More than half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining – here’s how we can still save them

nature & planetanalysisThe Conversation2026

More than half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining – here’s how we can still save them

the gist

A global assessment of more than 3,380 migratory bird species found that more than half are declining. The main threats are habitat loss, invasive species, collisions with buildings, hunting, the pet trade, toxic pesticides and, for some species, bycatch in commercial fishing nets. Migratory birds depend on networks of habitats across several countries, so protecting one breeding site is not enough. The authors propose conserving each species across its full annual cycle, including breeding grounds, stopover sites and wintering areas. Tracking devices and eBird have made it possible to follow individual birds and find where conservation helps most. Programs such as the Road to Recovery initiative in North America aim to act before species reach endangered status.

how it works

Many migratory birds rely on a chain of sites, and losing any link, such as a mudflat used for refuelling, can halt the whole journey. Trackers attached to birds reveal routes and seasonal hotspots, and that information lets conservationists target the places where a bird is most vulnerable.

so what

Migratory birds pollinate plants, spread seeds and control pests, so their declines signal wider ecosystem breakdown. The paper argues conservation works best when it is coordinated across borders and across the whole year.

fun fact

The spoon-billed sandpiper is critically endangered and has a spoon-shaped bill.

Illustrative photo · L. Shyamal, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

source: The Conversation ↗

historyWikipediaclassic1336–1565 · Karnataka, India

Hampi was once one of the world's largest cities, until its Vijayanagara capital was destroyed in 1565

the gist

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.

how it works

The city was built around a fortified core with temples, markets and water structures along the river, supplied by an extensive network of roads and waterworks. When the empire fell, the city was not rebuilt, so its stone monuments were left standing.

so what

Hampi shows how quickly a great city can vanish after a military defeat, and how a ruined capital can remain sacred. Its ruins give historians a view of medieval South Asia that few other sites can match.

fun fact

The name Hampi comes from Pampa, an old name for the Tungabhadra River.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · text CC BY-SA 4.0

Image: Wikimedia Commons

source: Wikipedia ↗

2 min

politicsshortCNA2:01

False allegations about Singapore’s hand in Indonesia’s markets and a made-up meeting

from CNA

CNA Verify has found close to 400 posts pushing falsehoods tying Singapore to Indonesia’s stock market rout and to a secret meeting that never took place. Together, they drew nearly 12 million views, and some were circulated by accounts that appeared to be working in concert, across multiple social media platforms.

Here’s how the disinformation campaign targeting Singapore was uncovered.

on YouTube: CNA ↗