Habitat Loss and Pollution Threaten Migratory Shorebirds in Cozumel, Experts Warn

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Habitat loss, pollution and climate change are among the main threats facing shorebirds that use Cozumel’s coastal ecosystems during migration, specialists warned during a birdwatching event at Punta Sur on Sept. 8.

The outing, organized by the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) to mark World Shorebirds Day, led to the identification of 22 species, including sanderlings, willets, Wilson’s plovers, flamingos, ospreys and boat-billed herons.

Experts explained that the island’s beaches, mangroves and wetlands function as resting, feeding and refuge areas for migratory species, and that the condition of these habitats has a direct impact on their survival. The FPMC also noted that shorebirds serve as indicators of the environmental health of beaches, lagoons and wetlands, since their presence and behavior provide valuable information about the state of those ecosystems.

The event also sought to bring the public closer to the species and their migratory routes, aiming to generate greater attention toward the ecosystems they depend on. Quintana Roo has a historical record of more than 480 bird species, according to information provided during the conservation activities.