Project overview
Since 2015, this project has focused on the non-breeding ecology and conservation of threatened shorebirds in Bangladesh–mainly in Nijhum Dweep National Park and Tanguar Haor. These sites are recognised internationally important for migratory waterbirds. The main objectives are to assess the population status and distribution of shorebirds, investigate prey availability and diet composition, and identify major threats impacting their survival during the non-breeding season. Field activities have included systematic shorebird counts, habitat surveys, collection of benthic samples to analyze food resources, and direct observations of foraging behavior. Threat assessments have highlighted pressures such as unsustainable fishing practices, habitat degradation, and human disturbance. Alongside ecological research, the project has engaged with local communities to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands and build support for shorebird conservation. The timeline spans from 2015 to the present, generating valuable baseline data that contributes to conservation planning within the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF). This long-term effort aims to provide both scientific insights with conservation recommendation.