We present an assessment of the impact of human-induced habitat change on the abundance of Nearctic shorebirds at Bahía de Asunción in Paraguay. Regular surveys since 2000 showed that the study area is an important stopover site for migratory shorebirds using the Midcontinent Flyway and led to its designation as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of Regional Importance and as a national protected area due to holding more than 1% of the global population of Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis). In late 2010, the development of a bay-side road (“Costanera”) altered the shorebird habitat in Bahía de Asunción through dredging to build an embankment for the road. Of the 100 ha of habitat primarily used by shorebirds, over 50% was converted to deep water and steep shorelines by the dredging. Pre- and post-dredging surveys showed a significant reduction in abundance for most of the commonly recorded species. Single-day high counts of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper decreased by a factor of 4. Although plans for habitat restoration exist, to date there has been only limited implementation. Without a concerted effort to restore and actively manage shorebird habitats over time, the Bahía de Asunción is destined to be lost as a key stopover site for migratory shorebirds.

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