Eurasian Curlew Welfare Across Global Flyway Declines

The Eurasian curlew is facing population declines across its entire range, with breeding habitat loss and hunting pressure on migration routes causing welfare impacts at a global scale.

Key Facts

The Eurasian curlew is listed as Near Threatened globally with declining population trends
UK breeding populations have declined by over 60% since the 1990s
Breeding productivity on lowland farmland is insufficient to maintain populations
Curlews face hunting pressure in France, and historically across much of Europe
Conservation breeding and head-starting programmes aim to supplement wild populations

Welfare Considerations

Curlew welfare is compromised across all stages of the annual cycle. On breeding grounds, reduced insect prey availability causes chick starvation, and predation of nests and chicks by foxes and corvids causes direct mortality and parental distress. During migration, hunting pressure in some countries causes injury and death. On wintering estuaries, habitat loss and disturbance reduce foraging opportunities, causing nutritional stress. The cumulative welfare impact of population decline means that fewer individuals survive to experience all stages of the natural life cycle this species evolved over millennia.

What You Can Do

Support curlew conservation programmes in the UK including nest protection and chick head-starting
Advocate for a halt to curlew hunting in France where it remains legal
Create or maintain wet grassland and rough pasture on farmland in curlew breeding areas
Report curlew nest locations to local conservation groups for voluntary nest protection
Donate to the Curlew Country and WaderQuest organisations working on curlew recovery