Headlines

Summary of the report 2023

After capricious weather with hail storms the previous year, the breeding populations of some species showed marked declines in spring 2022 compared to the previous year.

 

The summer of 2022 brought several heatwaves and severe dry periods. Extreme weather conditions are becoming more frequent, potentially affecting bird populations in a lasting way.

 

Birds that favour warm climates more frequently show rising population trends than species adapted to cold. The observed changes in population size could be influenced by global warming, among other factors.

 

As specialists in a sensitive ecosystem, mountain birds are particularly affected by climate change.

 

Every autumn, tens of thousands of raptors pass through the Défilé de l’Écluse southwest of Geneva. Systematic counts from July to the end of November provide information about population trends in central Europe.

 

Big changes are taking place under water. Many native invertebrates and fish have been crowded out by invasive species. Waterbirds face a changing food supply.

 

Wild animals that had become rare are regaining ground in Europe. They benefit from protected habitats and better protection from persecution.