Migratory bird conservation is facing growing challenges in a context of environmental pressure and global change. For Afonso Rocha, a researcher at CESAM/DBIO, protecting these species means looking at their entire annual cycle and at the different territories they use along their migratory routes.
In an interview with Wilder, the researcher explains that many conservation strategies remain overly focused on isolated areas, when in fact migratory birds depend on a network of interconnected habitats. Breeding grounds, stopover sites during migration, and wintering areas must be managed in a coordinated way, otherwise entire populations may be put at risk.
Afonso Rocha’s scientific path is closely linked to the study of waterbirds and waders, with a particular focus on their ecology and physiology. He notes that his contact with systems such as salt pans and wetlands was crucial to understanding how these birds cope with extreme environments and how they adjust their metabolism to meet the demands of migration.
Part of his work has been carried out in international contexts, such as the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau, where he studied the physiological adaptation and the composition of energy reserves in birds before they begin migration from tropical areas. These studies help clarify how environmental factors influence birds’ ability to complete long-distance migrations.
According to the researcher, the decline observed in several wader populations is linked to the loss and degradation of key habitats, often caused by urban pressure, agricultural intensification, or poor management of estuarine zones. Although legal protection tools exist, their effective implementation on the ground remains one of the main obstacles to successful conservation.
Afonso Rocha also highlights the importance of new technologies in migration research, particularly the use of tracking devices, which help identify critical areas and support more informed management decisions. For the researcher, only an integrated approach—grounded in solid scientific knowledge and international cooperation—will make it possible to ensure the conservation of migratory birds in a rapidly changing environmental scenario.
Original news source: Wilder.pt, 20 January 2026