In the past, the southern dunlin was common in southern Sweden, but over the past 70 years numbers have reduced dramatically. It is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Swedish red list. The species is found in wet, well-grazed, usually coastal, meadows. These environments have reduced significantly in number since the start of the 1900s due to draining, and the cessation of grazing which has resulted in meadows becoming overgrown.

In Sweden the southern dunlin is only found in southwestern Skåne and on Öland. In Skåne there are fewer than 10 pairs (2022) and on Öland probably 60-70 pairs. In Skåne, numbers of southern dunlin have reduced by at least 95% in just 50 years and probably by 99% in 100 years. On Öland the reduction is possibly less, but the numbers have more than halved in 50 years.

If the species were to disappear, it would be a huge setback for Sweden’s nature conservancy and, of course, for the southern dunlin. The species is a flagship species for the important efforts being made in our wetlands and coastal meadows. A large number of endangered species, including many birds, amphibians and vascular plants, need the same living conditions as the southern dunlin. If we make life easier for this bird, then we also help many other species that are at risk of disappearing from our country.