HC Deb 26 November 1984 vol 68 c384W
Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has for his statement that the wirebird, endemic to St. Helena, is not threatened with extinction.

Mr. Renton

The evidence of expert visitors and longterm residents over recent years is that the wirebird is not a threatened species and that the population is now stable. Wirebirds have been protected by law since 1894. They are believed to have eleven separate breeding localities and have no major predators. The upland pastures the bird inhabits have suffered some encroachment from human habitation but are likely to remain in sufficient quantity.