The International Waterbird Count (IDOE), an operation to count aquatic birds in wetlands, took place on Wednesday January 15, 2025 in several regions of Senegal, as part of a global initiative. The main objective of this event is to identify the species of waterbirds present, to evaluate their evolution and to detect the threats weighing on these fragile habitats.
The International Waterbird Count: a global commitment to wetland conservation
Since its creation in 1967, the DIOE has mobilized thousands of participants in 143 countries, including Senegal, to monitor waterbird populations and better understand the ecological pressures that affect them. In 2025, the count took place in various natural sites, including the Senegal River Delta biosphere reserve, the Cape Verde peninsula, Niayes, Petite Côte, the Saloum Delta, Casamance and the Niokolo-Koba National Park, in the south-eastern zone of the country.
The key objectives of the count: monitor the evolution of species and preserve habitats
This global count aims to draw up a detailed inventory of the distribution of waterbirds in Senegal and to assess the evolutionary trends of their populations. The results help enrich the international database on these species and provide essential information to guide conservation policies. It is also a question of identifying the potential threats weighing on these birds and their habitats, in particular in the face of human activities, climate change and pollution.
Wetlands, whether natural or artificial, are essential ecosystems for many bird species, providing areas for nesting, feeding and migration. According to the Ramsar Convention, waterbirds are defined as “bird species ecologically dependent on wetlands”, highlighting their crucial role in the health of these environments.
The counting process: a rigorous methodology for reliable data collection
The waterbird count is divided into several key stages. First, training is organized for participants on bird identification and counting techniques, as well as on habitat characterization. Then, the teams, equipped with specialized equipment (binoculars, telescopes, drones, etc.), are distributed among the different counting sectors, which they cover on foot or using means of nautical or land transport.
-Observations are recorded accurately, taking into account timings to avoid double counting. The countdown begins at 7 a.m. and continues until the evening, depending on the site. The data collected is then analyzed in order to monitor the evolution of bird populations and assess environmental pressures, such as pollution, habitat degradation and the impacts of climate change.
The godfather species of 2025: the Tawny Dendrocygne, an endangered species
For the 2025 edition, the sponsor species of the DIOE is the Tawny Dendrocygna (Dendrocygna bicolor), a gregarious migratory bird which faces significant threats. Indeed, this species suffers from the loss of its habitats, pollution, as well as the effects of climate change, which directly affect its food and its breeding areas. Monitoring this species is therefore crucial to assess the impact of these threats and to implement appropriate protection measures.
A global conservation issue
The International Waterbird Count is an essential operation for the conservation of wetlands on a global scale. By providing precise data on the distribution and state of waterbird populations, this event allows us to better understand current ecological issues and make informed decisions to preserve these fragile ecosystems.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
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