BASW
VU

BASW

Riparia riparia

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_martin

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Sand Martin populations have declined dramatically across much of their range, with European populations falling by over 50% since the 1970s due to agricultural intensification reducing insect prey availability. Climate change disrupts their precisely-timed migration between breeding and wintering grounds, while drought conditions in their African wintering areas have severely impacted survival rates. Riverbank development and flood control measures have eliminated many traditional nesting sites along natural watercourses.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sand Martins nest colonially in burrows excavated in vertical riverbanks, coastal cliffs, quarries, and artificial sites like gravel pits. They require open areas near water bodies for foraging on aerial insects, spending much of their time hawking for prey over rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Hirundinidae

Common House MartinVU

Common House Martin

Delichon urbicum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is BASW classified as Vulnerable?
BASW is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Sand Martin populations have declined dramatically across much of their range, with European populations falling by over 50% since the 1970s due to agricultural intensification reducing insect prey availability. Climate change disrupts their precisely-timed migration between breeding and wintering grounds, while drought conditions in their African wintering areas have severely impacted survival rates. Riverbank development and flood control measures have eliminated many traditional nesting sites along natural watercourses.
Where does BASW live?
BASW occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to BASW?
The main threats to BASW are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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