Migratory shorebirds declining

Four UK waders are among 16 species worldwide that have been moved to higher threat categories on the global IUCN Red List, reflecting substantial declines in the past few decades.

The conservation status of Grey Plover, which overwinters on UK estuaries, has been revised from Least Concern to Vulnerable. Dunlin, another resident of our estuaries, is now classed as Near Threatened, as is Turnstone – a species preferring rocky shorelines.

Curlew Sandpiper, a scarce species that passes through the UK on its autumn migration, is also now Vulnerable.

Urgent action is needed in the UK and internationally to address such worrying trends.