TheWesternShorebird Hemisphere Reserve Network (WHSRN ) Where We Are & Where We’re Going [presenter’s name here]

what are shorebirds? Not all birds at the shore are shorebirds! “Shorebirds” are a biologically distinctive group, generally with long legs, pointed wings and long bills Shorebirds occur at the shores of oceans and lakes, in grasslands and marshes, and even in dry uplands. American Oystercatcher,  C. Duncan

what are shorebirds? Sandpipers Plovers Oystercatchers Avocets Stilts 51 species breed only in N. America 27 breed only in S. America 9 breed broadly across the Hemisphere Painting by James Coe

Shorebirds are among the most migratory animals on the planet Hudsonian Godwit © Dale & Marion Zimmerman the challenge

Many concentrate in very high densities at key “stopover sites” while on migration Hartney Bay, Alaska, USA photo: K. Kaufmann

shorebird declines highly imperiled of high concern28 of North America’s 57 shorebirds have populations classified as highly imperiled or of high concern. 48%in decline 16% increasing48% of world’s waders are in decline, and only 16% increasing. 9 spp declining none increasingMaritimes Shorebird Survey & ISS data show 9 spp declining in e NA & none increasing.

Based on migration counts in eastern N. America; Bart et al 2006, in press. Annual Change in Shorebird Populations

WHSRN- a bit of history 1974 International Shorebird Surveys begun 1982 CWS flights over coast of S.A. Idea for paired “sister reserves” 1985 WHSRN launched 1986 Delaware Bay, USA, declared 1st “WHSRN Site of Hemispheric Importance” 2004 New strategic plan and structure th anniversary, Panama City; New look and new logo RIG MorrisonJP Myers B HarringtonP McClain

WHSRN’s mission networksites is to conserve shorebird species and their habitats across the Americas through a network of key sites.

the network enrolls qualifying sites based on biological criteria and landowner commitment  Make shorebird conservation a priority  Protect & manage habitat for shorebirds  Keep WHSRN apprised of any changes in site status

the network comprises 64 sites in 8 countries 23 million acres, 9 million ha hundreds of partners: local groups, international NGOs, agencies and governments

Sites National councils Hemispheric council Executive Office: Manomet WHSRN’s organization Scientific Advisory Committee American Oystercatcher,  C. Duncan

International recognition => local pride Coalition-building for the Bay of Panama: 18 Oct 2005

strategy conservation an international strategy for local conservation science based on strong science toolresource a conservation tool & resource voluntary voluntary non-regulatory non-regulatory partner-driven partner-driven WHSRN is: © Gerry Beyersbergen

a government program a government program a Manomet program a Manomet program prescriptive prescriptive a direct source of funds a direct source of funds WHSRN is not: WHSRN is funded by: Manomet’s endowment Manomet’s endowment Project specific grants Project specific grants Contributions from Joint Ventures Contributions from Joint Ventures Individual donors Individual donors

key connections Canadian Shorebird Working Group US Shorebird Conservation Plan Council Mexican Shorebird Conservation Plan W. Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative Waterbird Conservation for the Americas Birdlife International Ramsar © C Duncan

conservation planning: Partnership with Birdlife International Site Assessment Tool Basic Information Protected Area Tracking Tool State (= Conservation Status) Threats Conservation Actions

conservation planning: species-based planning American Oystercatcher Black Oystercatcher Marbled Godwit Red Knot Western Sandpiper Red-necked Phalarope

more information Charles Duncan, Director WHSRN Executive Office