ALBAWABA - The Vain Lagoon, nestled along Albania's northern coast, has long been considered as a haven for migratory birds. However, recent years have made this once-thriving ecosystem worsen as various bird species are abandoning their habitats, succumbing to the impacts of rising temperatures on wetlands across the country.
Vain Lagoon serves as a vital stopover for millions of migratory birds, including flamingos, gulls, egrets, and ducks. Despite its ecological significance, alarming reports show that there is a large decline in bird populations, with up to 40 percent of migratory birds missing from recent surveys.
(Photo by Adnan Beci / AFP)
Many factors come into play concerning this trend. Poaching, habitat destruction, and collisions with power lines pose threats to bird populations. However, the biggest concern revolves around the large impact of global warming, disrupting migratory patterns and breeding seasons.
Local fishermen have also noted a decline in fish stocks, which tend to serve as an important food source for birds. Invasive species such as the blue crab further exacerbate the situation by preying on birds and disrupting the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems.
(Photo by Adnan Beci / AFP)
Efforts to conserve migratory bird populations are now underway, with collaborative initiatives between ornithologists from Albania and Greece focusing on making secure breeding sites. However, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change requires concerted action on a much larger scale.
As migratory birds go on dangerous and long journeys spanning continents, their survival hinges upon protecting their habitats from any environmental threats. We should strive to make sure they can continue their existence in Albanian wetlands and beyond.
