News

More birds threatened with extinction than ever before

Thursday 14th May 2009

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Destruction of rainforest habitat.

The latest assessment carried out by BirdLife International, on behalf of the IUCN, has revealed that more birds are threatened with extinction than ever before. A record 1,227 species (12%) are now considered at risk, while the number of birds classified as Critically Endangered has risen to 192.

"It is extremely worrying that the number of Critically Endangered birds on the IUCN Red List continues to increase, despite successful conservation initiatives around the world," said Simon Stuart, Head of the IUCN's Species Survival Commission and Wildscreen Trustee.

Continuing habitat loss, due to activities such as agriculture and logging, is cited as the principal threat facing most bird populations, with invasive species and disease also having a serious impact.

Sidamo lark, showing camouflage Now listed as Critically Endangered, the Sidamo lark (Heteromirafra sidamoensis) is in real danger of becoming mainland Africas first bird extinction. A burgeoning human population in Ethiopia has resulted in the degradation of large areas of this imperiled species grassland habitat.

Other additions to the Critically Endangered category include one of Darwins famous finches, the medium tree-finch (Camarhynchus pauper), which is declining due to the devastating impact of a parasitic fly in the Galapagos, and the palila (Loxioides bailleui), another in a long line of Hawaiian species suffering as the result of invasive species.

Palila Medium tree-finch

Fortunately, the assessment has also shown how effective conservation activities can be, with a number of species being down-listed to less threatened categories.

Encouraging success stories include the Mauritius fody (Foudia rubra), rescued from the brink of extinction following the successful establishment of a population on a predator-free island, and Lear's macaw (Anodorhynchus leari), which has quadrupled in numbers in response to joint efforts from the Brazilian government, NGOs and landowners.

Lear's macaw on licuri palm fronds Male Mauritius fody

 

Further information

For more information and a full breakdown of the changes to the status of bird species on this years Red List, see:

Visit MyARKive to see a selection of movies and images in the 2009 Red List Updates: Birds scrapbook.



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