FULL LIFECYCLE CONSERVATION OF ATLANTIC

One of the Atlantic Flyway species undergoing the steepest declines is Whimbrel and, as such, it is designated as a Red-alert Tipping Point Species by Road 2 Recovery.

Long-term monitoring indicates an 80% population loss since 1980, with the decline accelerating over time, but they are still abundant enough that there is an opportunity to undertake full life cycle studies and halt the declines.

Although a considerable amount is known about the migration and ecology of the Atlantic Flyway population of Whimbrel, as yet there is insufficient information to build a full life cycle demographic model to guide its recovery.

Although development of a demographic model is a key need for prioritizing conservation action for the Atlantic Flyway Whimbrel, sufficient knowledge exists to take some action now.

Tracking and survey data have shown the northern coastline of South America, and especially from Guyana east to the Brazilian states of Par and Maranho to be the major wintering area for Atlantic Flyway Whimbrel, a region which is rapidly coming under threat from offshore oil and wind developments and poorly planned coastal infrastructure.

The systemic lack of local knowledge and skills in shorebird conservation has left the entire coastline underserved with very few biologists, conservationists, or environmental activists.

Furthermore, the history and cultural idiosyncrasies of each country mean that there is very little regional integration of conservation efforts.

Manomet now seeks to address this, building from an existing project in Suriname and complementing one in Par and Maranho states, by developing an initiative that will: 1) Identify critical sites and habitats for Whimbrel in northern South America to prioritize conservation measures; 2) Build local capabilities and capacity for site conservation and habitat management; 3) Identify key stakeholders, current management structures, existing management plans, potential threats, and conservation action need