Waterbird survey results are in

Posted by Dawn M. Smith Feb 21, 2007

The Fourth Waterbird Population Estimate was recently released. The results showed that 44% of the 900 species surveyed around the world were decreasing. Of the species in decline, 12 families, including plovers, storks and shoebills are decreasing by half or more globally. And these numbers are worse than the last survey, where 41% were in trouble.

What is causing these declines? Human development along the coasts is the most important reason. Habitat destruction through urban sprawl, wetlands being drained for building, and the secondary pollution these activities cause means there are fewer places for birds to nest undisturbed. Fish and shrimp farms also reduce area available for birds to feed and nest., and contribute to the pollution problems.

Sadly, most waterbirds are long distance migrants, so what happens in one country affects bird populations in other parts of the world. Not surprisingly, Asia shows the highest rates of decline or extinction (62%), as population increases and poverty put ever more pressure on land and water. Africa follows at 48%. In these places, the answer lies in linking wetland management to poverty reduction. Finding ways for people to survive without further loss of wild habitat is a key part of the work of Wetlands International.

North America comes in at 37%, not that much lower than the other continents. Still, more species are stable or increasing on here, largely due to increased awareness of the importance of saving or recovering wetlands.

Clearly more needs to be done worldwide if our waterbirds are to thrive.