The Netherlands is in breach of the European Bird Directive by failing to protect the black-tailed godwit (limosa limosa), putting it in danger of extinction, the European Commission has said.

The Netherlands is of crucial importance for the survival of the bird as 80% of the black-tailed godwits in northwestern Europe come there to breed. The bird was even elected  “national bird” of the Netherlands in 2015.

Black-tailed godwit numbers have been declining for years. The last 50 years have seen breeding pairs go down from 120,000 to just 25,000. To comply with the directive the Netherlands would have to aim for at least 85,000 breeding black-tailed godwit pairs.

If the Netherlands acts now, it need not be too late, Bernard de Jong of bird protection organisation Vogelbescherming Nederland told Nu.nl. Only 2% of meadows and grassland is currently managed to protect meadow birds such as the black-tailed godwit, he said. “There is huge potential there but we will have to go about it in a whole different manner,” he said.

Higher groundwater levels, more wildflowers and herbs among the grass would help the birds, as well as delaying mowing, giving chicks the cover they need to hide from predators.

Plans to help the black-tailed godwit have been “half-baked”, bird expert Gerrit Gerritsen said, despite a €400 million spend over 20 years. “It’s not been enough and now the Netherlands must face the consequences,” he said.

The European Commission, which will fine the government if it fails to comply, said subsidies for meadow management by farmers will have to be increased and be of longer duration. Farmers are currently contracted for just six years.

“That is not a solid basis for farmers. It should be 12 or 18 years and then you’ll see that hundreds of farmers will be prepared to make the switch,” Gerritsen said.

The agriculture ministry has two months to respond to the EC censure. In a reaction, a spokesman said “much” is already being done to protect meadow birds.

That reaction that doesn’t bode well, Gerritsen said. “If nothing is done we may have to look out for another national bird.”