Dear all,
I guess the most prominent American case is the crash of the American
subspecies of Red Knot that coincides with the crash of Horseshoe Crabs in the
Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay is major spawning area for the Horseshoe Crab.
The spawning happens through Red Knot migration, the latter in turn feed on the
crabs' eggs and use it as fuel for their migration. The Horseshoe Crab
population crashed by 90% due to fishing for bait (!). In turn the American Red
Knot population crashed by something like 90%.
Nikolas
----------------
Nikolas Haass
Sydney, NSW
----- Original Message ----
From: Carl Clifford <>
To: Birding-Aus Aus <>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 6:55:46 PM
Subject: Crashes in Migrant numbers may be World Wide
Dear All,
There are signs that species on the Australia-East Asia flyway are
not the only ones experiencing drastic reductions in numbers. A
report from the 'Independent" in the indicate that similar crashes in
numbers of species using the Europe-Asia flyway are occurring, see
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-great-migration-
crisis-812640.html
I do not know if similar reductions in numbers are occurring in
species using the North America-Neotropics flyway are happening, but
one would imagine that it may be so. Can anyone on the list add any
information on this flyway?
These reductions in numbers on the Europe-Africa flyway are very
worrying, not only for birders. So many of the species are
insectivores and are important in controlling insect pests in food
crops. Reduction of yields in Africa's food crops would lead to even
greater risks of famines on the continent, not a pleasant thought.
Increases in pests in Europe's food crops would lead to higher
production costs and therefore higher food prices in the third world.
A drop in bird numbers certainly has the potential for disaster if
you look at all the implications.
Carl Clifford
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