| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, , Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK;2. School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, , Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK;3. Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, , Shanghai, China;4. Ramsar Convention Secretariat, , Gland, Switzerland;5. Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, , Albury, NSW, Australia;6. US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, , Anchorage, AK, 99508 USA;7. Global Flyway Network Sudamérica & Programa Humedales Fundación Inalafquen, , San Antonio Oeste, 8520 Río Negro, Argentina;8. South Iceland Research Centre, University of Iceland, , Hella, Iceland;9. Alterra, Centre for Ecosystem Studies, , 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands;10. UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy & Science, University of Dundee, , Dundee, DD1 4HN UK;11. Biodiversity Laboratory, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, , Bath, BA2 7AY UK;12. Scottish Natural Heritage, , Edinburgh, EH12 7AT UK |
| Abstract: | We review the conservation issues facing migratory shorebird populations that breed in temperate regions and use wetlands in the non‐breeding season. Shorebirds are excellent model organisms for understanding ecological, behavioural and evolutionary processes and are often used as indicators of wetland health. A global team of experienced shorebird researchers identified 45 issues facing these shorebird populations, and divided them into three categories (natural, current anthropogenic and future issues). The natural issues included megatsunamis, volcanoes and regional climate changes, while current anthropogenic threats encompassed agricultural intensification, conversion of tidal flats and coastal wetlands by human infrastructure developments and eutrophication of coastal systems. Possible future threats to shorebirds include microplastics, new means of recreation and infectious diseases. We suggest that this review process be broadened to other taxa to aid the identification and ranking of current and future conservation actions. |
