Our vital work

There is no more inspiring story in the world of nature than that of shorebird migration. The massive feats of endurance, forebearance against diversity and the amazing array of adaptations which these birds exhibit all remind us of the magnificence of life on this planet and, at times, its fragility.

Apart from their beauty and amazing life stories, as true "global citizens" migratory shorebirds can tell us much about the state of our world: they are indeed ideal "sentinels for planetary health".

There are many threats to the continued existance of these birds with more than 70% of shorebird species being classified as threatened or endangered. The threatening processes are:

• climate change

• land reclamation

• river damming

• disturbance/urban encroachment

• pollution

Their continued existance very much lies in the hands of mankind.

Without stringent study of these birds and the spreading of this knowledge, we will not be able to counter the forces stacked against them. The result of this could be the loss of many members of this assemblage of birds which, according to the fossil record, have graced our planet for more than 40 million years.

By becoming a supporter of the Broome Bird Observatory, you can be part of the vital efforts to conserve these birds and their habitats.

• Find out more about how you can help our work