Webinar: Understanding and protecting migratory shorebirds in Australia

The projects combine long-term monitoring, migration tracking, conservation evidence and predictive modelling to improve understanding of shorebird population dynamics, identify effective management actions, and assess future disease risks associated with avian influenza. The findings inform conservation planning, habitat management, policy development and biosecurity decision-making across Australia and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This webinar presents the preliminary findings of these projects and the potential applications of this advance in knowledge.

Presentation 1- Supporting recovery and management of migratory shorebirds in Australia

Project researchers Dr Toby Ross, Dr Sara Ryding and Dr Elize Ng showcased preliminary results on how the project has helped to better understand the factors driving shorebird population trends by analysing long-term monitoring data, evaluating the effectiveness of conservation actions across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, and developing practical tools and guidance to support evidence-based management and species recovery.

Presentation 2 – Assessing disease incursion risk by mapping and modelling shorebird migratory behaviour in the face of global change processes

Project researcher Dr Sara Ryding discussed preliminary results on how changes in migration patterns, habitat conditions and climate influence the risk of avian influenza, using extensive tracking and citizen-science data to map migratory pathways and predict future disease incursion risks.

Together, these projects provide critical information to support shorebird conservation, habitat management, international conservation commitments, and Australia’s biosecurity preparedness.