Wildlife

Wild Migratory Bird Welfare Challenges

Migratory birds face welfare challenges across their entire flyways from hunting, habitat loss, and climate change. International cooperation is essential for welfare protection.

Key Facts

Over 5 billion birds migrate through Europe twice annually on spring and autumn journeys
An estimated 25 million birds are illegally killed on migration in the Mediterranean annually
Climate change is altering migration timing, causing phenological mismatches at stopover and breeding sites
Artificial light at night disrupts navigation and increases collision mortality for night-migrating species
Sustainable hunting frameworks provide legal harvest while protecting population viability

Welfare Considerations

Migratory bird welfare encompasses suffering across entire flyways - not just in breeding or wintering grounds. Illegal trapping and shooting in the Mediterranean causes direct welfare harm to millions of individuals. Habitat loss at stopover sites causes starvation and exhaustion during essential refueling stops. International welfare and conservation frameworks addressing the entire flyway are necessary for meaningful protection.

What You Can Do

Support BirdLife International campaigns against illegal bird killing in the Mediterranean
Reduce outdoor artificial lighting during spring and autumn migration periods
Donate to stopover habitat conservation projects providing refueling sites for migratory birds
Advocate for EU enforcement of wildlife protection laws in member states with illegal killing hotspots