A Heartbreaking Loss: The Slender-billed Curlew Officially Declared Extinct
What experts had feared for decades has now been confirmed. The Slender-billed Curlew—one of the world’s most enigmatic migratory waterbirds—has been officially declared Extinct on the IUCN Red List during the World Conservation Congress.
The last confirmed sighting was in Morocco in 1995. Thirty years later, despite extensive searches, no individuals remain.
This tragic news is not an isolated case. More than 140 migratory waterbird species are currently on a trajectory toward extinction, driven by habitat loss, hunting pressure, climate change, and insufficient monitoring data.
Why Counting Waterbirds Matters
The loss of the Slender-billed Curlew underscores a simple truth: we cannot protect what we do not monitor.
The International Waterbird Census (IWC), the world’s largest and longest-running citizen-science programme for waterbirds, remains one of the most powerful tools to detect declines early and guide conservation action. In January–February 2026, the IWC will mark its 60th global count, and efforts are now underway to make this edition the most comprehensive yet.
How You Can Help
Over the coming months, we will be working to mobilise support for the IWC and ensure strong participation across all regions. You can help by supporting the global Waterbird Fund here: https://waterbird.fund/
