Black-tailed godwits: iconic wetland network creators

The Black-tailed godwit (limosa limosa) is more than a shorebird wading along wetlands – it’s now a striking symbol of the connectivity of important wetland sites! A new research paper published by the CE3C,[1] CESAM,[2] the RSPB,[3] and BirdLife International reveals that this migratory species links over a thousand wetlands across Northern and Southern Europe and West Africa. Some of these wetland hotspots are literal transportation hubs for the godwits but also currently show a lack of protection and recognition in restoration works.

The international team of over 40 researchers compiled the movements of 10,000 individual godwits across Europe and Africa and mapped the connections between the wetlands through the birds’ migration paths. The data of the resulting map helped the team to identify 49 hotspot wetland sites. One of the many key hubs is the Tagus Estuary, near Lisbon, Portugal. Godwits passing through Tagus visit more than 200 sites across 16 countries, often traveling over 3000km to destinations such as Iceland or Guinea-Bissau.

“This sort of information is invaluable as it shows that messing up our backyard can have implications for wildlife from far-flung places,” says Martin Beal, lead author of the study at CE3C – Centre for Environmental and Ecological Changes at the Faculty of Sciences in Lisbon, Portugal.

To map out the movements of the godwits, the team combined data from GPS tracking devices placed on the birds, with sightings of birds by skilled observers. Color-coded plastic rings placed on the godwits’ legs acted like name tags, enabling identification from afar with binoculars or telescopes.

The research team highlighted several sites lacking formal recognition and protection, such as the lower Casamance River, in southern Senegal. This area, rich in mangroves and small-scale rice paddies, hosts godwits from at least eight other countries during the winter.

Unfortunately, the godwit has experienced rapid declines in the last years in Europe, largely due to intensive agriculture affecting the quality of its habitat. The new study emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration across borders to ensure a future for migratory birds, such as the black-tailed godwit.

As a public resource, the team has made the godwit and wetland map available online. Birdwatchers and conservationists alike can explore the wetland network and discover key hotspots for their next nature and birding trip.

[1] Centre for Environmental and Ecological Changes at the Faculty of Sciences in Lisbon, Portugal.

[2] Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro

[3] Royal Society for the Protection of Bird