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Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland

Taking action for endangered birds

Birds in Switzerland are under pressure, with more than one in three species now threatened. Since 2003, BirdLife Switzerland, the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) have been working together through the “Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland” to protect and preserve our feathered friends. Biodiversity isn’t optional—it’s a constitutional responsibility.

The programme

The “Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland” focuses on priority species—those for which Switzerland bears a special responsibility and for which habitat and area protection alone is not enough. Threats to their populations are identified and mitigated to ensure that species such as Capercaillie, Wryneck, and Sand Martin remain part of Switzerland’s biodiversity. The program provides a framework that allows measures to be implemented effectively by a wide range of actors. Key elements include solid foundations such as action plans, information sheets and scientific publications, as well as exchange within working groups. In this way, species recovery is not only possible but also effective.

More about the programme

Project managers

Swiss Ornithological Institute
The Swiss Ornithological Institute provides data, findings and foundations for species conservation. Its research is the backbone of the programme – well-founded, practical and dedicated to endangered species.
BirdLife Switzerland
BirdLife Switzerland brings species conservation into action through locally based projects and committed partners. Together, they create habitats in which endangered species can thrive again.
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
The FOEN coordinates and supports the species conservation measures at the national level. It ensures that conservation is not just an idea, but achieves tangible results – in all parts of the country.

Priority species

Bird species requiring specific action

Whether it’s Whinchat, Hazel Grouse, or Common Sandpiper, these bird species all have very specific habitat requirements. They live in meadows, forests, or along rivers, and they all have one thing in common: their survival depends on targeted conservation and recovery measures. Learn which species Switzerland has a special responsibility for and how you can help them.

Priority species
Western Capercaillie
Priority species
Western Jackdaw
Priority species
Common Redstart
Priority species
European Turtle Dove
Priority species
Common Hoopoe
Priority species
European Nightjar
To the priority species
Publications

Aids for species conservation

Various tools such as action plans, fact sheets and publications are used to implement species conservation measures in Switzerland.

Learn more 

				

			

				

					

						

							 Conservation ProgrammeFor birds in switzerland
							Contact
						

						

							
The “Swiss species recovery programme for birds” is a partnership programme between the Swiss Ornithological Institute, BirdLife Switzerland and the FOEN. Together with the federal government, cantons, nature conservation organisations and other stakeholders, it implements targeted measures for priority bird species to ensure their survival.							

						

					


					

						

							
							
Swiss Ornithological Institute

							vogelwarte.ch
						

												

							
							
BirdLife Switzerland

							birdlife.ch
						


						

							
							
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN

							bafu.admin.ch