Winter census on Swiss waters

Winter waterbird counts have been carried out throughout Europe and in neighbouring regions since 1967. They are coordinated by Wetlands International. This allows population sizes and changes to be detected and the most important areas for waterbird conservation to be identified.

Domain Research

Unit Monitoring

Topic Population Development, Migratory Birds

Habitat wetlands, rivers & streams

Project start 1967

Project status ongoing

Project management Nicolas Auchli

Project region Switzerland

Details

Project objectives

The primary purpose of the waterbird counts is to monitor the population and distribution of wintering waterbirds. This provides the data basis for the designation of internationally and nationally important waterbird areas as well as the populations in these areas themselves. The data also forms the basis for the protection of wintering waterbirds in Switzerland, in particular for the enforcement of the Federal Act on Hunting.

Methodology

The counts are carried out annually in mid-November and mid-January on all major water bodies in Switzerland by Swiss Ornithological Institute volunteers. In the reserves of international importance, waterbirds are recorded on a monthly basis in cooperation with regional organisations. The Swiss Ornithological Institute works closely with Wetlands international and ensures an efficient sharing of data. Every year, the results are compiled in reports and used for further evaluations.