Wildlife

Curlew Sandpiper Welfare: Long-Distance Migratory Waders

Evidence-based welfare assessment for curlew sandpipers undertaking extreme long-distance migrations across continents.

Key Facts

Curlew sandpipers breed in Arctic Siberia and migrate to Africa and Australasia
Migration distances can exceed 10,000 km each way
Fuel deposition at stopover sites is critical for survival
Declining populations linked to habitat loss at staging areas
Climate change affects timing of Arctic breeding and food availability
Shorebird welfare during migration includes energy balance and injury risk
Hunting pressure at some stopover sites poses a welfare concern
Banding studies show individual variation in migration routes

Welfare Significance

Migratory waders like curlew sandpipers face intense physiological demands during migration. Welfare science highlights the importance of protecting stopover habitats where birds refuel, rest and recover. Disturbance at key sites can force birds to depart before reaching adequate fuel loads, reducing survival chances.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation at stopover sites
Reduce human disturbance at key shorebird roosts
Advocate for hunting restrictions during migration periods
Fund long-distance tracking research on migration welfare