More than 40 bird species in Poland are declining at an alarming rate, with some facing the threat of extinction in the near or distant future, according to the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (Ogólnopolskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Ptaków, OTOP). This issue primarily affects species associated with meadows and wetland habitats, including lapwings and rooks, whose populations are rapidly dwindling.
Scientists and conservationists agree that birds are vital indicators of environmental health and the state of nature. The significant decline in certain bird populations—once common in Poland—is a troubling sign, highlighting the worsening condition of biodiversity in the country.
Sharp Declines in Agricultural and Wetland Birds
“In recent decades, we have observed a sharp decline in farmland birds—species that are crucial not only to humans but also to ecosystems as a whole. Another group experiencing significant population losses are birds from wetland habitats,” said Monika Klimowicz-Kominowska from OTOP, speaking to Newseria.
OTOP emphasizes the importance of protecting these two groups of birds, as their absence disrupts natural ecological balance.
In 2020, OTOP published the Red List of Polish Birds, identifying over 40 bird species with rapidly declining populations. Some are already at risk of extinction, which could result in significant losses to Poland’s wildlife.
“Most of these are farmland birds or wetland species. The lapwing, for instance, has seen its population decline by nearly 80% in recent decades. Other species, such as the black-tailed godwit and redshank, which inhabit wet meadows, are also in decline. Meanwhile, species like the dunlin, which used to nest in Poland, have disappeared entirely,” Klimowicz-Kominowska noted.
Even urban-associated species, like rooks, are experiencing sharp population declines.
Economic and Environmental Impacts of Bird Declines
The decline in certain bird populations is not just an issue for biodiversity but also has implications for agriculture. Birds play a crucial role in controlling insect populations naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
“Birds are natural allies in controlling insects that may not be harmful but are undesirable. By regulating insect populations naturally, birds help protect crops without the need for chemicals. A decline in farmland bird populations will inevitably lead to a rise in insect numbers, which could pose a threat to agricultural productivity and, ultimately, food security,” Klimowicz-Kominowska explained.
Conservationists warn that the disappearance of birds from Poland’s landscapes would be a dire signal for humanity as well.
“If birds disappear, humans won’t be far behind. You cannot remove one element from nature without triggering a chain reaction of consequences, leading to the loss of other elements,” Klimowicz-Kominowska stressed.
The Need for Habitat Protection and Education
Conservationists advocate for the creation and preservation of areas that protect not just birds but entire ecosystems, often referred to as the “pyramid of ecosystems.”
“Effective habitat protection involves ensuring the quality of conservation measures and allowing nature to regenerate through natural processes. This approach can help halt the decline in bird populations and support the recovery of pollinating insects,” Klimowicz-Kominowska said.
Education also plays a key role in changing public attitudes toward ecosystem conservation. Teaching children about the importance of nature ensures a sustainable future.
“If our children understand this, we can look forward to a safe, green Earth in our old age,” she added.
The Role of Legislation in Reversing Trends
Changes in legislation offer hope for reversing these troubling trends. In June 2024, the European Parliament adopted the Nature Restoration Law, a regulation aimed at restoring natural resources across terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the EU. Notably, the law places significant emphasis on agricultural ecosystems, although some provisions have been relaxed for certain member states.
The law includes specific goals for increasing populations of common farmland birds by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2040, and 15% by 2050.
“If implemented wisely, responsibly, and predictably, the Nature Restoration Law can significantly improve the state of nature, positively impacting bird populations. While the law may not go far enough in protecting wetland ecosystems, it is a crucial step toward restoring ecological balance and enhancing bird well-being,” Klimowicz-Kominowska commented.
Under the regulation, EU member states have 24 months to develop National Nature Restoration Plans, outlining actions to achieve the law’s objectives.
