This is good news not only about one, albeit rare, European songbird. The increase in the population of the Eurasian reed warbler shows that efforts to restore and maintain its habitats – flooded meadows and fens – are yielding results, benefiting many other species living here, according to a press release from the Baltic Environmental Forum.
One of the most renowned researchers of the Eurasian reed warbler in the world, chairman of the International Eurasian Reed Warbler Conservation Group Dr. Martin Flade emphasizes that Lithuania stands out across the entire species range.
“Lithuania is the only country where the Eurasian reed warbler population is increasing. What is being done here works, and other countries should learn from it,” says Dr. M. Flade.
A small bird tells a lot about the health of wetlands
The Eurasian reed warbler is considered an umbrella species by scientists. It is very demanding of its habitat. It needs open, wet meadows and fens with suitable water levels and enough insects. Therefore, the condition of this species reveals much about the entire wetland. If conditions are suitable for the Eurasian reed warbler, they are favorable for many other birds, insects, and plants as well.
Healthy wetlands are also important for people – they help retain water in the landscape, purify it, mitigate floods, protect biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Thus, the increase of the Eurasian reed warbler in Lithuania is a sign that restored wetlands are once again becoming oases full of life.
Why is Lithuania succeeding?
Conservationists emphasize that Lithuania’s result is not accidental. Since 2010, meadows and fens important for the Eurasian reed warbler have been consistently restored here, water levels regulated, and ways sought to reconcile conservation with farming.
One of Lithuania’s main advantages is the restoration of hundreds of hectares of wetlands and the ability to regulate water levels in many key areas according to the needs of the species and local farmers. Species protection projects involved managing and installing sluices and other water regulation infrastructure. This is especially important now, as droughts and other extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change.
It is not enough to restore the Eurasian reed warbler’s habitat; it must be maintained. Therefore, a significant part of Lithuania’s success is the long-term cooperation between conservationists and local farmers. Farmers help keep meadows open and coordinate mowing with the birds’ breeding. For their efforts to protect this species, farmers receive special agri-environmental payments.
“The Eurasian reed warbler population did not recover on its own. Behind this curve are many years of work – habitat restoration, proper water level regulation, meadow management, and, most importantly, people who care for it. Lithuania’s experience shows that conservation and farming can work together; it is important to seek that balance,” says forum leader Žymantas Morkvėnas, who has been involved in Eurasian reed warbler conservation for 16 years.
Lithuania – a beacon of hope in a threatening global picture
Lithuania’s result is especially important now, as the global situation of the Eurasian reed warbler is critical. At the beginning of 2026, experts worldwide estimated only 4,000–5,000 singing males – the lowest number historically. The Eurasian reed warbler breeds in only four countries worldwide, with the largest populations recently concentrated in Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland.
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In recent years, many key areas for the species in these countries have lacked the most important element – water. Droughts dry out fens, and changes in water regimes also reduce the insects needed by the birds.
Poland’s Biebrza Valley suffered a severe drought last year. This year the situation is better, but water was still insufficient.
Ukraine experienced drought both last year and this year. Large Eurasian reed warbler areas are overgrown with shrubs, and conservation work is further complicated by the war – there is a lack of people and resources to maintain the territories. Worrying news also comes from Belarus, where some important fens this year lacked not only water but also insects, causing birds to start breeding very late.
German scientist Dr. Karl Schulze-Hagen, who has studied the Eurasian reed warbler for over 30 years, warns that if the current situation does not change, the species’ future is very fragile. His scientific modeling revealed that the Eurasian reed warbler could become extinct by 2050.
“Seeing such a bleak picture, Lithuania’s result is like a candle lit in the night. We can save this species and many of its feathered and leafy neighbors, but it requires focus and consistent work. Considering the territories covering hundreds of thousands of hectares and the war in Ukraine, this is a devilishly difficult and ambitious task. But we try, we work,” says Ž. Morkvėnas.
Conditions in Lithuania this year – not the best
The naturalist also points out that despite a good long-term trend, the situation for the species in Lithuania this year was unfavorable, mostly due to climate change-related extremes.
“Spring was cold and late. Because of this, the development of insects – the Eurasian reed warbler’s food – was delayed. This caused the birds to breed later. Late breeding is dangerous because it increases the risk of nests being destroyed by mowing, and first-year birds may not strengthen enough to prepare for the journey to wintering grounds in Africa. In midsummer, strong prevailing winds flooded the coastal meadows, likely destroying bird nests,” describes Ž. Morkvėnas the challenges of this year.
According to the naturalist, bad weather also hindered proper assessment of this year’s population size. During counts, when Eurasian reed warbler males are methodically counted, heavy rains and storms raged. This may have caused not all birds to sing and be counted. Despite poor conditions, this year’s result is certainly good. 263 singing males were counted. This only confirms the good results of conservation work.
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