Curlew Sandpiper Welfare: Flyway Staging and Africa Wintering in 2026

Curlew sandpipers undertake one of the longest migrations of any wader, and welfare challenges at staging and wintering sites in Africa are increasingly affecting population viability.

Key Facts

Curlew sandpipers breed in Siberian tundra and winter on African coasts from West to southern Africa
Population has declined significantly in recent decades, with monitoring indicating poor breeding success
Staging sites along the East Atlantic Flyway are critical for fuelling migration
Hunting and habitat loss at wintering sites in West Africa represent growing welfare threats

Welfare Considerations

Curlew sandpipers face welfare challenges throughout their migratory cycle. On staging areas, disturbance prevents birds from accumulating essential fat reserves for the next flight stage, causing nutritional stress. On wintering grounds in West Africa, habitat loss from coastal development and illegal hunting remove critical foraging areas. Climate-driven changes to Arctic breeding habitat reduce breeding productivity. Each stressor compounds the others, creating cumulative welfare impacts across the birds entire life.

What You Can Do

Support conservation of critical staging sites along the East Atlantic Flyway
Advocate for anti-hunting enforcement in West African wintering areas
Back research into curlew sandpiper habitat requirements across the full flyway
Contribute to international wader conservation partnerships spanning breeding to wintering areas