HUDSONIAN GODWIT & MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION

NEWS: The Hudsonian Godwit: Travels: ~30,000 km annually (Arctic → South America → back)

Context

• The Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) is: A long-distance migratory shorebird
• Travels: ~30,000 km annually (Arctic → South America → back)
• Concern: Population declined by 95% in last 4 decades

About Hudsonian Godwit

• Type: Shorebird (wader species)
• Migration route: Arctic (breeding), South America (wintering)
• Special feature: Can fly ~11,000 km non-stop

Why is it in Danger?

• Climate Change–> Alters: Seasonal timing (spring shift)
• Habitat Loss–>Chile (aquaculture, infrastructure), USA wetlands (agriculture changes)
• Migration Disruption–>Birds migrating: 6 days later than before
  • Indicates: Disruption in ecological cues

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

• Also called: Bonn Convention
• Aim: Protect migratory species across borders
• Hudsonian Godwit among: 42 species proposed for protection