Latham’s Snipe is one of our very special migratory shorebirds that breeds in Japan and spends it non-breeding season almost exclusively in Australia.
These birds are protected as a vulnerable species under Australian law and intergovernmental agreements, but they still need our help! They live in swampy meadows which are often viewed as low value and are susceptible to draining, urban development, farming and other pressures.
or buy some merch – proceeds go to supporting these fabulous birds!
A Latham’s Snipe in its wetland habitat. Photo: Adobe Stock
The Latham’s Snipe Project
This documentary film showcases the extensive research efforts to monitor, understand and protect the Latham’s Snipe.
The Latham’s Snipe Project was started by a group of passionate community members who were concerned about urban development encroachment on important Latham’s Snipe wetland habitat in Victoria. The teamed up with the Victorian Wader Study Group (VWSG) to better understand this cryptic little bird and raise awareness about the importance of their critical wetland habitat.
The Project’s efforts focus on the Port Fairy area in south-western Victoria, Jerrabomberra wetlands in Canberra, breeding areas in Hokkaido, Japan and the migration patterns along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Tracking Latham’s snipe
One of the ways we learned more about Latham’s Snipe is by affixing small, non-intrusive and painless GPS trackers to their backs to understand more about where they go and to evaluate the habitat they use so we can better conserve it for future generations of these birds.
Ponyo Snipe’s trip to Japan and back
Ponyo Snipe with GPS tracker fitted
This work has opened up a world of understanding. We have tracked birds all the way to Japan and Russia and back, learned where their stop-over (or staging) places are and that they roost and forage in different areas. Some of our tracked birds have come back to the same non-breeding sites in Australia every year!
Make an impact with a donation
A contribution to the Latham’s Snipe Project will help ensure the survival of these incredible little birds.
How will this money be used?
Your donations will go toward tracking Snipe movements in Victoria and South Australia in 2025, so we can compare bird behaviour in different locations and habitat types, with data collected from birds tracked in Canberra and Port Fairy Victoria. This will help us to better manage and conserve habitat in different environments.
The funds will help us secure 20 NANO Bluetooth trackers and a relay hub and will help to cover the travel and accommodation costs for the volunteer team doing the work.
Contributions of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you! 🤎
Score some merch to support our Latham’s Snipe
Popular!
Latham’s Snipe Mug
$18.00 AUD
Enjoy your tea or coffee knowing you’ve helped support the conservation of the Latham’s Snipe! Painted by Canberra artist Gillian Gould, these stylish mugs are a great addition to any crockery cupboard.
Latham’s Snipe Socks
$20.00 AUD
Inspired by the Latham’s Snipe’s incredible migratory patterns, these Snipe Socks are sure to keep your feet warm — and stylish — on your own migrations, whether they be to and from work, or to and from continents. Designed by one of our young Snipe team members Kelly Bateup.
Latham’s Snipe Tea Towel
$10.00 AUD
Designed by Victorian Wader Study Group member Dave Wilson, this unique design depicts Snipe migration from Japan. The coloured birds relate to the blue leg flags used in Japan and the orange leg flags used in Australia. The text says ‘Ojishigi’, the Japanese name for the Latham’s Snipe.
This landing page has been established to help support the Latham’s Snipe Project through merch and donations.
To learn more and dive into the latest updates, please visit the Official Latham's Snipe Project Website here.
#LathamsSnipeProject
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#LathamsSnipeProject 🍵
Latham’s Snipe Greeting Cards (4 pack, A6)
$9.99 AUD
Follow the journey of a Latham's Snipe named Ponyo as they travel to Japan and back again with these beautiful cards designed by Canberra artist Sophie Constable! The artworks represent various stages and destinations along Ponyo’s route and come in a pack of 4.
