CONSERVING PRIORITY SITES FOR SHOREBIRDS

Southern South America supports the majority of the hemispheric and global populations of a large suite of Nearctic migratory shorebirds, including the entire global population of Hudsonian Godwit and large proportions of the populations of rufa Red Knot, the Pacific population of Whimbrel, and White-rumped and Baird's Sandpipers.

Many of the key wintering sites for these species in southern South America are facing increasing threats due to significant human-induced changes, and in particular disturbance of roosting and foraging habitat.

The Western Hemisphere Reserve Network (WHSRN) Executive Office in collaboration with local partners will enhance conservation of critical shorebird habitats at seven key sites in Chile for priority shorebird species through 1) implementing four new protected areas (covering a total of 9955 ha); 2) catalyzing the protection and/or safeguarding through WHSRN designation of three key sites (covering 2450 ha); 3) building local capacity for effective site conservation at all seven sites; and 4) aligning these local shorebird conservation efforts with national and international plans and initiatives.

Project activities will help inform the development of a National Shorebird Conservation Plan, which is being developed within the framework of a national bird conservation strategy, and building from the Pacific Americas Shorebird Conservation Strategy.