Conservation
Mist-netting for large-billed reed warblers next to sea buckthorn bushes near Goz Khun, Wakhan, Afghanistan, in June 2009 © WCS Afghanistan Program
Although the conservation status of the large-billed reed warbler is currently classified as ‘data deficient’, the species appears to be scarce and vulnerable.
It is clearly under threat within its restricted riverine breeding areas from habitat loss due to intensive scrub-cutting for fuel and fodder, as well as from livestock damage. In places, the riparian bushlands are already highly impoverished or almost non-existent.
Effective conservation measures will depend on careful land use planning carried out with the co-operation of the local human populations, but this is hampered by the remoteness of the areas in question, and exacerbated by security considerations.
