How is birdlife progressing in Switzerland and internationally? In order to answer this question, it is necessary to interpret the results of the various monitoring projects. A periodic assessment of the situation provides an important basis for nature conservation at both national and international level. It identifies those species that require special nature conservation measures and serves to monitor the success of such measures. Another focus is to identify areas that are of particular importance to avifauna.
The Swiss Ornithological Institute assesses the situation of birdlife in the national and international context
Details
Project objectives
The Swiss Ornithological Institute determines the endangerment status (Red List) and Switzerland’s international responsibility for species that breed and rest in this country. Based on this, an assessment is made of which species are to be assigned high priority in Switzerland in terms of protection and promotion. Another task is to identify areas that are of particular importance to breeding or resting birds. In this way, the Swiss Ornithological Institute provides fundamental information for the public, authorities and conservation organisations.
Methodology
The assessments are made according to criteria which are defined internationally (e.g. Red List according to IUCN specifications) or nationally. The results are presented in specialist publications and made available to the wider public through various channels. Periodic repetition of the assessments ensures that they are up to date.
Significance
The principles developed serve as instruments for prioritising support measures and protecting habitats.
Results
The Red Lists of endangered species have been compiled in Switzerland since 2000 according to internationally defined criteria and published by the Federal Office for the Environment. The Red List of breeding birds, as revised in 2021, is available in the form of a report (in German) or a table. 40% of breeding bird species in Switzerland are endangered, while another 20% are potentially endangered.
Species for which Switzerland has international responsibility are important for nature conservation. These particularly include Alpine species and wintering waterbirds. The list of national priority species is available for download here.
Project partner(s)
Publications
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2023.107854
https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4194
https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac4ebe
https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.2754
Project team members
Trade publications
2022
Europe and the West African savannas Bruderer, B. & D. Peter, 2022
Contact: info@vogelwarte.ch
License: zenodo-freetoread-1.0
doi-Link: doi.org
Contact: bruno.bruderer@vogelwarte.ch
2021
Contact: info@vogelwarte.ch
License: zenodo-freetoread-1.0
doi-Link: doi.org
Contact: bruno.bruderer@vogelwarte.ch
Status of bird species
We analyse and assess the situation and development of bird life in Switzerland.