Indicator 15.60 Common bird index

The indicator is a multi-species composite index, which measures the relative abundance of a selection of common bird species associated with specific habitats. Rare species are excluded. Three groups of bird species are represented: common farmland species (39 species), common forest species (34 species) and all common bird species (168 species; including farmland and forest species).

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 15 on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of land and towards SDG 2 on ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture which are embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature’.

SDG 15 seeks to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial, inland-water and mountain ecosystems. This includes efforts to sustainably manage forests and halt deforestation, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, halt biodiversity loss and protect threatened species. SDG 2 seeks to end hunger and malnutrition and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Realising this goal will largely depend on promoting sustainable production systems and increasing investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural research and development. Birds and the habitats of endangered and migratory bird species are protected under the Birds Directive. Many habitats used by birds are also protected under the Habitats Directive. The EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030 specifically states that these Nature Directives should be fully implemented in an effort to halt and reverse the trends of biodiversity loss.