Aves & Conservacion Flocks of shorebirds at the site often include Black-necked Stilt and Wilson's Phalarope. Zoom In

Important Bird Areas in the Americas recognised as crucial for shorebirds

30-01-2007

Conservationists have met in Ecuador to announce the formal designation of the latest in a list of sites highlighted as being of global importance for shorebirds.

The announcement was made during the meeting of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) and Waterbird Conservation Councils.

The meeting represented the first meeting of the Councils in South America, with the intention being to expand the Waterbird Conservation for the Americas initiative to address the full hemisphere including the interests of 29 nations.

The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) is a partnership of organisations working to protect shorebirds and their habitats by conserving key sites across the Americas. 

The meeting was hosted by Aves & Conservacion (BirdLife in Ecuador).

Lagunas de Ecuasal, a coastal lagoon, was first listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2004. The area has now been announced as a WHSRN Site of Regional Importance, the first to be identified in Ecuador. It joins those of eight other nations in a regional effort to conserve migratory birds at important sites across the Americas.

Sandra Loor-Vela, Director of Aves & Conservacion, said: "Ecuasal’s designation is a great opportunity to demonstrate that conservation can be carried out in conjunction with major economic activities. We are very excited that land owners and managers within Ecuasal are supportive of such efforts on their land.”

"Ecuasal’s designation is a great opportunity to demonstrate that conservation can be carried out in conjunction with major economic activities" —Sandra Loor-Vela, Director of Aves & Conservacion

Lagunas de Ecuasal is an artificial wetland system that has become an important site for many resident species. It also constitutes a unique refuge for migratory birds, especially in August and September when large flocks of shorebirds can be found along the water edges and dams.

Upon hearing of the site’s designation as a Site of Hemispheric Importance, Nicolás Febres Cordero Gallardo, Site Manager for Ecuasal operations said: “We are proud that it will be recognized globally and that it will benefit from the support of the international community in its conservation.”

The site is thought to hold two percent of the global population of Wilson’s Phalarope Steganopus tricolor – up to 32,000 birds.

"We are delighted that the Ecuasal owner, Nicolás Febres Cordero Rivadeneira and the site managers, will continue to help promote such amazing diversity and decidedly contribute to the conservation of these wonderful birds.” said Sandra Loor-Vela.

Another IBA, the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri, U.S. was also announced as a WHSRN Site of Regional Importance at the meeting.

“Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent site to recognize as part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.” commented John Cecil, Director of the IBA Programme at Audubon (BirdLife in the U.S.). “Squaw Creek is an outstanding site for shorebirds in Missouri and hence has also been designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does an excellent job managing the habitat for shorebirds.”