Four UK shorebirds moved to IUCN Red List following latest review - RSPB
We look at the birds at risk and why their worrying declines highlight the need to protect UK shores.
Scientists reviewing the conservation status of the world’s bird populations have confirmed that four UK shorebird species have seen significant declines in numbers. As a result, Grey Plovers, Dunlins, Turnstones and Curlew Sandpipers have moved to higher threat categories on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
1. Grey Plovers
Grey Plovers spend the winter mainly on estuaries and have declined by more than 30% globally since the late 1990s. Their conservation status has moved two categories from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Vulnerable’.
2. Dunlins
Dunlins also spend the winter mainly on estuaries and have declined by at least 20% globally since the early 2000s, resulting in them being moved one category from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Near Threatened’.
3. Turnstones
Turnstones can be found in more countries worldwide than almost any other bird species and mainly spend the winter on more rocky coastlines. They have declined by at least 20% globally since the mid-2000s and have moved one category from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Near Threatened’.
4. Curlew Sandpipers
Curlew Sandpipers are a scarce species that passes through the UK on their autumn migration between its wintering areas further south and its Arctic breeding grounds. They have declined by more than 30% globally since the late 2000s and have moved one category from ‘Near Threatened’ to ‘Vulnerable’.
The IUCN Red List for birds by BirdLife International, of which the RSPB is the UK partner, assesses the risk of extinction of a species should no conservation action be taken.
Posted On: 29/10/2024
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