While the number of birds is declining rapidly worldwide, the situation for endangered or threatened species in Switzerland is even more striking, a report finds.
Some 1,409 bird species, or 13% of the total around the world, are endangered or threatened with extinction, according to the “State of the World’s Birds 2022” report, published on Thursday by conservation group Birdlife International. A further 9% of species are on a watchlist considered potentially endangered, while only 6% are growing.
Birdlife Switzerland said the situation in this country is however even more dramatic: 40% of Switzerland’s 205 native breeding bird species are on the red list of endangered or threatened types – more than twice as many as internationally. This means that well over half of Switzerland’s breeding bird species are in a critical situation, the group said.
More
The Swiss Alps are beautiful, but are they biodiverse?
The demands of a growing human population often clash with the needs of nature, a fact that regularly sparks political debate in Switzerland.
Fourteen species which breed – or once bred – in Switzerland are on the global red list: the Common Eider, the Pochard, the Lapwing, the Eurasian Curlew (extinct in Switzerland), the Bearded Vulture, the Kingfisher, the Turtle Dove, and the Great Grey Shrike (extinct).
Agricultural encroachment
The biggest threat to birds comes from agriculture, according to the study. Its expansion, intensification, the use of agrochemicals, and the conversion of grassland to cropland are responsible for 73% of all threatened bird species worldwide. On agricultural land, bird populations in Europe have declined by 57% since 1980.
Forest birds have fared somewhat better, with their populations dwindling by 3% in the same period. Mountain birds have declined by 10% in the last twelve years alone.
More
More
Key Swiss sanctuary reveals challenges, opportunities in biodiversity protection
This content was published on
How can animal and plant species be best protected? We visit the Bolle di Magadino, a nature preserve of international importance.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
This content was published on
To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
This content was published on
Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
This content was published on
Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
This content was published on
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.