By Nicolás Marchand and Joaquín Aldabe
The “Manual of Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Shorebirds” consolidates nationally recognized knowledge in Uruguay regarding sustainable livestock ranching in natural grasslands, while also incorporating specific findings about the habitat needs of grassland shorebirds. These findings are the result of two decades of continuous research conducted in the country’s coastal lagoons by organizations such as Aves Uruguay, Alianza del Pastizal, BirdLife International, Wetlands International, the Eastern Regional University Center of the Universidad de la República, Fundación Lagunas Costeras, and Manomet Conservation Sciences.
Uruguay’s native grasslands, known as “Campos Naturales,” have historically evolved alongside native herbivores like the pampas deer and capybara. Approximately 400 years ago, domestic livestock grazing was introduced, which now plays a crucial role in maintaining the grazing needed to conserve these natural grasslands. Although over 50% of the territory still retains these grasslands, the expansion of crops such as soy and forestry has diminished their area, making it essential to preserve those that remain in good condition.
Left: Landscape of a natural grassland with cattle and Buff-breasted Sandpipers flying over. Right: Collaborative work with producers on the field. Photos: Courtesy Fundación Lagunas Costeras Uruguay.
In eastern Uruguay, along the Atlantic Ocean, a series of brackish lagoons are notable for their scenic beauty and biological significance. The natural grasslands and flood-prone areas surrounding these lagoons support both livestock production and valuable biodiversity. Long-distance migratory shorebirds, such as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis) and the American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica), flock to these eastern Uruguayan lagoons. These species require grasslands with a height of less than 6 cm, making it essential to maintain the land as natural grassland and implement appropriate grazing practices that differ from traditional methods to protect these declining bird populations.
This initiative was made possible through the project “Integrated Management of Coastal Lagoons in Uruguay for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds,” funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (NMBCA Projects). One of its key components involved a comprehensive survey of the locations with the highest concentrations of shorebirds, covering the lagoons of Rocha, José Ignacio, Garzón, Castillos, and Merín. Led by Santiago Medina and Federico Pírez, this survey laid the foundation for this Manual. The involvement of numerous rural producers, who shared their experiences and committed to adopting bird-friendly practices, was crucial to this effort. It is hoped that this Manual will serve as a valuable resource for planning on-farm activities and for strengthening the network of lagoon producers interested in the “Livestock and Migratory Birds” program. While these recommendations are specifically for Uruguay’s coastal lagoons, they may also inspire actions in similar socio-productive contexts and guide technicians, institutions, and working groups at other important shorebird sites along their migratory routes in the Americas.
Cover of the “Manual of Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Shorebirds”.
For more information about the Manual or shorebird conservation efforts in Uruguay’s coastal lagoons, please contact Nicolás Marchand at nmarchand@manomet.org or Joaquín Aldabe at jaldabe@manomet.org.
Cover Photo: Landscape photo of a field day with producers in Uruguay. Photo: Courtesy of Fundación Lagunas Costeras.
