LPO Publishes First Avifauna Barometer: Drastic Decline in Bird Populations in France

Paris – 06/05/2026: The Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) today published its first Avifauna Barometer, indicating a dramatic decline in bird populations across France. President Allain Bougrain-Dubourg emphasized the urgency of the situation and called for enhanced conservation efforts.

The report is based on over 50 years of scientific observations and combines expert knowledge with citizen science. It shows that in the past 25 years, the number of common bird species has decreased by 18.2%. Songbirds such as swallows, tits, and larks—making up half of the 314 breeding bird species in France and representing 90% of the total individual count—are particularly affected.

The causes of this decline are varied and well-documented. The massive use of synthetic pesticides, the simplification of landscapes, and the urbanization of natural and agricultural areas have significantly contributed to habitat degradation. Over the last five decades, France has lost almost one-fifth of its common birds.

Despite these troubling figures, there are positive examples of successful conservation measures. Some emblematic species have been preserved through targeted efforts, highlighting the effectiveness of protective actions. These successes should serve as models for further initiatives.

Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, President of the LPO, stressed the importance of birds as indicators of the overall state of the ecosystem. He warned that the loss of birds signals broader environmental destruction, which can also impact human health. He appealed to policymakers to put biodiversity back on the agenda and to center discussions around scientific findings.

The LPO therefore calls for increased collaboration among authorities, conservation organizations, and the public to protect the remaining species and prevent further losses. It also recommends making agriculture more sustainable and reducing pesticide usage to preserve bird habitats.

In conclusion, Bougrain-Dubourg underscored the need to further expand conservation successes and address the remaining challenges decisively. Only through collective effort can the trend of bird decline be reversed and biodiversity in France secured for the long term.

The publication of the LPO’s Avifauna Barometer provides a comprehensive overview of the status of bird populations in France and serves as a foundation for future conservation strategies. It is to be hoped that these alarming results will lead to concrete political measures to halt biodiversity loss and preserve the environment for future generations.