The latest version of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species shows a worrying decline in migratory shorebird populations worldwide. The update reclassifies, among others, 16 shorebird species to a higher threat category.

The reclassified species are:

• Pluvialis squatarola (Grey plover): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Charadrius vociferus (Killdeer): ”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;
• Limosa fedoa (Marbled godwit): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Limosa haemastica (Hudsonian godwit): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Arenaria interpres (Ruddy turnstone): ”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;
• Calidris falcinellus (Broad-billed sandpiper): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Calidris himantopus (Stilt sandpiper): ”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;
• Calidris ferruginea (Curlew sandpiper):  „Near threatened” → “Vulnerable”;
• Calidris alpina (Dunlin):”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;
• Calidris minutilla (Least sandpiper): ”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;
• Calidris fuscicollis (White-rumped sandpiper): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Calidris subruficollis (Buff-breasted sandpiper): „Near threatened” → “Vulnerable”;
• Limnodromus griseus (Short-billed dowitcher): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Limnodromus scolopaceus (Long-billed dowitcher): ”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;
• Tringa flavipes (Lesser yellowlegs): ”Least concern” → ”Vulnerable”;
• Tringa melanoleuca (Greater yellowlegs): ”Least concern” → ”Near threatened”;

Massive declines in the populations of these migratory birds are a sign that the integrity of their flyways are deteriorating. The loss of the network of habitats that migratory birds depend on to rest and feed during their long journeys could have serious consequences. The coastal areas where many of these birds live also support millions of people, providing food, jobs and protection from storms.

Of the 16 reclassified coastal birds, 14 have suffered population declines since 1988 (when the first comprehensive Red List bird assessments were published), while the other two species were probably already in decline before that time.  

According to the Red List of Threatened Species, 41% of amphibians, 26% of mammals, 21% of reptiles and 12% of birds are threatened with extinction.  

In the updated version of the Red List, a total of 145 species have been placed in a different threatened category.