An international research project has warned that more than half of the world’s migratory bird species have seen population declines.
In a collaborative project, researchers agreed that species were declining across every major flyway on Earth, including the cross-continental African-Eurasian flyway.
Migratory birds represent an important indicator for the state of biodiversity. Across the world, species play a vital part in ecosystems by regulating insect populations, dispersing seeds and pollinating plants.
The UK has already seen significant declines in many migratory bird species, including the turtle dove, the swift and the nightingale.
In this latest study, researchers now warn of a global situation, with 51 per cent of bird species seeing declines. In their review, the research team has addressed the status of these populations, the threats they face and explores the current conservation approaches.
It also presents a potential framework for reversing population declines.
However, there remains serious challenges for researchers in accurately monitoring where and why these populations are declining. Scientists are currently utilising tracking technology and acoustic monitoring to investigate the key migration routes.
Ornithologists are then able to use this data to assess how different species are impacted by drivers of decline. This may included habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and pesticide use.
Researchers state that conservation strategies must address these threats across entire migratory lifecycles and international flyways rather than focusing on isolated cases.
Prof Juliet Vickery, CEO of British Trust of Ornithology (BTO), said: “If any group of species remind us of the huge importance of working together to give our natural world a brighter future – it’s surely migrant birds. This paper was only possible through pooling insights and expertise right across the globe. What we need now is action at a similar scale to ensure these species continue to cross continents and connect communities for generations to come.”
Dr Chris Hewson, senior research ecologist at BTO, added: “Flyway scale collaborations are vital for understanding migratory behaviour of species, the causes of population decline and for planning conservation action to improve the population status of species.”
Image © Sokolov Alexey / Shutterstock
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