Decline in ground-nesting birds in Europe: What are the implications?

It is a worrying trend. A recent study shows that ground-nesting birds are 15.6 times more likely to decline than other birds, and those nesting in agricultural areas are 17.8 times more likely to decline than birds nesting in other habitats. Trends across Europe consistently show that this probability of population decline is related to nesting strategy and breeding habitat.

This study, which was published last year in the Journal (opens in a new window)Global Ecology and Conservation, is based on data from 10 European countries – Ireland, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. It also includes data from BirdWatch Ireland’s (opens in a new window)Irish Countryside Bird Survey, demonstrating the value of citizen science collected and collated in a systematic manner.

Researchers from UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and the Spanish research institute, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), who authored the paper, highlight that current habitat management measures have been ineffective in reversing these widespread declines. In addition, they point out that lethal predator control, although unpalatable to many, may be required in the short term to help reverse the decline of specific ground-nesting species of bird. These species include the curlew (Numenius Arquata)  and skylark (Alauda arvensis).

The Curlew (Numenius Arquata) Photo: Niven McCrie, Pixabay

It seems likely that habitat restoration alone might not bring about the recovery of ground-nesting bird species. The (opens in a new window)Birds and (opens in a new window)Habitats Directives have been in existence for many years, yet there is limited evidence that they have positively impacted ground-nesting birds. Indeed, the study expresses doubt that current and proposed legislation is sufficient to halt the widespread decline in ground-nesting birds and states the need for new policy and conservation strategies including an efficient lethal predator control system.

Over the last 50 years, human activities have shaped new landscapes and new predator communities. With these changes come challenges to manage species that are struggling with this new ecological reality. Compared to other species, ground-nesting birds are more susceptible to predation by generalist predators such as foxes and crow. Therefore, lethal control of predators will likely be required to provide sufficient time for habitats to be restored. This will, of course, require a concerted effort.

A skylark (Alauda arvensis). Photo: Kev, Pixabay

The question is – how long do we have to tackle these challenges? This study represents further irrefutable evidence that we are in the midst of a human-driven mass extinction. Often, when we think of biodiversity loss, we picture images of large mammals and locations such as South America or Asia. Yet as these data show, there is an enormous challenge right on our doorstep.

(opens in a new window)Another publication from 2021 that lists the bird species of conservation concern in Ireland presents some interesting data that aligns with the (opens in a new window)recent paper. When the breeding bird species of conservation concern in Ireland are examined, it is apparent that at least 60% of the most endangered species (i.e. the red-listed species) are ground-nesting birds. Many of these species are waders such as the curlew (Numenius arquata), but the list includes a range of other species such as the meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) and the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella). In addition, most bird species in Europe classified as being at risk of various levels of extinction (Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered) are ground-nesting species.

This is where conservationists and scientists often fail to effectively communicate the importance of biodiversity. These bird species indicate the health of ecosystems upon which we, as humans, rely. Many of the ground-nesting species in the study are found in agricultural ecosystems. If we lose these species, we also lose resilience in our food systems. These birds are, and represent, the building blocks for human survival.

This message was concisely communicated last year in an (opens in a new window)editorial in the medical journal The Lancet in which biodiversity loss was labelled a human health crisis. The piece was important because it communicated to medical health professionals that our neglect of biodiversity across the globe in recent decades is putting the human population at risk of extinction. After all, biodiversity provides us with food, water, protects us against infectious disease and is a source of pharmaceuticals. Our mental health and emotional wellbeing are also hugely reliant on biodiversity and robust ecosystems.

There is one species of bird – the corn bunting (Emberiza  calandra) – that co-evolved with human agricultural practices for centuries. However, the pace of agriculture eventually became too much for it, and it was last seen in Ireland at the end of the last century. It is a species that went out with a whimper, not a bang.

As humans, we should remember that we are not immune from the same fate.

About the author

Associate Professor Barry McMahon was appointed a Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation & Zoonotic Epidemiology in the UCD School of Agriculture & Food in 2011. Previously, he had been a post-doctoral researcher examining the interaction between agriculture and biodiversity. His current research focuses on diseases, including antimicrobial resistance, that are reservoired in or disseminated by wild birds and mammals. In addition, Associate Professor McMahon continues to explore the interactions between agriculture and biodiversity. He is also interested in understanding the population biology of Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus hibernicus) in Ireland and this research contributed to the Red Grouse Species Action Plan 2013. Overall, the theme of his research relates to the One Health initiative.