Andy Hay/RSPB Images Lapwings are declining mainly as a result of agricultural intensification Zoom In

More of Europe’s birds in trouble

08-11-2004

The number of bird species in trouble across Europe is rising. The latest assessment, published in BirdLife’s new in-depth study, Birds in Europe, reveals that 226 species of birds – 43 per cent of all those occurring regularly in Europe – are facing an uncertain future. Some are now so threatened that they may disappear from parts of Europe in the very near future.

In the ten years since the publication of BirdLife’s original European study, 45 bird species have declined in numbers and now have an unfavourable conservation status.

A number of groups of species are facing particular problems. Many waders, including the Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, have declined largely because of drainage of lowland river valleys and upland habitat. Migratory birds wintering in sub-Saharan Africa and farmland birds such as the Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra have also declined. Even some familiar urban birds including the House Sparrow Passer domesticus and Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris have suffered big falls.

Chris Gomersall/RSPB Images Numbers of White-tailed Eagles have increased by more than 50% Zoom In

"The fact that more birds in Europe face an uncertain future compared with a decade ago is deeply worrying. Birds are excellent environmental indicators and the continued decline of many species sends a clear signal about the health of Europe’s wildlife and the poor state of our environment." —Clairie Papazoglou, Head of BirdLife’s European Community Office in Brussels

However, it is not all bad news. 14 bird species have seen their fortunes improve; thanks, in part, to concentrated conservation efforts. too. Better protection, partly as a result of the European Union's Birds Directive, has led to increases in the Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii – formerly one the continent's most threatened seabirds. Other winners include the Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus and the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla – two of Europe's largest birds of prey.

Mike Rands, BirdLife International’s Director said: "Conservation works. The increases in Audouin's Gull and Eurasian Griffon numbers reflect the considerable attention given to these priority species. The European Union and conservation groups are right to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Birds Directive today, but everyone must remain level-headed. The struggles facing many of Europe’s birds are immense."

Clairie Papazoglou, Head of BirdLife’s European Community Office in Brussels said: "The European Union has promised to halt the loss of wildlife in Europe by 2010. The latest Birds in Europe assessment highlights the sheer enormity of that task. The third assessment, already planned for ten years’ time, will reveal to the world whether the EU has kept its word or broken its promise."