Wildlife

Bird Migration Threats and Conservation

Migratory birds face threats throughout their annual journeys including hunting, habitat loss, and climate disruption, with severe welfare consequences.

Key Facts

An estimated 25 million migratory birds are illegally killed in the Mediterranean annually
Barn swallows travel 10,000 km from the UK to sub-Saharan Africa each year
Climate change is disrupting food availability at key migration stages
Habitat loss at stopover sites causes starvation and exhaustion in migrating birds
International cooperation is essential for migratory bird protection across flyways

Welfare Considerations

Migratory bird welfare spans multiple countries and habitats, requiring coordinated international conservation action. Reducing illegal killing, protecting stopover habitat, and addressing climate change are all essential interventions.

What You Can Do

Support organisations working on Mediterranean illegal bird killing hotspots
Engage with international bird conservation through BirdLife International
Maintain bird-friendly gardens that provide food for migrants on arrival and departure
Advocate for international flyway conservation agreements
Report illegal bird trapping or killing during migration to authorities