Four migratory shorebird species have been moved to higher threat categories on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These are the Grey Plover, Dunlin, Turnstone, and Curlew Sandpipers.
Each of these shorebirds has faced troubling declines:
- Grey Plovers, which winter in estuaries, have seen a global decline of over 30% since the late 1990s, moving them from “Least Concern” to “Vulnerable.”
- Dunlins, also wintering in estuaries, have declined by 20% globally since the early 2000s, leading to their status as “Near Threatened.”
- Turnstones, found on rocky coastlines, have dropped by at least 20% globally since the mid-2000s and are now “Near Threatened.”
- Curlew Sandpipers, a scarce species passing through the UK in autumn, has decreased by over 30% since the late 2000s, advancing to “Vulnerable.”
Unfortunately, these declines are not isolated. Globally, sixteen migratory shorebird species have recently been elevated to higher risk categories, largely due to habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The latter of which is sadly evident in the image below of the River Parrett in Somerset.
Migration paths like the East Atlantic Flyway—connecting Arctic breeding grounds with wintering spots across Europe and Africa—are essential for these birds. The UK’s estuaries are crucial resting, and feeding stops. However, these coastal habitats are under threat from development, pollution, and rising sea levels.
The decline in shorebird populations is a wake-up call. It’s clear that countries must commit to coordinated action to protect global migration routes and habitats. In the UK, protecting estuaries has multiple benefits, not only preserving biodiversity but also providing natural flood defences and climate regulation. Conservation actions like avoiding disturbance to resting birds and supporting habitat protection initiatives can make a tangible difference locally.
Ultimately, the plight of these shorebirds underscores the need for biodiversity monitoring. Through technologies like bioacoustics and proactive conservation efforts, we have a chance to preserve these species and their critical habitats, making our ecosystems more resilient for the future.
As habitats face accelerated change, bioacoustics has become an invaluable tool for monitoring biodiversity. Researchers can use bioacoustics to collect continuous data on bird activity, allowing them to track the arrival and departure of migratory species. In addition to this, the distribution of species can be determined, so that fragile populations can be supported through habitat protection measures. This kind of real-time monitoring is essential in today’s rapidly changing world, where swift action can mean the difference between recovery and decline.
