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Follow the Bird
The Follow the Bird! project demonstrates the vital importance of a network of good quality wetlands along migratory bird flyways and the link of these wetlands to the livelihoods of people.
The ambassadors of the project are birds equipped with satellite-transmitters. Currently the migration of ten Purple Herons can be followed on the Internet at Follow the Bird!
Project Description:
The innovative aspects of this project are:
(a) Involvement of a network of volunteers and conservation organisations along the flyway to provide more information on local habitats and threats
(b) Development of demonstration projects addressing key threats at stop-over or non-breeding (northern wintering) sites
(c) Public and the corporate sector participation in improving the conditions along the flyway as volunteers or supporters
The new Purple Herons were equipped with satellite transmitters in 2008 by Waardenburg B.V and eight others in 2007. The Purple Heron has an unfavourable conservation status in Europe, is a Red List species in the Netherlands and one of the flagship species of the Marshland Habitat Action Plan prepared by Vogelbescherming Nederland / BirdLife Netherlands.
The Inner-Niger Delta in Mali is an important stop-over site for Purple Herons, which successfully cross the Sahara. Unfortunately, large number of these exhausted birds become victim of subsistence hunting and ‘bush meat’ trade. Therefore, with Wetlands International’s experience, alternative livelihood opportunities are developed in the area.
Follow the migration of ten Purple Herons on the Internet at Follow the Bird!
Project Partners:
Vogelbescherming Nederland
Bureau Waardenburg
Donor: Shell