Habitat Loss and Climate Change: Research Project on Common Snipe Migration

Populations of Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), a widespread wader found across Eurasia, are unfortunately declining. 

Since 1980, the European population has decreased by 53%. In some nations, the situation is considerably worse, with an 80% decline in Germany and Russian populations having halved since 2000.

Habitat loss and climate change are the key drivers in this population loss, however, a lack of knowledge on migratory connectivity between breeding and wintering areas means it is difficult to isolate the effects of these different drivers.

It is this knowledge gap that led to the creation of this collaborative research project led by the CIC, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), and the University of Aveiro (UA). 

By tagging snipe from certain European populations with transmitters, researchers aim to gain key insights on snipe behaviour, migratory pathways and snipe migration.

Thermal imaging drones and handheld cameras are used to identify snipe nests, with lightweight, battery and solar-powered GPS devices then tagged to track their movements.

The scope of the project involves research activities taking place across three different populations and countries – Germany, Iceland and Russia. 

The German Delegation of the CIC kick started the process by funding the Iceland portion of the project with a donation of €10,000.

“As the German Delegation, we are happy to fund the snipe project in Iceland and work together with NABU and the University of Aveiro in exploring the routes these fascinating migratory birds are taking on their way to Germany.” – Head of the German Delegation, Dr. Steffen Koch. 

We will be bringing you more updates on this project as we learn more about snipe migration, as well as the effects of habitat loss and climate change on their populations.