Population status and conservation targets for globally ... › 2015 › ...Pale-backed Pigeon, Bengal and Lesser Florican, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Marsh Grassbird, Grey-sided

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Population status and conservation targets

for globally threatened migratory land birds

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FOR:

1. Scientific Council of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

2. Migratory Landbird Study Group of the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP).

BY: Rael Matthew Loon © Returns to Nature, [email protected]

CONTENTS:

PREAMBLE

SPECIES ACCOUNTS:

1 Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita

2 Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis

3 Lesser Florican Sypheotides indica

4 Spotted Ground Thrush Zoothera guttata

5 Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola

6 Basara Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis

7 Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus

8 Great Bustard Otis tarda

9 Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea

10 Pale-backed Pigeon Columba eversmanni

11 Marsh grassbird Megalurus pryeri

12 Bristled Grasssbird Chaetornis striatus

13 Grey Sided Thrush Turdus feae

14 Machurian Reed-warbler Acrocephalus tangorum

15 Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola

16 Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subrubra

17 Dark-rumped Swift Apus acuticauda

18 Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei

19 White-throated Bush Chat Saxicola insignis

20. Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami

21. Houbara Bustard Chamydotis undulate

22. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax

23. Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus

24. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites aubruficollis

25. Tytler’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri

26. Japanese Waxwing Bombycilla japonica

27. Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica

28. Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis

29. Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea

30. Firethroat Luscinia pectardens

31. Derbyan Parakeet Psittacula derbiana

32. European Roller Coracias garrulus

PROPOSED GENERAL ACTIONS GOING FORWARD

REFERENCES

mailto:[email protected]

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PRE-AMBLE

During CMS COP 10 an Action Plan for Migratory Landbirds in the African Landbirds in the African Eurasian

Region (UNEP/CMS) was drafted (Resolution 10.27). This Action Plan was updated by the recently formed

African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Working Group under the auspices of the CMS Scientific Council

earlier this year (2014). One of the products of this process was a document entitled “Improving the

Conservation Status of Migratory Landbird Species in the African-Eurasian Region” (UNEP/CMS/ScC18/Doc.

10.7.1.)

Various actions were accordingly requested of the Scientific Council, specifically the council was invited to :

(1) Review and endorse the Action Plan for Migratory Landbirds in the African-Eurasian Region, including

its annexes, and to agree on its submission to COP11 for discussion and adaption,

(2) Provide advice on scientific and technical issues pertaining to the conservation of African Eurasian

Migratory Landbirds and recommed priority researtch to fill existing gaps.

This report is drafted in the above context and aims to contribute to the AEMLAP by focusing on the globally threated and near threatened species (as per Category A of Annex 3). It is also aimed at hopefully complementing this Action Plan by focusing on the research and monitoring guidelines as per Doc. 10.7.1 (pages 18-20). These include and pertain to (1) Understanding migration patterns and connectivity along flyways; (2) Monitoring of population trends; (3) Understanding causes of population change in migratory land bird species; and (4) Building capacity and improve the exchange of information, collaboration and coordination between researchers studying migratory land bird species. This document thus presents a broad summary globally threatened and near threatened bird species. Species are catalogued according to their respective IUCN Red List status (from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened). As a broad overview it is hoped that this approach may complement the work of the CMS Scientific Council and AEMLAP, while recognizing that many issues would need to be explored in greater detail. The focus in the African Eurasian flyway, as defined by the AEMLAP report. However it should be noted that there is a fair amount of overlap with the East Asian-Australasian flyway (for example Pale-backed Pigeon, Bengal and Lesser Florican, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Marsh Grassbird, Grey-sided Thrush, White-throated Bush Chat, Derbyan Parakeet etc). It is hoped that this framework could complement the objectives of the CMS in general and within the

context of COP11 and the Strategic Plan 2015-2023 in particular. As a follow-up to this report it is

suggested that a similar exercize be conducted with regards to species listed in Category B (according to

UNEP/CMS/ScC18/Doc. 10.7.1.) with decreasing global population trends, and that these reports

complement existing efforts and form the basis of a database on these species going forward. An

appropriate conduit for this would be via BirdLife International’s Migratory Bird Flyways Programme and

it’s associated species information database (see http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species).

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species

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1. Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita (Critically Endangered)

©Marco Valentini

MIGRATION PATTERNS AND CONNECTIVITY ALONG PATHWAYS

This species only occurs in viable numbers in Morocco, specifically the Souss-Massa National Park & Tamri,

a total range of only some 580 square kilometres. It is thought that birds used to winter in Yemen, Saudia

Arabia, Eritrea and Sudan. It also used to occur in Turkey, but is critically endangered and possibly even

extinct there.

MONITORING POPULATION TRENDS

In Souss-Massa National Park and Tamri, Morocco, 113 pairs (i.e. 226 mature individuals) nested, out of

319 adults in 2013, and produced 148 fledged young. In 2011, at least 100 pairs produced at least 130

fledged young, matching the breeding success of 2010, when 105 pairs fledged 138 young. After the

breeding season the total number of birds in the western population may have exceeded 500 in 2011-

2012, but most recently has been evaluated as 443 individuals. Only a single mature female returned to

Syria in 2013, and 2011 was the last successful breeding when a single breeding pair fledged two young.

The Turkish population now numbers around 100 individuals, but these managed birds are excluded from

the total estimate (BirdLife International 2014; Smith et al 2000).

CAUSES OF POPULATION CHANGE

Combination of factors, especially disturbance and persecution by man from hunting and also the loss of

habitat, poisoning from pesticides and the construction of dams.

CONSERVATION TARGETS/ RESEARCH PRIORITIES:

(1): Conduct research into their habitat requirements and feeding and breeding biology (Bowden et al

2003); (2) monitor numbers and breeding success; (3) try to prevent disturbance and development near

their key breeding and roosting sites; (4) establish their ecological requirements and use this information

to try to reintroduce captive-bred birds into previously occupied sites (Brindley et al 1995).

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2. Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis (Endangered)

©Ramki Streenivasan


There are two disjointed populations. The first is in Indian subcontinent, where it occurs in fragmented

subpopulations in the region of Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Arrunachal in India as well as an isolated

subpopulation in the terai of Nepal. It formally occurred in Bangladesh but is thought extinct there. The

other population is in South-East Asia where it occurs in Cambodia and adjacent southern Vietnam

(BirdLife International 2000).


The population of this species is decreasing and it is classified as endangered. The population in Cambodia

was estimated at 294 displaying males or c.600 individuals in 2009, but recently an extensive survey has

reported a total of only 432 individuals (95% CI 312-550). 75-96 individuals remain in Nepal. No recent

estimates are known from India but the total global population for this species is likely to fall in the range

250-999 mature individuals. This equates to 375-1,499 individuals in total, rounded here to 350-1,500

individuals (BirdLife International 2014).


The primary cause of the decrease in numbers is the significant loss and modification of its grassland

habitat through the conversion to agriculture, drainage, overgrazing, over cutting, inappropriate burning

regimes, flooding, hunting, human disturbance and the trampling of nests by livestock (BirdLife

International 2000).


(1): Conduct surveys for populations, especially in Cambodia; (2) monitor current populations; (3) expand

and connect existing protected areas and establish new ones; (3) promote and implement rotational

burning, grazing and cutting regimes in protected areas; (4) control human disturbance and hunting; (5)

facilitate the regeneration of grassland habitats; (5) promote awareness campaigns about grassland

conservation; (6) integrate these efforts with existing strategies to conserve bustards in India.

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3. Lesser Florican Sypheotides indica (Endangered)

© Rakesh Ranjan


This species breeds in several isolated sub-populations in India and disperses within India in the non-

breeding season. It has also been recorded in Pakistan and is a summer migrant to Nepal.


Formally far more common, the Lesser Florican has declined in numbers throughout its range. By 1994 its

numbers were estimated at around 2200 birds. It is now classified by the IUCN Red List as Endangered



Pressure from hunting for sport and food, loss and degradation of its grassland habitat from overgrazing

and conversion for agriculture. It is also particularly susceptible to climate change



(1): Monitor and update population size and status; (2) Try to establish a network of grassland habitats and

demarcate protected areas; (3) Improve the management of grasslands through sustainable use; (4)

Involve local people to act as guardians in protecting floricans and their habitat; (5) Integrate these efforts

with existing strategies to conserve bustards in India.

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4. Spotted Ground Thrush Zoothera guttata (Endangered)

©Sion Stanton


This species occurs in a number of widespread but localized areas with limited connectivity between them.

These include Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, possibly in Mozambique with isolated populations in Kenya

(Arabuko-Sokoke Forest) and Tanzania (Litipo and Rondo Plateau Forest Reserve) and Malawi (Bennun and

Njoroge 1999). The coastal forest patches in Tanzania are under pressure and becoming increasingly

fragmented. Wintering habitat in Kenya is also under pressure (Waiyaki & Bennun 1999). Single specimens

have been collected in the DRC and Sudan.


This fragmented range with increasing threats to its habitat suggests it should be classified as Endangered.

Its population in the year 2000 was thought to be between 1000 and 2500 birds but decreasing (BirdLife



Increasing habitat destruction and associated disturbance is the primary threat to this species. In South

Africa mining has destroyed much of its wintering habitat (Barnes 2000).


(1): Identify habitats and breeding sites for this species and areas that could connect their migratory

patterns, particularly in Tanzania and Mozambique; (2) Clarify the status of its forest habitat in South Africa

and improve protection at these sites; (3) Promote the conservation of water resources within the

remaining forest reserves in Malawi; (4) Investigate its status in Sudan and DRC (BirdLife International

2000).

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5. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (Endangered)

©Johan Stenlund


Emberiza aureola breeds across the northern Palaearctic from Finland, Belarus and Ukraine in the west,

through Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia, to far eastern Russia, Korea and northern Japan. In the autumn,

birds stop-over in large numbers to moult in the Yangtze Valley, China, before continuing on to their winter

quarters. It winters in a relatively small region in South and South-East Asia, which includes eastern Nepal,

north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.


It was formerly classified as a near threatened species by the IUCN .However it has declined severely in

most breeding areas and it has completely disappeared from parts of its former breeding range since the

early 1990s. Severe declines have been noted in Finland, Kazakhstan, Hokkaido, Japan and Mongolia

(BirdLife International 2014b). It is estimated to have declined by at least 70% in European Russia between

2000 and 2010 suggesting a massive decline in the core range (BirdLife International

2014b). Consequently, it was uplisted to vulnerable status in 2008 and then to endangered in 2013.


Since many populations on pristine breeding grounds have dropped rapidly, the decline is likely to be

driven by excessive trapping at migration and, in particular, wintering sites (Chan 2004) Roosting flocks in

reedbeds are disturbed and then caught in mist-nets, they are cooked and sold as "rice-birds"; this practice

was formerly restricted to a small area of southern China, but has now become more widespread and

popular owing to increasing affluence, and hunters now have to travel widely to find sufficient birds.

CONSERVATION TARGETS/ RESEARCH PRIORITIES

(1): A programme of co-ordinated range-wide monitoring and action is badly needed to quantify the

magnitude of the decline and reduce the impact of threats; (2) Implement a programme of co-ordinated

range-wide monitoring at breeding, passage and non-breeding sites, in order to quantify the rate of

decline. Through awareness campaigns, reduce the demand for the species as a food item, mascot and

merit-bird; (3) Research its precise habitat requirements on the wintering grounds; (4) Protect sites which

still hold large numbers on the wintering grounds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_threatened

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUCN

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulnerable_species

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered

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6. Basara Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis (Endangered)

©Mike Pope


Acrocephalus griseldis breeds in the Mesopotamian marshes of south-east Iraq (between Baghdad and

Basra) (Maltby 1994) and probably in south-west Iran in the Hawr Al Hawizeh marsh complex of Khuzestan

two pairs have been recorded breeding in Israel. It winters in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, south

Somalia, south-east Kenya (Urban et al. 1997), east Tanzania, south Malawi (few records) and

Mozambique. It is regular on passage in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (where it may breed).


The population is estimated to number 2,500-9,999 individuals based on an assessment of known records,

descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for

congeners or close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated

Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied. This estimate is equivalent to 1,667-6,666 mature individuals,

rounded here to 1,500-7,000 mature individuals.


Since the 1950s there has been considerable loss of its shallow, marshy wetland habitat due to large-scale

hydrological projects throughout the Euphrates and Tigris river-basins (Maltby 1994). Improvement in

access to the region, with consequent increases in settlement, has resulted in increased disturbance and

water pollution (Maltby 1994). The 130,000 ha Tana River Delta in Kenya, a key wintering site, is

threatened by large-scale conversion for agriculture (food and biofuels), including Kenyan based

organisations wanting to establish huge sugar cane plantations on over 70,000 ha of land, companies from

Canada and the UK wanting to grow oil seed crops on over 60,000 ha, possible mining in the sand dunes

and prospecting for oil and gas (RSPB 2012).


(1): Confirm whether Acrocephalus griseldis breeds in the marshes of Khuzestan, Iran; (2) Continue to

monitor migrating birds at Ngulia (Kenya) to assess population trends; (3) Conduct surveys to assess

whether the species now breeds in sub-optimal habitats, e.g. further up the Euphrates/Tigris north of

Baghdad; (4) Investigate possibilities for habitat restoration (BirdLife International 2014).

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7. Southern Bald Ibis Gerontics calvus (Vulnerable)

©Althepal, en.Wikipedia


Occur in north-east South Africa, Lesotho and west Swaziland, with a range of some 200 000 square

kilometres.


Classified as Vulnerable. Estimated total population size: approximately 8000, comprising of 2000 breeding

pairs (Henderson et al 2012). In South Africa there are over 1500 breeding pairs at just over 100 colonies

(although about 25% occurs at 5 sites). In Swaziland there are three main breeding colonies supporting 10

pairs each and a total population of about 110 birds. In Lesotho the bird still occurs in fairly high numbers,


Habitat loss through intensive crop farming, poisoning from pesticides, commercial afforestation, opencast

mining, acid rain and human settlement. In Lesotho birds are killed for ceremonial purposes. Also natural

predation from raptors.


(1) Assess its status in Lesotho from surveys; (2) Start range-wide monitoring to help clarify population

trends. (3) Protect as many as the larger breeding colonies and feeding areas as possible. (4) Identify uses

of grassland with fewer negative impacts than forestry and provide incentives for their rapid adoption.

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8. Great Bustard Otis tarda (Vulnerable)

© Ignacio Yufera


This species breeds in Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria,

Yugoslavia, Romania, Moldova, Turkey, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan,

Uzbekistan, Mongolia and China (BirdLife International 2000). Its Palearctic range is becoming increasingly

disjunct with rapid declines throughout eastern Europe and Asia. The population in north-eastern China

and Mongolia is now separated from those in Kazakhstan, similarly from those in Ukraine and Russia. The

populations in Portugal and Spain, the latter of which supports the highest numbers, are also becoming

increasingly isolated.


The total population is estimated to number 44,054-57,005 individuals, rounded here to 44,000-57,000

individuals (BirdLife International 2014). Highest sub-populations occur in Spain, Russia and China.


Main threats are increased human disturbance, mainly due to the expanding agriculture practices industry

throughout its range. Ploughing of grasslands, over-grazing by livestock, chemical fertilizers and pesticides

as well as irrigation schemes have led to habitat loss and declines in their population. Afforestation and the

construction of roads, powerlines, fences as well as hunting in Ukraine and China are also major threats

(Chan and Goroshko 1998).


(1): Identify the limiting factors; (2) Identify protect and manage their breeding areas; (3) Try to ensure the

availability of habitat in their wintering range; (4) Establish new protected areas in east Asia and maintain

existing ones; (5) Try to mitigate the impacts of agriculture by promoting low-intensive farming in their

range; (6) Mitigate the effects of fire, illegal hunting and collision with power lines; (7) Raise public

awareness (BirdLife International 2000).

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9. Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea (Vulnerable)

©Warwick Tarboton


The Blue Swallow is an intra-African migrant that breeds in South Africa, west Swaziland, Zimbabwe,

Malawi, north-east Zambia, south-western Tanzania, west Mozambique and southeast DRC (BirdLife

International 2000). It is a non-breeding visitor to north-east DRC, south Uganda and west Kenya.


The total population has declined by an estimated 36-56% since the 1850s, and is now estimated at

approximately 1500 to 3800 individuals. Estimated numbers of breeding pairs may be less than one

expects, as when nests are surveyed they are assumed to indicate one breeding pair each, which may not

be the case in this facultative cooperative breeder, and it has been observed that some nests are not used

after construction (Wakelin 2007). The largest population is in Tanzania and Malawi, it is uncommon in

Uganda and Kenya, rare in Zambia and Zimbabwe and critically endangered in Swaziland and South Africa



The Blue Swallow is threatened by destruction and degradation of its grassland habitat on both its

breeding grounds and wintering sites. This included human settlement, cultivation, intensive livestock

farming, intense grazing, burning, and invasion of exotic trees

(Keith et al 1992; Nasirwa and Njoroge 1997).


(1): Identify key wintering sites and conserve them; (2) Survey and monitor breeding populations and

trends at less well-studied sites; (3) Control and remove non-native plants at breeding sites; (4) Assess

effects of grassland fires on spread of non-native plants.

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10. Pale-backed Pigeon Columba eversmanni (Vulnerable)

© Kumpulan Kliping Hare


This species is known to breed in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmensitan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan,

Afghanistan, northeast Iran and north-west China. Pale-backed Pigeons move south towards the Arabian

Seas during the winter where they frequent Pakistan and north-west India during this season.


During the 19th and 20th centuries huge flocks occurred in their wintering grounds, particularly in the

Punjab, India. However their population has declined rapidly. The current population size is thought to

number 15,000-30,000 individuals (BirdLife International 2014)


Habitat loss and degradation, exploitation from hunting (especially China). In India, cultivation and

conversion of habitat to wheat and rice has reduced habitat in wintering areas. In east Kazkhstan

destruction of polar woodland is believed to have had a major negative impact on the breeding population.


(1): Clarify the size and distribution, key threats and habitat requirements within its breeding range; (2)

Similarly survey habitat requirement on their wintering range; (3) Improve the management of protected

areas where this species occurs and protect important breeding habitat from further degradation; (4)

Protect it from hunting pressures especially in China and India (BirdLife International 2000).

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11. Marsh grassbird Megalurus pryeri (Vulnerable)

© Japanese Class.jp


This species is known to breed at only six localities in Japan and one site in China and Russia respectively. It

winters in Honshu and Shikoku Islands, Japan and the Yangtze basin in China. This species has also been

recorded in eastern Mongolia and South Korea, and is thought to also occur in North Korea (BirdLife



The population is thought to be in the range of 2500 to 10 000 individuals but is thought to be decreasing.

The population in Japan was estimated to be approximately 1000 birds in the year 2000 (BirdLife



The main threat to this species is the loss and degradation of marshes in its breeding and wintering

grounds. Some of its breeding sites are also being converted to agriculture. Wetlands along the Nen Jiang

river in China are threatened by oilfield development, reed harvesting and the alteration of water-levels

sue to irrigation. Pollution and hunting are also threats in China. In Japan, many breeding areas are in

abandoned rice-fields which would be lost if agriculture production renews there (BirdLife International

2000).


(1): Survey potential breeding grounds in Russia, China and North Korea; (2) Develop habitat management

plans at key breeding sites; (3) Ensure legal protection in all range countries and within all important sites


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12. Bristled Grasssbird Chaetornis striatus (Vulnerable)

© PM Laad


This species occurs primarily in northern India and the terai of southern Nepal, with isolated sub-

populations in Pakistan.


The population was estimated at between 2500 and 10 000 in the year 2000, but thought to be decreasing

in numbers (BirdLife International 2000). It has declined in many parts of India and Bangladesh, where it

was formally common.


Degradation of its grassland habitat, primarily through drainage and conversion to agriculture. The

remaining habitat is vulnerable to intense pressure from human encroachment, fire, grass harvesting,

grazing by livestock, commercial frosty plantations, dam construction and irrigation schemes (Birdlife



(1): Conduct surveys to establish its current distribution and population status; (2) Investigate its

behavioural ecology and seasonal movements, both inside and outside protected areas to identify the

effects of differing land-use; (3) Identify the most important sites for this species, try to prioritize such sites

for formal protection; (4) Try to regulate and mitigate the harvesting of grass and encroachment at its key

sites (BirdLife International 2000).

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Grey Sided Thrush Turdus feae (Vulnerable)

© Ayuwat J (from Bird Forum.net)


This species breeds in the mountains of north-east China and appears to over-winter in north-east India,

Myanmar, north-west Thailand and Laos. It breeds in temperate deciduous oak forest and pine forest at

an altitude of between 1000 and 1900 metres and winters in evergreen forest generally at higher altitudes



Given the relatively small number of recent records and its apparent low population density, this species

could have a small total population, i.e. fewer than 10,000 individuals. The global population is estimated

to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals. The population in China at 100-10,000 breeding pairs and 50-

1,000 individuals on migration (BirdLife International 2014). The population of this species is thought to be

decreasing and it is classified as Vulnerable.


Deforestation is thought to be the main cause of population decline, especially in China. In Thailand and

Myanmar, forests are being affected by agriculture, wood collection and fire (BirdLife International 2000).


(1): Study the ecology and breeding habitat requirements in order to develop optimal forest management

practices in the protected areas in which it occurs; (2) Investigate the overlap between protected areas

demarcated for the Brown-eared Pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum and the conservation of the Grey-

sided Thrush. (3) List as a protected species in China; (4) Promote the extension of Pangquangou National

Nature Reserve and strengthen the protection at Lao Ling and Baihuashan Nature Reserve in China


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14. Machurian Reed-warbler Acrocephalus tangorum (Vulnerable)


This species breeds in south-east Russia and north-east China, and is known to winter in Thailand. It also

occurs as a passage migrant in Vietnam, although rare. It is thought to also possibility over-winter at Laos

and Cambodia.


The overall population is small (fewer than 10 000) and decreasing and thus species is classified as

Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2014).


The main threat is the loss of suitable marshland habitat especially in its wintering grounds, due to

urbanization, reclamation, encroachment from plantations of eucalyptus and coconut palms, and

contamination of the water from farming practices.


(1) Rehabilitate reed swamps where possible; (2) Survey suitable habitat in its breeding and wintering

ranges to clarify population size and distribution; (3) Protect Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Thailand

and propose ways whereby ecological objectives which help protect this species are compatible with the

aspirations of the local people; (4) Encourage Thailand to ratify the Ramsar Convention in general (BirdLife


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15. Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (Vulnerable)

©Vytautas JUSYS


This species breeds across a fragmented range in Hungary, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Germany and

Lithuania. It is thought to winter in West Africa.


Estimated numbers and population size per country (based on records of singing males as per Aquatic

Warbler Conservation Team 1999; Kozulin and Flade 1999) are Hungary: 600; Poland: 2900-3000; Belarus:

7300 – 13000; Ukraine: 2400-3400; European Russia: 10-500; Germany: 40-50 and Lithuania: 250-400.

Two-thirds of the known population has been discovered since 1995. Total population is estimated at

between 13 500 and 21 000 singing males. Overall the species is classified as vulnerable due to declines in

the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy (BirdLife International 2000).


The major threats are loss of breeding habitat due to drainage for agriculture, damning of floodplains and

canalizations of rivers. Uncontrolled fires are also a threat. In the wintering grounds drought, wetland

drainage, intensive grazing, desertification and salinization of irrigated soils are all potential threats



(1): Conduct surveys in Siberia to assess its status there; (2) Implement a monitoring programme; (3)

Protect key breeding sites; (4) Promote protection of the species and its habitat in wintering areas and

along the migration route; (5) Ensure legal protection (BirdLife International 2000).

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16.Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subrubra (Vulnerable)

© Varun HB


The Kashmir Flycatcher breeds in Pakistan (Neelum Valley and Kaz-i-nag Range), and the extreme

northwest of India (in Kashmir and the Pir Panjal range). It is thought to migrate south from here during

the winter months where it occurs in the hills of central-southern Sri Lanka, and also the southern Western

Ghats in India. It occurs as a passage migrant in Nepal and as a vagrant to Bhutan



Formally much more common, it is now classified as Vulnerable, with an estimated (declining) population.

It is unlikely that it currently numbers more than a few thousand (perhaps 1500 – 7000) individuals



The species is declining due to habitat loss and degradation due to commercial timber extraction,

conversion of its habitat for agriculture, grazing by livestock (BirdLife International 2000).


(1) Conduct surveys across its breeding range to establish its current population status; (2) Conduct

detailed research into its breeding habitat requirements; (3) Identify key breeding and wintering sites and

campaign for protection of these sites; (4) Provide support for more effective management of protected

areas within its range (BirdLife International 2000).

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17. Dark-rumped Swift Apus acuticauda (Vulnerable)

© James Eaton


The Dark-rumped Swift is known from only a few breeding colonies in the hills of Meghalaya and Mizoram

in north-east India and the adjacent Himalayan foothills of Bhutan. It is thought to possibly overwinter in

Thailand and Myanmar.


This species is very scarce. The population is thought to number 250-999 individuals, based on estimates of

breeding colony sizes ranging from a few to 200 individuals. This estimate equates to 167-666 mature

individuals, rounded here to 150-700 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2014). However it is

possible that other breeding sites occur but have not been recorded as yet.


There are no significant known threats to this species.


(1): Protect existing colonies; (2) Conduct surveys across its known breeding range to assess its population

status, seasonal movements and possible threats (BirdLife International 2000).

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/files/pictures/darkrumpedswift.jpg

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18.Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei (Vulnerable)

©Pete Morris


This species breeds in the extreme southeast regions of Russia, as well as various islands in Japan and off

South Korea. It also occurs in Taiwan and as a passage migrant along the eastern coast of China, and is

presumed to overwinter in the coastal wetlands of south China.


The population is thought to be a few thousand individuals. However the species is poorly known and

difficult to detect. It is classified as Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2000). National population estimates

include: < c.100 breeding pairs and < c.1,000 individuals on migration in China; < c.50 individuals on

migration and < c.50 wintering individuals in Taiwan; c.100-10,000 breeding pairs and c.50-1,000

individuals on migration in Korea; c.100-10,000 breeding pairs and c.50-1,000 individuals on migration in

Japan and c.100-10,000 breeding pairs and c.50-1,000 individuals on migration in Russia. The total

population is placed in the range of 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, equating to 3,750-14,999 individuals,

rounded here to 3,500-15,000 individuals (BirdLife International 2014).


The primary threat to this species is habitat loss and degradation.


(1): Survey small islands within its potential breeding range and suitable habitat within its wintering range

in order to clarify its population, habitat requirements and threats; (2) Extend the boundaries of the Far

Eastern Marine Reserve in Peter the Great Bay, to include islands where it breeds; (3) Strengthen

protection of the buffer zones around Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve and control development where

possible (BirdLife International 2000).

Returns to Nature

19. White-throated Bush Chat Saxicola insignis (Vulnerable)


This species breeds primarily in the mountains of Mongolia. It appears that it migrates through northern

and western China and overwinters in northern India and Nepal.


The population size is estimated at between 2500 and 10 000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2000). This is

equivalent to 3,750-14,999 individuals in total, rounded here to 3,500-15,000 individuals (BirdLife International

2014). Formally a lot more common the population is decreasing and this species is now rare and local in its

wintering range.


The major threat appears to be the rapid and extensive loss and modification of grasslands in its wintering

grounds, as a result of drainage, conversion to agriculture, overgrazing, grass harvesting for thatch

production and inappropriate grassland management within protected areas. (BirdLife International 2000).


(1): In order to identify important sites for this species and associated threats, it has been recommended

that further surveys for the species across its breeding and wintering range should be conducted. (2) In

order to adequately conserve remaining tracts of natural grassland, it has been recommended that

protected areas where this species occurs should be extended, upgraded and linked to existing protected

areas and new protected areas should be established. (3) Widespread conservation awareness initiatives

focusing on sustainable management of grassland should be promoted in order to maximize both available

habitat for threatened grassland birds without compromising the productive harvesting of thatching grass

for local people.

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20. Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami (Near threatened)

©Norfolk Birding


This species occurs in southern Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Ghana, Ivory

Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan,

Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Congo, Gabon, Angola, Malawi, Zambia,

Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, southern Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.


Although very widely distributed, it has suffered population declines through much, if not all of its range

(Urban et al 1986).


Hunting is the primary cause of declines across the Sahel (Newby 1990) and throughout West Africa. In

southern Africa the main threat appears to be conversion of grassland habitats to agriculture (Collar 1996).


(1) Promote stewardship arrangements which may benefit Stanley’s bustard (for example in the

Overberg, South Africa); (2) Maintain suitable habitats; (3) regulate indiscriminate hunting;

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21. Houbara Bustard Chamydotis undulata (Near threatened)

©Stephen Burch


This species occurs over a wide range, from northern Africa to China. There are three subspecies: -

C.u.undulata occurs in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia. C.u.fuertaventurae occurs on the Canary Islands, Spain.

C.u.macqueenii breeds in the Middle East, and from eastern Iran to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and

China. Populations from some subregions are thought to mix on the wintering grounds (Goriup 1997).


The overall population may is estimated at 60 000 birds but may be as high as 100 000 birds. This includes

the various subspecies – C.u.undulata approximately 10 000 birds; C.u.macquuenii, 39 000 – 52 000 birds;

C.u.fuertaventurae is the least common with only 700 individuals. Overall declines have been reported

from Bahrain, Jordan, Iran, Iraq and India (BirdLife International 2000).


The main threats are habitat loss and degradation as desert areas are developed for agriculture and

infrastructure projects. These are compounded by high hunting pressure from falconers


(1): Mitigate the impacts from agriculture; (2) Regulate falconry practices.

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22. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax (Near Threatened)

© Mike Watson


This species has two widely separated breeding populations. In its eastern range it is most common in

Kazakhstan and Russia and also occurs in Ukraine, northwest China, northern Italy and Turkey. In its

western range it is most common in Spain and Portugal and also occurs in smaller numbers in Italy, France

and possibly Morocco (BirdLife International 2000).


This species in classified as Near-threated as the global population is still over 200 000 individuals (BirdLife

International 2000). However it has declined rapidly since the 19th century, and it is extinct in a number of

countries where it formally occurred.


The main cause of its decline has been the conversion of dry grassland and low intensity cultivation to

intensive farming such as monocultures. It is also threatened by irrigation and afforestation. Specifically

the main threats to the little bustard are related to farming and land use changes, include killing of females

and juveniles by farm machinery during harvesting; insufficient insect food leading to starvation and low

breeding success and habitat loss and fragmentation (edge effects) causing local extinctions (Inigo & Barov

2010). It is also threatened by illegal hunting.


(1) Maintain the current distribution of the little bustard and prevent local extinctions; (2) Increase the productivity of the breeding populations to more than 1 chick per female; (3) Apply suitable mitigation

measures (to reduce mortality) and agri-environmental schemes (to ensure suitable habitats for nesting and abundant insect food for chick rearing); (4) Maintain Steppe and steppe-like habitats with diverse

structure throughout the range; (5) Protect steppes as a priority habitat and their conversion to other land-uses (arable farming, infrastructure development, afforestation) has to be prevented (Inigo & Barov 2010).

Returns to Nature

23. Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus (Near Threatened)

© www.hulabirdfestival.org


This species only breeds in mountainous regions in the middle-east (Syria, Lebanon, Mount Hermon in

Israel and Jordon). In winter, birds in Jordon disperse locally (Khoury 1999), and the breeding grounds in

Lebanon, Syria and Israel are completely vacated for wintering grounds that probably comprise desert and

semi-arid country at lower altitudes as far afield as Egypt and Iraq (Evans 1994).


The total population is estimated at not more than 4000 individuals (Khoury 1999) which includes 1000-

1250 individuals in Jordon, and 100-360 individuals in Israel (Evans 1994).


This species may be negatively affected by excessive tree cutting, grazing and water abstraction as it feeds

on the seeds of annual grasses and herbs and requires daily access to water (Khoury 1999).


(1): Update and verify population sizes throughout its range; (2) Continue monitoring efforts in Jordon; (3)

Reassess its conservation status with consideration for up-listing to CMS Appendix I.

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24. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites aubruficollis (Near threatened)

© Polina Clarke


This species breeds along arctic coasts from central Alaska, USA to Devon Island, Canada, with a disjunct

sub-population on Wrangle Island and west Chukotka in Russia. Birds winter in South America, including

Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.


This species used to be abundant at the beginning of the twentieth century, but was brought to the brink

of extinction due to hunting by the 1920s. The global population is estimated to number c.16,000-84,000

individuals (Morrison et al. 2006)


The breeding grounds may be affected by habitat loss and degradation, and environmental contaminants.

Exposure on migration to toxic chemicals and pollutants in its agricultural feeding grounds may pose a

threat, and is being investigated further (Lanctot 2006, McCarty et al. 2009)


(1): Implement priority actions identified at the Buff-breasted Sandpiper symposium; (2) Ascertain the

population size and trend for the species; (3) Complete a species action plan; (4) Conserve key staging and

wintering grasslands; (5) Investigate the quality of foraging habitat and the influence of contaminants at

the agricultural feeding grounds used on migration (McCarty et al. 2009).

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25. Tytler’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri (Near threatened)

© Jayaram Jahgirdar


Phylloscopus tytleri breeds in the western Himalayas in Pakistan and Kashmir, India (generally from 2,000-

3,600 m), passes through Nepal in small numbers during migration and winters mainly in the Western

Ghats and Deccan hillocks of peninsular India (Praveen 2007).


It is scarce to locally common in Pakistan and Kashmir, rare in Nepal, and infrequently recorded in its

wintering range, partly due to identification difficulties.


Declines are likely to be occurring as a result of habitat loss and degradation in both breeding and

wintering grounds.In its breeding range, forests are under constant threat from timber extraction,

excessive cutting for fuelwood and animal fodder, livestock grazing and burning. In its wintering range,

increasing encroachment into forests, livestock grazing, hydroelectric power development, road-building

and the harvesting of fuelwood and huge quantities of forest products such as bamboo and canes are

causing reductions in forest cover in the Western Ghats.


(1) Conduct repeated surveys within the breeding range to assess its current distribution and

abundance, as well as identify population trends and rates of habitat loss; (2) Conduct wider

surveys in areas surrounding known winter sites to determine the full extent of the winter range;

(3) Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements,

tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation in both winter and summer ranges;

(4) Effectively protect significant areas of suitable forest at key sites on both breeding and wintering

grounds, in both strictly protected areas and community-led multiple use areas (BirdLife


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26. Japanese Waxwing Bombycilla japonica (Near Threatened)

©Mark Oxley


The Japanese Waxwing breeds only in the far east of Russia where it occurs in coniferous forests. It is a

non-breeding visitor to Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan (BirdLife International 2000).


It is locally common on the breeding grounds, but given its limited range, the total population is expected

to be small. It is uncommon and sporadic in Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan (BirdLife International

2000).


The Japanese Waxwing is thought to be negatively affected by the logging and development of its natural

forest habitat (BirdLife International 2000).


(1) Closely monitor this species in its breeding grounds and non-breeding grounds; (2) mitigate the

effects of logging and development and protect the habitats where it occurs.

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27. Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica (Near threatened)

©Nobuo Matsumura


Coturnix japonica breeds in eastern Asia, including northern Mongolia, Sakhalin Island and the Baikal and

Vitim regions of Russia, north-eastern China, Japan, North Korea and South Korea. Some populations in

Japan are resident, but most birds migrate south, wintering in southern China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia,

Myanmar, Bhutan and north-eastern India (del Hoyo et al. 1994). There are also introduced populations in

Italy and Hawaii (USA).


No reliable population estimate exists, and although the species was previously considered to be fairly

common in China (del Hoyo et al. 1994), declines appear to have occurred in Laos (Duckworth 2009) and

Japan (Okuyama 2004), and there are fears that the species has undergone a significant decline overall (del

Hoyo et al. 1994, Duckworth 2009).


Specific threats to the species are unknown, although it may be threatened by agricultural change in Asia

(Duckworth 2009). Hunting is a threat in Japan (Okuyama 2004), and is likely to be a threat elsewhere in its

range.


(1) Obtain an up-to-date population estimate; (2) Develop a monitoring scheme to establish population

trends; (3) Identify and assess the impacts of known and potential threats throughout its range


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28. Ochre-rumped Bunting Emberiza yessoensis (Near threatened)

©John Wright


This species breeds in wetlands with tall grass and scrub in Primorye in extreme south-east Russia, Japan,

north-east China and is a passage migrant and visitor to North Korea, where it is thought to breed (BirdLife



The Ochre-rumped Bunting is uncommon or rare throughout its range. National population estimates

include: c.100-10,000 breeding pairs, c.50-1,000 individuals on migration and < 50 wintering individuals in

China; < 1,000 wintering individuals in Korea; c.100-10,000 breeding pairs, c.50-1,000 individuals on

migration and < 50 wintering individuals in Japan and c.100-10,000 breeding pairs and c.50-1,000

individuals on migration in Russia (Brazil 2009). Overall, the global population may number c.10,000-19,999

individuals. This equates to 6,667-13,333 mature individuals, rounded here to 6,000-15,000 mature

individuals (BirdLife International 2014).


While the reason for its apparent decline is not known it is presumably declining still because of the loss

and degradation of wetland habitat within its breeding range, and the destruction of coastal marshes in its

Asian wintering grounds (BirdLife International 2014d).


(1): Monitor the population to identify trends and its status; (2) Research the potential threats that may be

driving declines and take appropriate measures to reduce these; (3) Protect areas of important habitat

(BirdLife International 2014d).

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29. Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea (Near threatened)

©Mike Pope


This species comprises of two different races. The nominate race breeds on a number of islands in Greece

(such as Chios, Sykros, Samos) with between 100 and 250 pairs, and is also found in Turkey. E.c. semenowi

occurs more in Iraq and Iran (for example in the Zagros mountain range). It winters in a range of habitats in

north-east Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, south-west Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Passage birds may be found in

Syria, Lebanon, Jordon, Israel, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.


Based on estimates of 2,600-7,800 breeding pairs in Europe and less than 100 pairs in Iran, the population

is estimated to number 5,400-15,800 mature individuals, roughly equating to 8,000-24,000 individuals in

total. Based on estimates of 2,600-7,800 breeding pairs in Europe and less than 100 pairs in Iran, the

population is estimated to number 5,400-15,800 mature individuals, roughly equating to 8,000-24,000

individuals in total (BirdLife International 2014).


Changes in grazing pressure by sheep and goats may affect the population size. High grazing pressure could

result in the trampling of nests whilst too little grazing could reduce the area of open feeding sites.

Remaining habitat in western Turkey is being developed rapidly for tourism. Suitable habitats in south-east

Turkey have been flooded by dam construction, resulting both in direct habitat loss and the relocation of

displaced villagers to new, currently unpopulated areas (BirdLife International 2014c).


(1): Survey suitable habitat within the putative wintering grounds (Walther et al. 2004; Walther 2006); (2)

Develop a Species Action Plan; (3) Develop a monitoring programme to assess population trends. Assess

threats to the species and develop appropriate responses.

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30. Firethroat Luscinia pectardens (Near threatened)

© birdingecotours.com


Luscinia pectardens breeds in Sichuan, Yunnan and south-east Tibet, China, and is a non-breeding visitor to

the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, India, northern Myanmar and Bangladesh.


This species is very poorly known and the only recent records are from one site in China. Although the rest

of its possible range has not been well surveyed it is possible that the species is genuinely rare and

therefore it is perhaps best placed in the band 10,000-19,999 individuals. This equates to 6,667-13,333

mature individuals, rounded here to 6,000-15,000 mature individuals.


It has presumably been affected by deforestation from logging and agricultural expansion on both the

breeding and wintering grounds.


(1) Survey within its known breeding range to determine habitat preference and density estimates; (2) Use

these to identify other potentially key areas, survey these and generate population estimates; (3) Assess

the impacts of forest loss within its breeding and inferred wintering ranges using satellite imagery and

remote sensing; (4) Protect key breeding strongholds; (5) Collate available winter records and analyse

patterns of distribution and habitat use to improve knowledge of its winter distribution (BirdLife


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31. Derbyan Parakeet Psittacula derbiana (Near Threatened)

© Douglas Janson


As of the 2011 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species its status was updated from Least Concern to Near

Threatened. Psittacula derbiana occurs from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, India, to southern China,

including south-eastern Tibet, western Szechwan and western Yunnan (del Hoyo et al. 1997, Juniper and

Parr 1998.)


Local extinctions and locally falling numbers (Zeidler and Francis 2011) suggest that the species is in decline

overall. It is perhaps the rarest of all species of Psittacula in mainland Asia.


This species's population is suspected to be undergoing a moderately rapid decline owing due to trapping

for the illegal wildlife trade The species was formerly threatened by logging campaigns that resulted in the

loss of much breeding habitat; however, this threat ended in the 1990s (Zeidler and Francis 2011). Today,

old-growth trees, some of which provide nest-holes, are still felled for house construction and firewood,

even in protected forests (Zeidler and Francis 2011). Recent observations indicate that this species is

subject to heavy trapping pressure and egg-collecting for the pet trade (Zeidler and Francis 2011) where it

fetches a high price in the black market.


(1): Monitor population trends and trapping pressure; (2) tackle the threat of trade through the

enforcement of legislation and awareness-raising activities; (3) increase the number of sites that are

robustly protected; (4) Support monks that carry out wildlife protection activities (Zeidler and Francis

2011); (5) assess the effectiveness of a nest-box scheme (Zeidler and Francis 2011).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUCN_Red_List_of_Threatened_Species

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Least_Concern

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psittacula

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32. European Roller Coracias garrulus (Near threatened)


Coracias garrulus occurs as two subspecies: the nominate breeds from Morocco, south-west and south-

central Europe and Asia Minor east through north-west Iran to south-west Siberia (Russia); and semenowi,

which breeds in Iraq, east to Kashmir and north to Turkmenistan, south Kazakhstan and north-west China.

The species overwinters in two distinct regions of Africa, from Senegal east to Cameroon and from

Ethiopia west to Congo and south to South Africa (BirdLife International 2014).


It has a large global population, including an estimated 100,000-220,000 individuals in Europe in 2004 (50-

74% of the global breeding range). However, following a moderate decline during 1970-1990, the species

has continued to decline by up to 25% across Europe during 1990-2000. Overall European declines

exceeded 30% in three generations (15 years). Populations in northern Europe have undergone severe

declines (Estonia: 50-100 pairs in 1998 to no known breeding pairs in 2004; Latvia: several thousand to

under 30 pairs in 2004, Lithuania: 1,000-2,000 pairs in 1970s to 20 pairs in 2004, and in Russia it has now

disappeared from the northern part of its range. Should this species be shown to be declining, it may

warrant uplisting it further to Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2014).


Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries and thousands, are shot for

food in Oman and India every spring. The loss of suitable breeding habitat due to changing agricultural

practices, conversion to monoculture, loss of nest sites, and use of pesticides (reducing food availability)

are considered to be the main threats to the species in Europe. (BirdLife International 2014).


(1): Continue monitoring population trends. Determine Turkish, Middle Eastern and Central Asian trends

and review its conservation status based on the findings; (2) Tackle specific threats such as hunting; (3)

Address threats in Europe relating to the Common Agricultural Policy and integrate appropriate measures

into agri-environment schemes; (4) Continue monitoring population trends; (5) Determine Turkish, Middle

Eastern and Central Asian trends and review its conservation status based on the findings; (6) Tackle

specific threats such as hunting; (7) Address threats in Europe relating to the Common Agricultural Policy

and integrate appropriate measures into agri-environment schemes (BirdLife International 2014).

Returns to Nature

PROPOSED GENERAL ACTIONS GOING FORWARD The following actions have been proposed by the BirdLife Coordinator of the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP), Temidayo Osinubi at the CMS COP 11 Preparatory meeting which took place in Zimbabwe, from 21-23 September 2014. These general actions would in many cases complement the specific conservation actions proposed for the threatened migratory species articulated in this report. The various CMS Parties/ National Focal Points have been encouraged to adopt and pursue these actions on a policy level. Habitat Conservation

1. Develop and implement new policies or review existing policies that maintain and manage natural and semi-natural habitats of value for migratory landbird species within otherwise wide-scale and/or intensively managed, or cropped, agricultural landscapes

2. Promote types of biodiversity-friendly farming systems 3. Develop landscape design principles and guidance to mitigate the negative consequences of large-

scale and/or intensive forms of agriculture on migratory landbird species and their habitats 4. Undertake Strategic Environmental Assessments 5. Develop land-use planning strategies, using an ecosystem approach 6. Promote agricultural policies that support participatory, sustainable natural resource management

practices 7. Work with and empower local communities to advocate, develop and implement participatory

approaches and incentives aimed at integrated, sustainable management of natural resources 8. Facilitate the sharing, internationally, of relevant pastoralist and small-scale agricultural

experiences and good practices 9. Endeavour to include migratory bird habitat requirements into existing initiatives that work with

farmers and local communities 10. Include the habitat requirements of migratory landbird species in the development and

implementation of national integrated woodland management plans. 11. Implement, and promote widely, the Ramsar Convention’s guidance on wetlands and river basin

management (Resolution X.19) 12. Regulate anthropogenic threats liable to cause degradation and/or loss of wetlands important for

migratory landbird species and initiate rehabilitation or restoration programmes, where feasible and appropriate

13. Ensure that new energy developments likely to have a significant impact on migratory landbird species adopt early-stage and high-level strategic planning processes involving Strategic Environmental Impact Assessments (SEA) and stakeholder consultation.

14. Ensure that a strategic approach is adopted with respect to the location of alternative renewable energy developments

15. Institute sustainable land-use and energy management policies 16. Seek to reduce the dependence on wood fuel 17. Ensure that planned new hydro-electric reservoirs and other schemes modifying

natural hydrology are subject to rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments 18. Mitigate effects of existing hydrodams by allowing well-managed, artificial

discharge/flooding downstream 19. Encourage the use of indigenous trees or other plants that are of high value to

migratory landbird species in appropriate afforestation or re-afforestation initiatives 20. Incorporate into measures being taken to implement the UN Convention to Combat

Desertification (UNCCD) considerations of migratory landbird species conservation

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21. Encourage local implementation of land-use management policies, potentially through appropriate incentive programmes

22. Undertake and publish national inventories of the sites of importance to migratory landbird species

23. Facilitate and promote designation of sites important to migratory landbird species under appropriate national and international conservation categories

24. Establish a Critical Site Network 25. Review and where necessary, establish and implement appropriate and effective

conservation management regimes 26. Promote participatory approaches in the planning, management and conservation of

sites 27. Implement measures outlined in AEWA Resolution 5.13 (Climate Change Adaptation

Measures for Waterbirds), Ramsar Resolution X.24 (Climate Change and Wetlands) and CMS Resolutions 9.7 (Climate Change Impact on Migratory Species) and 10.19 (Migratory Species Conservation in the Light of Climate Change) Taking and Trade

28. Identify migratory landbird species that are the subject of taking and trade 29. Ensure legal protection of migratory landbird species of greatest conservation concern 30. Establish limits on the number and means of taking of migratory landbird species and

provide adequate controls to ensure that these limits are observed 31. Give conservation priority to migratory landbird species with declining global

population trends 32. Regulate all taking and trade of migratory landbird species with increasing, stable or

unknown global population trends 33. Compile national lists of quarry migratory landbird species, hunting seasons and trade 34. Implement alternative livelihood programmes or captive breeding programmes for

migratory landbird species utilised as food sources34. Implement alternative livelihood programmes or captive breeding programmes for migratory landbird species utilised as food sources

35. Promote international cooperation between enforcement authorities and other stakeholders

36. Take action through existing legal instruments regulating domestic and/or international trade

37. Promote studies to evaluate the effect of human disturbance at key sites 38. Encourage the development and implementation of effective management plans at

sensitive sites 39. Promote studies to evaluate the effect of human disturbance at key sites

Encourage the development and implementation of effective management plans at sensitive sites

40. Conduct a national review to identify those species of migratory landbird species for which human-wildlife conflict is a potential problem

41. Ensure adequate statutory controls are in place, relating to the use of control procedures

42. Promote alternative, non-lethal means of avoiding conflict 43. Substitute, restrict or ban substances of high risk to migratory landbird species 44. Include migratory landbird criteria in Rotterdam Convention

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45. Encourage national legislative mechanism to monitor agricultural use of pesticide substance, and adoption of an integrated pest management (IPM) that incorporates a certification scheme for farmers

46. Discourage long-term or permanent baiting 47. Promote the use of, and awareness of, lead ammunition-free hunting, fishing and

wildlife management Other threats

48. In the event of a disease outbreak or mass mortality episode that may impact populations of migratory landbird species, conduct epidemiological and other research to inform mitigation, and response actions

49. Develop and implement emergency measures when exceptionally unfavourable or endangering conditions occur anywhere in the Action Plan area

50. Ensure appropriate legislation is in place and enforce it to restrict construction of structures posing potential collision risks

51. Introduce appropriate mitigation measures for the various collision risks Research and monitoring

52. Further develop existing and establish new international and local collaborative projects

53. Develop and implement standardised national monitoring schemes for migratory landbird species and their habitats

54. Encourage, support and promote standardised bird monitoring programmes at sites, ecological research to understand the ecological importance of these areas, and the publication of data and information so obtained\

55. Encourage the active use of existing regional and sub-regional online databases by Range State

56. Diagnose the causes of population change and undertake targeted ecological studies of selected ‘indicator species’ and relevant associated habitats

57. Understand the connections between ecological factors limiting migratory landbird populations and socio-economic issues and policies

58. Facilitate comprehensive gap analyses to identify and prioritise research needs, including an inventory of past and ongoing research within sub-regions of the Action Plan area

59. Encourage the development of the Migratory Landbird Species Study Group 60. Encourage researchers and funders to focus on the most important and urgent issues

for migratory landbird species conservation 61. Support the provision of targeted research and monitoring training

Education and awareness

62. Support and encourage public participation in ‘Friends of the Landbirds Action Plan’ (FLAP)

63. Encourage local, national and international engagement with private organisations and public agencies, especially in the development

64. Promote public experience of the wonder of migration and migratory landbird species by raising awareness and providing information

Returns to Nature

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Lanctot, R. 2006. Buff-breasted Sandpiper symposium. Wader Study Group Bulletin: 20-22

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McCarty, J. P.; Jorgensen, J. G.; Wolfenbarger, L. L. 2009. Behavior of Buff-breasted Sandpipers

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