that predators such as foxes, birds of prey, but also uncontrolled dogs can pose a threat to newborn lambs, especially when they are vulnerable, poorly and unable to defend themselves. However, despite best efforts, the proportion of lamb deaths remains rather stable at 15% to 20%, whereas predation does play no economical role whatsoever, as we will demonstrate later.
-Media campaigns sponsored by the farming industry and eagerly distributed by main stream media will not explain these details and the scientific background. These campaigns are rather designed to distract from the truth and to focus on scapegoats such as corvids or predators like foxes or birds of prey.     (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)+Media campaigns sponsored by the farming industry and eagerly distributed by main stream media will not explain these details and the scientific background. These campaigns are rather designed to distract from the truth and to focus on scapegoats such as corvids or predators like foxes or birds of prey. ((Preventive Veterinary Medicine Volume 52Issues 3–4, 22 January 2002, Pages 287-303)) ((Neonatal lamb mortality: major risk factors and the potential ameliorative role of melatonin Tom Flinn, David O. Kleemann, Alyce M. Swinbourne, Jennifer M. Kelly, Alice C. Weaver, Simon K. Walker, Kathryn L. Gatford, Karen L. Kind and William H. E. J. van Wettere)) ((Purser, A., & Young, G. (1964). Mortality among twin and single lambs. Animal Production, 6(3)321-329. doi:10.1017/S000335610002211X)) ((Gunn, R., & Robinson, J. (1963). Lamb mortality in Scottish hill flocks. Animal Production, 5(1), 67-76. doi:10.1017/S000335610002153X)) ((Houston, David. “The Effect of Hooded Crows on Hill Sheep Farming in Argyll, Scotland: Hooded Crow Damage to Hill Sheep.” Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 14, no. 1, 1977, pp. 17–29. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2401823. Accessed Aug. 2023.)   
  
 ===== Corvids and the Killing of Lambs ===== ===== Corvids and the Killing of Lambs =====
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 The natural diet of many corvid species is omnivorous, consisting of invertebrates, nestlings, small mammals, berries, fruits, seeds and carrion. Some corvids, especially crows, have adapted well to artificial non-natural environments. Crows seem to have the most diverse human made diet of all, which includes foods such as bread, spaghetti, fried potatoes, dog food, sandwiches and livestock feed. The increase in available human food sources, including the expansion of intensive animal farming, are contributing to population rises in some corvid species. The natural diet of many corvid species is omnivorous, consisting of invertebrates, nestlings, small mammals, berries, fruits, seeds and carrion. Some corvids, especially crows, have adapted well to artificial non-natural environments. Crows seem to have the most diverse human made diet of all, which includes foods such as bread, spaghetti, fried potatoes, dog food, sandwiches and livestock feed. The increase in available human food sources, including the expansion of intensive animal farming, are contributing to population rises in some corvid species.
  
-Agricultural animal outdoor farming of cows and sheep does subsequently produce large amounts of carrion and afterbirths, which will attract predators and carrion eaters, such as carrion and hooded crows as well as ravens. However, since they lack a specialised beak for tearing into flesh, they must wait until animals are opened, whether by other predators or as roadkill. Without the help of other stronger predators their beaks are only able to extract food from soft organs and the weakest entry points into the body of a deceased animal, which includes eyes, tongue, navel, anus and genitals. This explains the common pattern of widely publicised horror stories and misperceptions about crows and ravens, suggesting that these animals are vicious killers who love to prove their wickedness to us humans by deliberately choosing to torture and disfigure their food source. However, the truth is that extensive research has shown that corvids mainly feed on stillborn animals, insects attracted by faeces and afterbirths.   (89, 10)+Agricultural animal outdoor farming of cows and sheep does subsequently produce large amounts of carrion and afterbirths, which will attract predators and carrion eaters, such as carrion and hooded crows as well as ravens. However, since they lack a specialised beak for tearing into flesh, they must wait until animals are opened, whether by other predators or as roadkill. Without the help of other stronger predators their beaks are only able to extract food from soft organs and the weakest entry points into the body of a deceased animal, which includes eyes, tongue, navel, anus and genitals. This explains the common pattern of widely publicised horror stories and misperceptions about crows and ravens, suggesting that these animals are vicious killers who love to prove their wickedness to us humans by deliberately choosing to torture and disfigure their food source. However, the truth is that extensive research has shown that corvids mainly feed on stillborn animals, insects attracted by faeces and afterbirths. ((BrehmeA., Wallschläger, D., and Langemach, T. (2001). “Kolkraben und die Freilandhaltung von Weidetieren – untersuchungen aus dem Land Brandenburg,” in Die Rabenvögel im Visier (Bonn, Germany: Ökologischer Jagdverein), 19–32.)) ((Hennig, V. (2018). Untersuchung zur Problematik der Kolkraben in der Schafhaltung – untersuchung im Auftrag des Ministeriums für Ländlichen Raum und Verbraucherschutz (2014–2016) bzw. des Ministeriums für Umwelt, Klima und Energiewirtschaft (2016–2017) in Baden- Württemberg; Untersuchung im Auftrag des Ministeriums für Ländlichen Raum und Verbraucherschutz in Baden-Württemberg (2014–2016).)) ((Dwyer, C. M., Conington, J., Corbiere, F., Holmøy, I. H., Muri, K., Nowak, R., et al. (2016). Invited review: improving neonatal survival in small ruminants: science into practice. Animal 10 (3)449–459. doi:10.1017/S1751731115001974)
  
 Interesting and eye opening research has been done in Scotland and published in 1977. This extensive study uncovers the truth about corvids attacking pregnant ewes. It has been found that it is not an uncommon problem, and in itself acknowledged by the farming community, that pregnant ewes can fall onto their back and are unable to right themselves without help. This usually happens by accident facilitated by waterlogged fleece and heavy weight especially in outdoor environments without any shelter, which is rarely provided anyway, neither for pregnant animals nor for vulnerable newborn lambs. Farmer often complain about corvids attacking ewes in this potentially fatal situation. Whilst this might very occasionally happen, the study has found evidence that corvids are virtually in all cases not responsible for the death of the animal concerned. Interesting and eye opening research has been done in Scotland and published in 1977. This extensive study uncovers the truth about corvids attacking pregnant ewes. It has been found that it is not an uncommon problem, and in itself acknowledged by the farming community, that pregnant ewes can fall onto their back and are unable to right themselves without help. This usually happens by accident facilitated by waterlogged fleece and heavy weight especially in outdoor environments without any shelter, which is rarely provided anyway, neither for pregnant animals nor for vulnerable newborn lambs. Farmer often complain about corvids attacking ewes in this potentially fatal situation. Whilst this might very occasionally happen, the study has found evidence that corvids are virtually in all cases not responsible for the death of the animal concerned.
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 The same study also found that most crow attacks on live lambs took place on animals, which had reached an extremely weak condition due to starvation or some other cause. The researcher concluded that one cannot include the losses in the study group of lambs in any estimate of the damage caused by crows, because their chances of survival anyway must be considered as negligible. The same study also found that most crow attacks on live lambs took place on animals, which had reached an extremely weak condition due to starvation or some other cause. The researcher concluded that one cannot include the losses in the study group of lambs in any estimate of the damage caused by crows, because their chances of survival anyway must be considered as negligible.
  
-The study also concluded that there are probably two main conditions in which lambs are vulnerable to crow attacks. Firstly, all lambs, whether viable or not, may be attacked shortly after birth when both the ewe and the lamb are weak and may not be able to defend themselves. And secondly, any lambs, which become weak after birth due to disease, exposure or starvation, will again become vulnerable to crow attacks when they become weak again, shortly before they would have died anyway. In this context, other studies have found that the likelihood of predator attacks increases when twins or triplets are born, who are particularly prone to hypothermia and subsequently disease due to their low birth weight, and the prolonged birth period, which renders the ewe unable to defend their offspring. (11+The study also concluded that there are probably two main conditions in which lambs are vulnerable to crow attacks. Firstly, all lambs, whether viable or not, may be attacked shortly after birth when both the ewe and the lamb are weak and may not be able to defend themselves. And secondly, any lambs, which become weak after birth due to disease, exposure or starvation, will again become vulnerable to crow attacks when they become weak again, shortly before they would have died anyway. In this context, other studies have found that the likelihood of predator attacks increases when twins or triplets are born, who are particularly prone to hypothermia and subsequently disease due to their low birth weight, and the prolonged birth period, which renders the ewe unable to defend their offspring. ((“The Effect of Hooded Crows on Hill Sheep Farming in Argyll, Scotland: Hooded Crow Damage to Hill Sheep.” Journal of Applied Ecology, vol. 14, no. 1, 1977, pp. 17–29. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2401823. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.)
  
 ===== A Case of Advanced Scapegoating ===== ===== A Case of Advanced Scapegoating =====
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 It is essential to recognise that the decline of songbird populations is typically the result of a combination of these factors, and the relative importance of each factor can vary depending on the specific songbird species and the region within the UK. It is essential to recognise that the decline of songbird populations is typically the result of a combination of these factors, and the relative importance of each factor can vary depending on the specific songbird species and the region within the UK.
  
-As mentioned above, a similar and not less controversial topic in this context is the role of domestic free roaming cats and their impact on natural ecosystems. However, the way this scientifically proven and rather serious problem is being discussed, acknowledged and dealt with is rather different, when compared to the discussed interactions between sheep and corvids. Here we can see the completely opposite approach, whereas the domestic predator is being granted the freedom to roam and to kill at will, and anyone questioning this approach is at risk to be verbally attacked by the responsible guardian of the animal concerned.   (12131415, 16, 17181920    +As mentioned above, a similar and not less controversial topic in this context is the role of domestic free roaming cats and their impact on natural ecosystems. However, the way this scientifically proven and rather serious problem is being discussed, acknowledged and dealt with is rather different, when compared to the discussed interactions between sheep and corvids. Here we can see the completely opposite approach, whereas the domestic predator is being granted the freedom to roam and to kill at will, and anyone questioning this approach is at risk to be verbally attacked by the responsible guardian of the animal concerned. ((CoˆtéI. M.and SutherlandW. J. (1997). The effectiveness of Removing predators to protect bird populations. Conserv. Biol. 11 (2)395–405. doi:10.1046/j.1523- 1739.1997.95410.x)) ((Madden, C. F., Arroyo, B., and Amar, A. (2015). A review of the impacts of corvids on bird productivity and abundance. Ibis 157, 1–16. doi:10.1111/ibi.12223)) ((LachmannL.and ArnoldK. (2019). 15 Jahre Vogelzählung und Citizen Science im NABU – Ergebnisse der “Stunde der Gartenvögel” und der “Stunde der Wintervögel”. BerlinGermany: NABU-Bundesverband.)) ((The widespread declines of songbirds in rural Britain do not correlate with the spread of their avian predators D. L. Thomson , R. E. Green , R. D. Gregory and S. R. Baillie Published: 07 November 1998 https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.1998.0540)) ((Owens, I.P.F., Bennett, P.M. (2000) Ecological basis of extinction risk in birds: Habitat loss versus human persecution and introduced predators. PNAS. 97(22): 12144-12148)) ((Peach, W.J., Ratcliffe, N., Smith, K.W., Summers, R.W., Walton, P., Wilson, J.D. (2007) The predation of wild birds in the UK: a review of its conservation impact and management. RSPB Research Report no 23. RSPB, Sandy.)) ((Pirie, T.J., Thomas, R.L., Fellowes, M.D.E. (2022) Pet cats (Felis catus) from urban boundaries use different habitats, have larger home ranges and kill more prey than cats from the suburbs. Landscape and Urban Planning. 220: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104338)) ((Roos, S., Smart, J., Gibbons, D.W., Wilson, J.D. (2018) A review of predation as a limiting factor for bird populations in mesopredator-rich landscapes: a case study of the UK. Biological Reviews. 93(4): 1915-1937.)) ((Woods, M., McDonald, R.A., Harris, S. (2003) Predation of wildlife by domestic cats Felis catus in Great Britain. Mammal Review. 33: 174– 188.))  
-  +
 The topic of cats and wildlife is being discussed in separate blog posts, which can be found by following the links provided. The topic of cats and wildlife is being discussed in separate blog posts, which can be found by following the links provided.
 +
 +  * [[cats_cars_and_wildlife|Cats, Cars and Wildlife]]
 +  * [[top_reasons_to_keep_cats_indoors|Top Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors]]
  
 ===== Rural Rooks Destroying Crops ===== ===== Rural Rooks Destroying Crops =====
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 This being said, in a few cases, large rook populations may cause minor damage to crops, such as pecking at seedlings or foraging in newly sown fields. However, the degree of damage is usually exaggerated, which holds in particular true in spring. The required and preferred diet during breeding season is mainly based on animal protein, which includes bugs, grubs, insects and agricultural pests, which would in fact destroy the farmer’s crops, if they would not be harvested by rooks. Instead the farming community is using highly toxic pesticides with devastating consequences for our ecosystem. This being said, in a few cases, large rook populations may cause minor damage to crops, such as pecking at seedlings or foraging in newly sown fields. However, the degree of damage is usually exaggerated, which holds in particular true in spring. The required and preferred diet during breeding season is mainly based on animal protein, which includes bugs, grubs, insects and agricultural pests, which would in fact destroy the farmer’s crops, if they would not be harvested by rooks. Instead the farming community is using highly toxic pesticides with devastating consequences for our ecosystem.
  
-These facts should actually lead to the conclusion, that by understanding the ecological role of rooks and other bird species in agricultural landscapes, it would be crucial to promote sustainable farming practices whilst conserving biodiversity. However, this does only rarely seem the case.  (2122)+These facts should actually lead to the conclusion, that by understanding the ecological role of rooks and other bird species in agricultural landscapes, it would be crucial to promote sustainable farming practices whilst conserving biodiversity. However, this does only rarely seem the case. ((Gerber, R. (1956). Die Saatkrähe. Die neue Brehm-Bücherei vol 181. Wittenberg, Germany: Ziemsen.)) ((Veh, M. (1981). Überwinternde Saatkrähen in Nordbaden – Konflikt zwischen Naturschutz und Landwirtschaft und Vorschläge zu einer Lösung. HeidelbergGermany: Dissertation University.)
  
 ===== Corvids Outsmarting Humans ===== ===== Corvids Outsmarting Humans =====
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 Corvids have been observed using tools to obtain food. They can fashion sticks, twigs, and even leaves into tools to extract insects from crevices or holes. Some species have also been seen dropping nuts or hard objects onto roads and waiting for cars to crack them open before retrieving the exposed edible parts. Corvids have excellent memory and can recall the locations of thousands of cached food items. They are also skilled at navigating complex environments and finding their way back to specific locations. Corvids have been observed using tools to obtain food. They can fashion sticks, twigs, and even leaves into tools to extract insects from crevices or holes. Some species have also been seen dropping nuts or hard objects onto roads and waiting for cars to crack them open before retrieving the exposed edible parts. Corvids have excellent memory and can recall the locations of thousands of cached food items. They are also skilled at navigating complex environments and finding their way back to specific locations.
  
-Corvids can learn from observing others, and not just their own kind, and may adopt new behaviours by watching their conspecifics. This ability to learn from each other contributes to the transmission of knowledge within their corvid community. Corvids exhibit sophisticated vocalisations and non-vocal signals to communicate with each other. They can warn each other about potential dangers, such as the presence of predators or humans with harmful intent. Some corvid species have demonstrated the ability to recognise individual human faces, even distinguishing between friendly and threatening individuals. This suggests a high level of perceptual intelligence. Corvids have shown the ability to use insight to solve novel problems without prior training or trial-and-error learning. This is considered an advanced cognitive skill. (23242526272829303132)  +Corvids can learn from observing others, and not just their own kind, and may adopt new behaviours by watching their conspecifics. This ability to learn from each other contributes to the transmission of knowledge within their corvid community. Corvids exhibit sophisticated vocalisations and non-vocal signals to communicate with each other. They can warn each other about potential dangers, such as the presence of predators or humans with harmful intent. Some corvid species have demonstrated the ability to recognise individual human faces, even distinguishing between friendly and threatening individuals. This suggests a high level of perceptual intelligence. Corvids have shown the ability to use insight to solve novel problems without prior training or trial-and-error learning. This is considered an advanced cognitive skill. ((WeirA. A.ChappellJ.and KacelnikA. (2002). Shaping of hooks in new caledonian crows. Science 297981. doi:10.1126/science.1073433)) ((ClaytonN. S.DallyJ. M., and Emery, N. J. (2007). Social cognition by food- caching corvids. The western scrub-jay as a natural psychologist. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 362, 507–522. doi:10.1098/rstb.2006.1992)) ((Clayton, N. S., and Dickinson, A. (1998). Episodic-like memory during cache recovery by scrub jays. Nature 395, 272–274. doi:10.1038/26216)) ((Raby, C. R., Alexis, D. M., Dickinson, A., and Clayton, N. S. (2007). Planning for the future by western scrub-jays. Nature 445, 919-921. doi:10.1038/nature05575)) ((Massen, J. J., Ritter, C., and Bugnyar, T. (2015). Tolerance and reward equity predict cooperation in ravens (Corvus corax). Sci. Rep. 5, 15021. doi:10.1038/srep15021)) ((Ditz, H. M., and Nieder, A. (2015). Neurons selective to the number of visual items in the corvid songbird endbrain. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 112, 7827. doi:10.1073/pnas.1504245112)) ((Stahler, D., Heinrich, B., and Smith, D. (2002). Common ravens, Corvus corax, preferentially associate with grey wolves, Canis lupus, as a foraging strategy in winter. Anim. Behav. 64 (2), 283–290. doi:10.1006/anbe. 2002.3047)) ((Heinrich, B. (2014). Ravens in winter. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.)) ((Krüger, T., and Nipkow, M. (2015). Die Saatkrähe Corvus Frugilegus als Brutvogel in Niedersachsen – Vorkommen, Schutz, Konflikte und Lösungsmöglichkeiten vol 35. in Jahrgang, nummer, 1. Hannover, Germany: Informationsdienst Naturschutz Niedersachsen.)) ((Despret, V. (2015). The enigma of the raven. Angelaki 20, 57–72. doi:10.1080/ 0969725x.2015.1039842))  
                  
 ===== Conclusion – Are Corvids Cold Blooded Killers or Merely Scavengers? ===== ===== Conclusion – Are Corvids Cold Blooded Killers or Merely Scavengers? =====
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 Media outlets often have business relationships with various industries, including the agricultural and food industries. These relationships shape the narrative and content that is promoted. As the livestock industry plays a significant role in the economy, media organisations are influenced by the interests of these industries and often choose not to cover processes that may raise ethical or environmental concerns. Also, media outlets often aim to appeal to their target audience and consider what content is likely to resonate with them. Media outlets often have business relationships with various industries, including the agricultural and food industries. These relationships shape the narrative and content that is promoted. As the livestock industry plays a significant role in the economy, media organisations are influenced by the interests of these industries and often choose not to cover processes that may raise ethical or environmental concerns. Also, media outlets often aim to appeal to their target audience and consider what content is likely to resonate with them.
  
-Scapegoating is often being used to distract from the reality of intensive agricultural farming practices, and their side effects, such as high lamb mortality. However, corvids are not the only ones, as other species such as badgers, foxes and birds or prey are equally blamed and misrepresented.  (333435) +Scapegoating is often being used to distract from the reality of intensive agricultural farming practices, and their side effects, such as high lamb mortality. However, corvids are not the only ones, as other species such as badgers, foxes and birds or prey are equally blamed and misrepresented. ((Scottish BadgersBadger and Lamb / Sheep Interaction Evidence SheetJanuary 2023, https://www.scottishbadgers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9-Fact-Sheet-SHEEP-AND-LAMBS.pdf)) ((Investigation into golden eagle predation of lambs on Benbecula in 2003, Steve Campbell and Gill Hartley, Scottish Agricultural Science Agency 2004.)) ((Scottish National Heritage, Commissioned Report No. 370Is lamb survival in the Scottish Uplands related to the presence of breeding white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) as well as other livestock predators and environmental variables? A pilot study into sea eagle predation on lambs in the Gairloch areahttps://raptorpersecutionscotland.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/b603609_wtelambstudygairloch_2010.pdf)
-Existing conflicts between farmers and conservationists regarding the management of bird populations create additional pressure on to the farming community. Farmers may argue that controlling corvid populations is necessary to protect crops and prevent economic losseswhile conservationists may emphasise the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting bird speciesPainting a negative picture of these birds seems to be a way for farmers to garner support for their perspective and gain understanding for otherwise unjustifiable actions (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) +
- +
-Bibliography+
  
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-       +
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