Coming together to protect the Far Eastern Curlew

Experts combine forces with industry in a race to protect the world’s fastest-declining shorebird

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND: In an Australian first, experts and industry are working together to reverse the decline of the Far Eastern Curlew, the world’s fastest declining shorebird. The global population of the critically endangered species has declined by more than 80% in recent decades. While Australian coastal ecosystems face deteriorating environmental conditions, Far Eastern Curlews search for places to feed and rest after migrating over 10,000 kilometers from Russia and northern China to Australia.

In south-east Queensland, the Port of Brisbane is providing crucial roosting habitat for Far Eastern Curlews and other shorebirds through an artificial roost site and the protection of natural sites across the Port. The Port is part of the Far Eastern Curlew Recovery Working Group, a newly formed group driving targeted actions to protect and support the Far Eastern Curlew. The group brings together species experts from conservation groups and universities, along with land managers, government representatives and industry including the Port of Brisbane.

The Port of Brisbane’s involvement builds on more than 25 years of collaboration with the Queensland Wader Study Group and engagement with other stakeholders including the University of Queensland. This work has improved understanding of shorebird use of the Port, supported management of important habitat areas and led to the construction of an artificial roost, with up to 16,000 shorebirds roosting in and around the Port of Brisbane during the peak of the migration season.

Far Eastern Curlew Recovery Working Group Chair, Dr Amanda Lilleyman, says the collaboration between experts, community and industry could provide a leading example of shorebird protection around the world.

“It’s critical we find ways to share the coastlines we enjoy and rely on for commerce with nature so that incredible wildlife, like the Far Eastern Curlew, can continue thriving here as they have for many thousands of years,” Dr Lilleyman said. “Even elsewhere here in Australia, competing demands on coastal habitats are destroying significant natural areas. This collaboration shows it’s possible to achieve benefits for biodiversity alongside business.”

Craig Wilson from the Port of Brisbane says being part of the Recovery Working Group supports the organisation’s focus on sustainability.

“We’re committed to being responsible stewards of the land we manage at the Port, so protecting the shorebirds that migrate here is incredibly rewarding. The surveys we conduct each year and the work we have done to manage and enhance shorebird habitat is encouraging and shows that conservation experts and industry can make a real difference when we work together. We’re proud of this work and excited to see what can be achieved next alongside the Recovery Working Group for Far Eastern Curlew.”

Dr Lilleyman says the necessary actions are clear and the group is hopeful of gaining continued support for their work through the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program.

“To protect a species as threatened as the Far Eastern Curlew, we need targeted actions that directly safeguard the species. The community of experts and industry we’ve established here knows what needs to be done, and we’re ready to implement those actions. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to provide that national and global leadership to help save the Far Eastern Curlew.”

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program and delivered by BirdLife Australia.

BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au