Migratory bird species increasingly at risk, report finds, but there is still hope
Every year, billions of birds take to the skies, responding to changing seasons, navigating to breeding sites or escaping the cold of winter. The newest edition of BirdLife International’s State of the World’s Birds report says 45% of migratory bird species are in decline — 11% are threatened with extinction, the authors write. Launched at […]
Every year, billions of birds embark on migrations, driven by seasonal changes and driven to find breeding grounds or avoid winter's cold. A new report, the State of the World’s Birds, reveals that 45% of migratory bird species are declining, with 11% facing extinction, according to BirdLife International. The report, unveiled at the Global Flyways Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on September 11, marks the first comprehensive assessment of these birds.
Migratory birds are crucial indicators of the overall health of ecosystems, playing a pivotal role in linking habitats, cultures, and people. Lead author, Lucy Haskell, a senior science officer at BirdLife, emphasized its broader implications. Invasive species, farming, climate change, urbanization, and hunting are major threats to these birds worldwide.
The report highlights that seabirds, shorebirds, and species reliant on marine habitats, forests, and coastal wetlands are particularly vulnerable. An example of successful conservation is the Egyptian vulture in Spain, which has seen a recovery thanks to concerted efforts. Tragically, last year the IUCN officially declared the slender-bill curlew extinct, last seen in Morocco in 1995.
This loss underscores the seriousness of the challenges facing birds globally. Seven other migratory bird species also face extinction.
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