ABSTRACT
The topics covered in this book provide a broad perspective on a group of species that exist at the epicenter of a rapidly changing world. As such, plovers provide critical insight into anthropogenic effects on biodiversity. However, plover research illustrates that few species are studied well enough to guide management of factors that limit their population size and growth. Even so, one-third of the 40 species are listed by IUCN as Vulnerable (3), Threatened (7), or Endangered (3). The remaining species are classified as Least Concern despite declining populations. Plover vulnerability often stems from a species’ insular, restricted range, exacerbated by anthropogenic factors. Further, some strategies directed at conservation of other shorebird groups may not be as effective for plovers. For example, most sandpipers breed on the arctic tundra and winter on coastal tidal flats. While three plovers breed in the arctic, most of the Charadrius plovers breed on coastal or inland areas. They winter in flocks on agricultural fields and coastal mud or sandflats although some set up territories on beaches. Finally, research efforts with the broadest perspective will now have to be stepped up as the effects of changing climates [e.g., rising sea levels, more intense storms, increased water salinization (inland and oceanic), increasing drought in desert habitats] take a stronger hold on plovers inland, arctic, and coastal systems. Thus, new assessments of species distributions, food availability, predator activity, and human encroachment will contribute to our knowledge of factors that influence their population viability and can be used to develop science-based management options.
