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What happened
The slender-billed curlew, a migratory waterbird, has been officially declared extinct by the IUCN, with the last known sighting occurring in 1995 in Morocco. This species, once common in its breeding grounds in Siberia and the Kazakh Steppe, has faced a significant decline since the early 1900s. Conservationists have expressed deep sadness over this extinction, noting that it is the first recorded global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Experts stress that the loss of the slender-billed curlew serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective conservation measures to protect migratory species, as many shorebirds are declining worldwide. The extinction highlights the importance of timely and scientifically backed conservation efforts to prevent further losses.
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Key insights
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First extinction in Europe
This marks the first recorded global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.
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Long-term decline
The slender-billed curlew's decline has been noted since the early 1900s, with warnings as early as the 1940s.
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Need for conservation action
The extinction underscores the urgent need for effective conservation measures for migratory species.
Takeaways
The extinction of the slender-billed curlew serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of migratory species and the necessity for immediate and effective conservation actions to prevent further losses.