Counting the changes

Project introduction and outline

Birds play an important role as environmental sentinels: they are well-known and relatively easy-to-study organisms, they are found in practically all ecosystems on Earth, occupying the upper levels of trophic webs, and their populations respond fully to threats and changes in their habitats.

In particular, the responses of migratory birds of prey are valuable due to their high ecological demands and their requirements of a good state of conservation of the different habitats they use during their migratory journeys.

The Straits of Gibraltar is one of the most important places in the world for migratory birds, especially for raptors and Storks. Long-term monitoring of bird migration in The Straits through standardised protocols (Migres Program) is providing valuable information on these winged sentinels, useful for evaluating the real effect of human activity on ecosystems.

Recovery Curve status  – D1-3

We score the project at Diagnosis 1-3 on the Recovery Curve.  This is because whilst we know many of the reasons for declines across these species ranges, we still don’t know the full status nor the reasons for all species declines.

Ongoing monitoring is essential and whilst this project will not directly ensure recovery it does help in monitoring the situation and signalling action and further research.

Project partners

Fundacíon Migres