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New bird species sightings increase in Denmark due to climate change

Tuesday 23rd 2024 on 21:09 in  
Denmark

Species such as the silver heron, cattle egret, lesser short-toed lark, and black ibis may not be familiar names to many, but sightings of the compact cattle egret or the distinctive downturned beak of the black ibis are becoming increasingly common in Denmark. The lesser short-toed lark has bred a few times in Denmark, and its prevalence might increase as the climate grows warmer, according to biologist Knud Flensted from DOF BirdLife.

Flensted explains that these species typically nest close to Denmark’s southern border. As temperatures rise, they are likely to expand their range from Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The dwarf cormorant, which has been spotted for the first time this year, could also begin breeding in Denmark if human-induced climate change is not curtailed.

Global warming is expected to result in hotter, wetter, and wilder weather in Denmark. While the adaptation of birds to climate change is a natural process—just as new species arrive from the south—some local species are shifting further north. Examples include the stone curlew, the corn crake, and the yellow wagtail, reflecting the dynamic adjustments birds make in response to environmental changes.

However, serious concerns arise regarding the loss of vital coastal habitats. A national analysis conducted in 2022 predicted that over 50% of Denmark’s internationally protected coastal meadows could disappear due to rising sea levels related to climate change. Flensted warns that agricultural land and dikes limit the capacity for these meadows to migrate inland, highlighting the urgency for Denmark to protect its unique biodiversity. He stresses that if these meadows are not allowed to relocate, it could lead to a significant decline in bird populations and overall biodiversity. Denmark holds a particular responsibility to safeguard its coastal areas, which provide crucial habitats for countless migratory birds.

Source 
(via dr.dk)