Waterbirds listed at risk of extinction

Bewick's swans (c) James Lees WWT
Bewick's swans (c) James Lees WWT

Waterbirds including the Bewick’s swan that features in WWT’s logo appeared on a new list of endangered European wildlife this week. The sad news follows hot on the heels of another report on the poor state of nature in the region.

WWT’s conservation staff and volunteers were among those who collected and analysed data for the European Red List of Birds.

Several species that WWT works to save were among the birds listed as vulnerable to or in danger of extinction, including eider, long-tailed duck, velvet scoter, common pochard, greater scaup, black-tailed godwit, oyster catcher, lapwing, curlew and the tundra (Bewick’s) swan.

As well as helping by keeping count of wild bird numbers, WWT directly helps vast numbers of waterbirds each year by keeping its wetland reserves in ideal condition for them when they arrive on migration.

In addition some of the endangered waterbirds are bred in captivity at WWT’s Wetland Centres and could potentially be a source for reintroductions in the future if needed.

WWT’s National PR Manager Mark Simpson said:

“The Red List again hammers home how much the natural world needs our help to get back to full health. The good news is that a lot of hard work is already underway.

“The black-tailed godwit is one species listed as at risk because of ongoing declines. But over the last few years at our Welney Wetland Centre in Norfolk, we’ve nurtured a small breeding population by creating new wetlands where we can control water levels to give the young godwit families the best chance of rearing their babies safely.

“At the same time, our captive breeding techniques are being used successfully in other parts of the world to stave off extinction for species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper and Madagascar pochard. If the need comes, we could apply those to help species in Europe. It’s a legacy of WWT’s unique mix of wetland management and breeding birds that we’re able to do such creative things to save threatened wildlife.”

Black-tailed godwit (c) Ray Cottrell
Black-tailed godwit (c) Ray Cottrell

 

While WWT’s wetlands are the product of the hard work and backing of WWT’s supporters, including 850 volunteers and 200,000 members, anyone can help Europe’s wildlife right now by registering their support for Europe’s wildlife laws.

The European Commission is reviewing the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive – the two laws that underpin all wildlife protections. So WWT has joined with 100 other organisations to let Brussels know how important wildlife is to people in the UK. Find our more here.

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