Waterbirds pay price of change

NEARLY half the world’s waterbird species are in decline, mostly due to rapid economic development and the effects of climate change, according to a global survey.

The annual Waterbird Population Estimate found 44% of 900 species globally had fallen in the past five years, while 34% were stable, and 17% rising.

Altogether, 12 families of birds have half or more of their global populations showing a decreasing trend, including storks, shoebills and plovers.