An assessment from the BirdLife Partnership

STATE OF THE WORLD’S BIRDS 2004 Indicators for our changing world Recommended citation BirdLife International (2004) State of the world’s birds 2004: indicators for our changing How to use this book world. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.

© 2004 BirdLife International Each double-page spread of this book has been written so that it makes sense on its own and thus can also be read independently of the other pages. Where issues are developed further, there are cross-references within the BirdLife International is a UK-registered charity, no. 1042125 text to relevant additional pages. ISBN 0-946888-50-7

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A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Boxes These provide the scientific evidence or First published 2004 by BirdLife International case studies that support the points made in the text, and may include charts Box titles and Designed and produced by the NatureBureau, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, or maps. Each box is numbered (starting figure legends with O1P on each new double page These give additional Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5SJ, United Kingdom Main message spread) and is referred to at an messages or quick This tells you what this appropriate point in the page text. explanation and Printed on Hello Matt (cover 250 gsm, text pages 115 gsm) which is made from 100% double-page spread is Page text with subheadingsScientific names of birds follow BirdLife complement the sustainable fibre sources using chlorine-free processes largely about This provides an easy-to-read usage (see http://www.birdlife.org/ subheadings in the narrative of the issues, and is divideddatazone/search/species_search.html) page text The presentation of material in this book and the geographical designations employed into several different sections, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of BirdLife according to the main issues International concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Summary text This gives a quick BirdLife International is a partnership of people for birds and the summary of the environment. Together we are the leading authority on the status of key points birds and their habitats. Over ten million people support the BirdLife Partnership of national non-governmental conservation organisations Page tab and colours and local networks. Partners work together on shared priorities, Charts and maps This tells you quickly These illustrate one or more key points programmes, and policies, learning from each other to achieve real Picture credits Web address which section of the made in the box. Colours are chosen to These identify the This is where you can report you are in: conservation results. The BirdLife Partnership promotes sustainable help to convey the message birds or places, and download the pages in this State (amber), living as a means of conserving birds and all other forms of biodiversity. the photographers book, see full citations for Pressure (red) or and/or agencies who sources, or get further Response (green) retain copyright information online from Sources For more information, please contact: BirdLife International, Wellbrook BirdLifeRs Data Zone and These are the key abbreviated sources World Bird Database for the scientific evidence cited Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, UK. Acknowledgements Tel: +44 (0) 1223 277318 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 277200 These are the people who contributed analyses, figures and/or text shown in Email: [email protected] Internet: www.birdlife.org the box (see opposite page for full list) State of the worldRs birds 2004 Contents indicators for our changing world Introduction 2 Overview: state of the world’s birds 2004 compiled by 4 Biodiversity underpins our lives, but is rapidly being eroded 6 Birds tell us about the world’s biodiversity Leon Bennun, Stuart Butchart, Jonathan Ekstrom, Michael Evans, Lincoln Fishpool, Rob Pople and Alison Stattersfield What birds tell us about condition and change 8 Many common species are in decline This project was managed by Alison Stattersfield. Additional BirdLife Secretariat contributions were provided by 10 Declines can be quick and catastrophic Guven Eken, Wency Gatarabirwa, Mwangi Githuru, Matthew Harding, Peter Herkenrath, Deon Nel, Andrew O’Brien, 12 Numerous species have been driven extinct Cleo Small, Jonathan Stacey and Frances Taylor. Technical help and support were given by Christine Alder, Mark Balman, 14 Many species are close to extinction Andy Brock-Doyle, Beverley Childs, Janet Chow, Mich Herrick, Sarah Kendall, Nic Langley, Sue Shutes and Martin Sneary. 16 Species are becoming more threatened Drafts were reviewed by Gary Allport, Nigel Collar, John Fanshawe, Melanie Heath, Marco Lambertini, Adrian Long, 18 Threatened species occur world-wide Mike Rands, David Thomas (all BirdLife International Global Secretariat); Mike Crosby, Richard Grimmett, Rudyanto (Asia 20 Most species have strong habitat preferences STATE Division); Hazell Thompson, Julius Arinaitwe (Africa Division); Ian Davidson, David Wege (Americas Division), Ian Burfield, 22 Many species have small ranges or concentrate at afew sites Umberto Gallo-Orsi, Szabolcs Nagy, Clairie Papazoglou (European Division); Ibrahim Khader (Middle East & Central Asia 24 Key species pinpoint key sites—Important Bird Areas Division); and Guy Dutson (Pacific Division). The pictures were researched by Richard Thomas. 26 Important Bird Areas form networks in the landscape Analyses, figures, text, literature, additional comments and advice were generously provided by many other 28 Important Bird Areas capture much other biodiversity collaborators. BirdLife warmly thanks everyone for their valuable contributions, including: Hilary Aikman, Alice Altstatt, Josephine Asasira, Susana Baena, Jonathan Baillie, Kristel Bakker, Andrew Balmford, Thomas Brooks, Achilles Byaruhanga, Neil Burgess, Graeme Chapman, Rob Clay, Yvonne Collingham, Gay Crowley, John Croxall, Adrián Di Giacomo, Paul Donald, What birds tell us about problems Stephen Evans, Ian Fisher, Jon Fjeldså, Philip Forbeseh, Stephen Garnett, Rhys Green, Richard Gregory, Jerry Harrison, 30 Habitat destruction is the largest of the many threats to biodiversity Marc Herremans, Geoff Hilton, Craig Hilton-Taylor, Camilla Hinde, Rod Hitchmough, Brian Huntley, John Lanchbery, 32 Expanding agriculture destroys more habitat than any other factor Svein Løkkeborg, Alberto Madroño, Enrique Martínez-Meyer, Paul Matiku, Philip McGowan, Don Merton, Justin Moat, 34 Intensification of agriculture is a major cause of habitat degradation Karen Mounier, Teresa Mulliken, Michael Murphy, Adolfo Navarro-Sigüenza, Debbie Pain, Townsend Peterson, 36 Unsustainable forestry is rapidly eroding biodiversity Dave Pritchard, Andrew Radford, Carsten Rahbek, Charles van Riper III, Hugh Robertson, Alison Rosser, Ed Saul, 38 Infrastructure development is a growing problem Jörn Scharlemann, Simon Stuart, Bernie Tershy, José Antonio Torres Esquivias, Jack Tordoff, Herbert Tushabe, Les Underhill, 40 Pollution remains a serious concern Petr Vorisek, Zoltán Waliczky, Michael Weston, Charlie Williams, Stephen Williams, Steve Willis and Donella Young. 42 Many species are exploited beyond sustainable levels

Special thanks go to the following groups who provided significant input: the Conservation Biology Group at PRESSURE 44 Alien invasive species, including diseases, are spreading Cambridge University, the International Research Team at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Red List Committee and Consortium including IUCN – The World Conservation Union (in particular its Species Survival Commission), 46 Climate change is already impacting biodiversity the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International and NatureServe. 48 Climate change will soon threaten many more species with extinction 50 Immediate threats to biodiversity have much deeper causes Many of the data underlying the analyses of Globally Threatened Birds and Important Bird Areas were provided by 52 We fail to recognise biodiversity’s true value, and therefore make poor decisions the BirdLife Partnership and a wider expert network, including: the IUCN/SSC Bird Specialist Groups, notably those coordinated by the World Pheasant Association and Wetlands International. BirdLife also thanks the photographers and picture agencies who gave permission to reproduce photographs and the What birds tell us about solutions following publishers for permission to reproduce figures: the Alaska Sea Grant College Program, the American Association 54 Effective conservation requires much larger and better-targeted investment for the Advancement of Science, Blackwell Publishing, Cambridge University Press, Elsevier, Fauna & Flora International, 56 Actions have been identified for all Globally Threatened Birds the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Society for Conservation Biology. 58 With appropriate action, species can recover BirdLife is particularly grateful to the staff of the NatureBureau for their dedication in preparing the manuscript, 60 Important Bird Areas need safeguard, as a major part of securing the key biodiversity especially: Peter Creed and Helen Dobie. areas network 62 Safeguarding Important Bird Areas requires diverse approaches BirdLife wishes to acknowledge and thank its Founder Patrons for their support of the science programme that 64 Biodiversity in the wider landscape must be sustained too generated this report. RESPONSE 66 International agreements have great potential to help conserve biodiversity The compilation and publication of this report were generously supported by the 68 Agreements must be made to work, through political will backed by real resources Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and the Directorate- 70 We need a better way of tracking progress—and birds can help General for International Cooperation, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS). 72 Birds make us aware of the vital choices that we face

1 There is a growing realisation that Birds are sending us some Overview: 1 STATE: what birds tell us about condition and change genuinely sustainable development important messages that should State of the depends on conserving the Earth’s not be ignored. They show that worldRs biodiversity. Biodiversity underpins our global environment is under our lives, providing many vital serious strain, with a massive and birds 2004 goods and services to people. still increasing haemorrhage of There are also strong ethical and biodiversity. They show that these aesthetic arguments why we losses are caused directly or should care for it well. indirectly by our expanding Given the fundamental demands on the biosphere, importance of biodiversity, we driven by deeper problems that know surprisingly little about it. We include widespread social are sure that it is disappearing fast, inequities and distorted value yet at present we cannot even systems. They show that there are measure progress (or otherwise) solutions to both the immediate

towards the 2010 target set by threats and their deeper causes. Biodiversity is rapidly being eroded. Threatenedecies are becoming sp more threatened and world leaders for slowing this loss. They show also that there is no many common ones are in decline. Manyonfined species toare small c ranges or distinctive habitats, or congregate at particular sites.ened andThreat geographically-concentrated This BirdLife assessment examines time to waste: our options for species map out a network of key biodiversity within theareas wider landscape.

what the best-known group of living conserving biodiversity are In many parts of the world, the familiaround species us are ar in decline. Some of things, birds, can tell us about the narrowing fast. these declines are very rapid and severe.most Although of these species are still relatively common, their declines highlightnvironmental wider e problems. state of biodiversity (see box 1), the The BirdLife Partnership is Current extinction rates are exceptionallythout high. concerted Wi action these rates pressures upon it (box 2) and the working to tackle these issues in will continue to rise. In total, 1,211 bird(12% species of the total) are globally threatened. Of these, 179 are now CriticallyeredNfacing Endang imminent extinction. solutions that are being, or should more than 100 countries around Only for birds do we have comprehensive on information global trends over recent be, put in place (box 3). It is a the world. The companion decades. The Red List Index for birds showsey have that become th more threatened since 1988, with more species slippingtinction. closer to Seabirds ex and Asian forest synthesis of our knowledge in 2004 publications to this document, birds have shown particularly severe declines. and provides a benchmark against Working together for birds and Threatened species occur across the world, are concentratedbut they in the tropics and especially in moist tropical forests.r species Many othe are geographically which we can assess our efforts to people and A strategy for birds and concentrated, and often confined to distinctiveitats. More hab than one-quarter of conserve biodiversity in future. people, respectively set out the bird species have very small breeding ranges.of these Most occur together in places called Endemic Bird AreasNmainly in the subtropicsNthat tropics and cover just 5% Why birds? They have a special current actions of the BirdLife of the EarthRs land surface. A further 10%species of birdcongregate in large place as environmental indicators Partnership, and BirdLife’s strategy numbers at a few special sites at particularin their times life cycles. for many reasons, not least until 2015. Birds help to create Species that are threatened and geographicallyentrated conc can be used to locate key biodiversity areasNcritical sites forion. conservat For birds, over 7,500 P. 2: Javan Hawk-eagle' BAS VAN BALEN Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have so farfied been in nearlyidenti 170 countries. They P. 3: Forest fire' BIRDLIFE because of their enormous public positive change, through a public are crucial strongholds for maintainingerall speciesR ranges ov and populations, and a Northern Sierra Madre, Luzon, Philippinesappeal. A global network of that understands and values ' MICHAEL POULSEN/BIRDLIFE set of vital stepping stones for migrants. also IBAs effective are at conserving birdwatchers and ornithologists biodiversity conservation. They biodiversity other than birds. continues to provide a huge thus play a vital part in bringing amount of information about about the social and political

For further information visit birds—information largely lacking solutions that we need for a more 24 www.birdlife.org for other species. sustainable world. State of the world’s birds 2004 2 PRESSURE: what birds tell us about problems 3 RESPONSE: what birds tell us about solutions # One in eight of the world’s birds—1,211 species in total—faces extinction (p. 14)

# The farmland bird index for Europe has declined by 34% since 1966 (p. 8)

# Over 7,500 sites in nearly 170 INTRODUCTION countries have been identified as Important Bird Areas (p. 24)

# Agricultural expansion and intensification threaten 50% of Important Bird Areas

People cause the immediate pressures ony. Habitatbiodiversit destruction, driven especiallyInvestment in biodiversity needs to be andmuch more larger strategic. Priorities can helpin Africa (p. 31) by agriculture and unsustainable forestry,orst threatis the wat present, but climate changeto target efforts, but existing commitments made must effective be and resources will have major impacts in future. Threatsnsifying are andinte often interlinked. They are massively scaled up. Time is short, butde birds a focus provi for positive change and can rooted in difficult human problemsNincludingistent undervaluation a cons of biodiversity. help us to monitor progress. # 64% of Globally Threatened

The immediate threats to species, sitess andare nearlyhabitat always caused by people.Awareness of biodiversity, its value to dhumanity the need an for its conservation has been Birds, most of them in the Very often, these threats are interconnectedinforce and each re other. Habitat growing steadily, supported by better datar before. than Yeteve global investment in tropics, are threatened by destructionNwith the degradation and fragmentationthat go with itNis by far the biggest conservation does not come close to matchings needed, what either i in the amount available immediate problem, impacting 86% of Globallyened Birds. Threat In particular, unsustainableor where it is spent. Because resourceso scarce, are still immediate s action must focus on unsustainable forestry (p. 31) forestry and expanding and intensifying are agriculture the paramount threats. prioritiesNand the information we have help on birds to set can these.

Many other factors are also significant,our including ever-spreading infrastructure. WhenSince 2000, key actions have been identifiedl Globally for Threatened al Birds. Action at sites will poorly planned and managed, this destroysabitat natural and brings h with it damaging protect most, but not all, species. Manye underway actions ar but there are still crucial #gaps.Alien invasive species impact human activities, including logging, agricultured fire. Environmental an pollution of air,Examples show that, with the right measures,dual species indivi can be saved from extinction.67% of Globally Threatened land and water often has a direct impactn indicationon birdsNa of the wider, costly Important Bird Areas (IBAs) urgently needon, nationally recogniti and internationally, as problems it creates for biodiversity and society. Birds on oceanic islands (p. 44) priority sites for conservationNthe backbonearger network of a l of key biodiversity areas. Seabirds continue to be drowned on theg-line hooks fishing of lon boats, causing These sites must be effectively safeguarded.st approach The be for this will differ from site to devastating population declines and disruptingn ecology. ocea Unsustainable hunting and site, involving a range of governance mechanisms.or many IBAs, F local Site Support Groups trapping remain a critical issue for manyGlobal species. travel and trade and changing # Scaled conservation should have a significant role. climate encourage the spread of invasive animals, species plants of and microbes, The future of IBAs, and of many dispersedic species,and nomad also depends crucially on investment is over 20 times including new diseases. Invasives are threata particular on islands, but increasingly a conservation of the wider environment, whereeople live most and p work. It is here that problem on continents too. higher in developed than sustainable development must be achievedrsity if loss biodive is to be halted. Climate change is taking place because ivities,of human especially act the burning of fossil developing countries (p. 54) fuels. We can already see many impactsity, on andbiodivers more severe effectsN Commitments made under existing internationalments have agree enormous potential to achieve including bird extinctionsNare predicted.e loseWhether a few w species or very many willbiodiversity conservation. However, they activated need to inbe national legislation and made depend critically on the degree of warming. effective in practice. Most importantly,will political must be manifested in a dramatic scaling-up# 43% of Africa’s Important Bird The immediate threats to birds and otherty arebiodiversi rooted in some of humanityRs of the resources available for conservation.s required This both i nationally and internationally, most serious problems. These include continuingong growth str in human population anddrawing from a much wider range of sourcespresentNincluding than at the private sector. Areas have no legal material consumption, widespread poverty,le access inequitab to resources, and an unfairAs these responses are put in place, birdside acan key prov part of a global system to monitorrecognition or protection (p. 60) global trade regime. Ignoring or undervaluingversity inbiodi our economics underminesprogress. The data come from the rapidlymber growing of people nu who care deeply about sustainability. So long as our accountinguate, is weinadeq will continue to destroy the birds. For many such people, birds are a understanding gateway to and caring for the resources on which we depend, and short-termwill be massivelygains outweighed by environment. Effective biodiversity conservation unlikely to ishappen unless demanded by# anConservation actions are long-term losses. informed and concerned public. Birds caneate help this to constituency cr for positive change and thus bring about, eventually, a genuinelyinable world. susta underway for 67% of Globally Threatened Birds (p. 56) 35 Biodiversity Biodiversity is We are losing Already, we have cleared half the fundamental to human biodiversity fast world’s natural habitats. A third of underpins our well-being The need for action has never been what is left will go within a human lives, but is Biodiversity—the variability among so pressing. The world is changing generation, if current trends living things and ecological fast as humans appropriate more continue (box 2). Human-induced rapidly systems—is the world’s natural and more of its resources—there climate change is set to cause far- eroding wealth. Our lives depend on it, are many more of us than ever reaching impacts on global both in obvious ways and in ways before, and each of us is more biodiversity. Spurred on by climate We all depend on that we are only just starting to demanding too. We are now change, alien invasive species are pressures, species biodiversity—yet we are understand. Governments around overdrawing on the earth’s damaging and impoverishing are vanishing rapidly—at many losing it fast. We also the world are now coming to renewable supplies and eating ecosystems around the world. times their natural extinction rate. know surprisingly little recognise that a sustainable future heavily into natural capital. Because of these and other about it. This report looks really does depend on biodiversity Birds can help us conservation (see box 1). understand the problems at what the best-known 1 Biodiversity must be conserved to achievele sustainab group of organisms, birds, It is clear that biodiversity development and find the solutions can tell us about global provides us with many vital goods There is little dispute that global At the United Nations Millennium Summitr in2000, Septembe the worldRs political leaders biodiversity, why it is and services, and maintains the adopted the Millennium Development Goalsese (MDGs). ambitious Th goals, to be biodiversity is declining, but life-sustaining systems of the achieved by the year 2015, deal with ensuringonmental envir sustainability, eradicatingaccurate measures are very hard to being lost and how we extreme hunger and poverty, achieving maryuniversal education, pri promoting gender should conserve it. Birds biosphere. However, there is still equality, reducing child mortality, improvingnal health, mater combating HIV/AIDS, come by. This also makes it hard to more to it than this. The amazing malaria and other diseases, and growingrtnership a global for pa development. The eightplan the best responses to the provide us with a MDGs, with their associated 48 targets,ally are accepted univers as a framework for particularly good window complexity and beauty of nature, measuring development progress. problem, and to see whether product of a vast span of In the few years since the Millennium Summit become it ever has clearer that biodiversity,conservation efforts are having any on these issues, thanks and the ecosystem services it underpins,ental are fundamfor achieving these goals. As (among other things) to evolutionary time, are recognised well as the obvious link to environmentalility sustainab (recognised already in the positive effect. This report shows and celebrated in many societies. Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD:, biodiversity see p. 66) conservation directlyhow birds—the best-known major their great public appeal, affects issues such as health, water, sanitationd many aspects an of livelihoods 1. At the world-wide distribution, Experiencing and understanding 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development,DGs were the reaffirmed M and the UNgroup of organisms—can help us extraordinary migrations wild nature fulfils deep aesthetic Secretary-General proposed water, energy,griculture health, and a biodiversity (WEHAB)understand the problems and piece as an organisational framework for movingIn addition, forward. the nations of the world and economic and intellectual human needs. agreed to pursue more effective implementationhe three objectives of t (conservation,together the solutions. Conserving species and ecosystems sustainable use, and benefit sharing) ofnd the specifically CBD, a to achieve, by 2010, a Birds are found almost importance. significant reduction in the rate of lossersity. of biodiv can be seen as a moral duty, both everywhere on Earth, from the BirdLife InternationalRs own strategicalso objectives, running up to the year 2015, are because of their intrinsic right to designed to contribute significantly tohe achieving MDGs, as t well as maintaining theoceans to the mountaintops, from many wider values of biodiversity recognised CBD. Thus by the BirdLife aims to: P. 4: Epiphytic orchid, Ecuador' MIKE DILGER exist, and because they are part of tropical forests to the polar ice-caps # conserve the diversity and distributiond SPECIES of wild world-wide bir as an integral Forest products' BIRDLIFE part of nature P. 5: Yangtze flooding, China' DI YUN/CHINA FEATURES our natural and cultural heritage— (see p. 7, box 3). Their extraordinary # identify, conserve and promote a globalinternationally network of importantSITES for Cape Petrel' TONY PALLISER at least as precious and important birds and biodiversity migrations knit the world together Arctic Tern' JOUNI RUUSKANEN to us as great works of art and # maintain, manage and restore theHABITATS diverse that maintain vital ecological services(box 3). Their fascinating diversity # empower, mobilise and expand a world-widency ofconstituePEOPLE caring for birds architecture. and their natural environment. and behaviour have great public

BirdLifeRs strategy for 2004M2015, and theexamples BirdLife of PartnershipRs work appeal. Birdwatching connects around the world to achieve biodiversityon conservati and sustainable development, arepeople with the natural world For further information visit set out in two companion publicationsA to strategy this one: for birds andand people 4 www.birdlife.org Working together for birds and. people around them, and provides a window

SOURCES 1. IISD (2003)Sustainable Developments 81: 1–6 (http://www.iisd.ca/linkages/sd/sdund/). State of the world’s birds 2004 INTRODUCTION 5 Sterna rica. adatothe Puffinus ranges heritage. . of where we where of R roundsinSiberia to . Common concerns for concerns Common . 1 0,000M40,000roundkm Daptioncapense snapshots Q early8,000 away.km These physiological andbehavioural migrantbird species (see figure). distance travelled, Arctic Tern a. Short-taileda. Shearwater oping countries oping trial, marine and avian migratory species migratory avian and marine trial,

of season shift), provide a major resource major a provide shift), season of Global register of migratory species are are in will be 2004; others updated with new data (and made regularly so www.birdlife.org) on available that can trends be More tracked. of many for details and background on found be also can analyses the website. BirdLife the provide ty, underpin collaborative international collaborative underpin ty, d by many others irdsmoving towest Africa andeast European ones . Riede (2001) 2 ), the ), R servation flies more than 9,600 km,from theprairies ofCan makesmassivea loop between East Asia andSouth Af ). Some of Some ). STATE R act as valuable ambassadors for our shared natural shared our for ambassadors valuable as act Q travelsthelength ofEast Asia from itsbreeding g ) and the and ) R te betweente theArctic andAntarctic, staggeringa 3 thePacific Ocean, thecircumpolar CapePetrel Falcoamurensis RESPONSE Q Dolichonyxoryzivorus dualringed nearMoscow wasrecorded Zimbabwe,in n th,rivalling evenhumans. Theyshow morphological, Falcon ink n pathwaysn flown bythethousands oflong-distance ironmental indicators, and link developed and devel and developed link and indicators, ironmental ng evenngfurther southwetlandsto southinAustrali orextended periods during their epic journeys. For PRESSURE ention on Migratory Species aims to conserve terres conserve to aims Species Migratory on ention Q gnition that conserving them is an international du international an is them conserving that gnition important in numerous cultures (e.g. as harbingers harbingers as (e.g. cultures numerous in important the analyses and case studies case and analyses the assessment for 2004 of the status the of 2004 for assessment ( world-wide birds of measures being taken—or that taken—or being measures need to be conserve taken—to ( them threats that affect them affect that threats ( bird species (see text)—similar routes are followe . Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Pre Numeniusmadagascariensis //www.wcmc.org.uk/cms). winters exclusively inAfrica with west European b . By fostering bonds among nations, migratory birds migratory nations, among bonds fostering By . Conserving migratory birds 2 Merops apiaster undertakesincrediblean figure-of-eight circuit of reigns supreme, being theonly bird known migrato . Salathé ed. (1991) 1 Migrating birds know no boundaries 3 EuropeanBee-eater sevenspecies illustrate some ofthemajor migratio are birds migratory value, aesthetic their Besides headingdownthe Nile southernto AfricaNone indivi paradisaea extensivelyacross theAntarctic region, while Amur when managed sustainably for food or sport, are env are sport, or food for sustainably managed when thecoasts Australia,of withfemale birdscontinui pampasofArgentina. FarEastern Curlew tenuirostris trip.Other migrant species are not outshone. Bobol Bonn: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (http: the threats faced by migratory birds, plus the reco the plus birds, migratory by faced threats the ranges their throughout legislation and conventions. For instance, the Conv the instance, For conventions. and legislation Birdsarearguably themost mobile creatures Earon SOURCES adaptationsthat allow them tofly high, fast and f The spectacular migration pathways of seven migrant provided by many the many, provided enthusiasts and people—experts observe and study alike—who draws It world. the across birds combined the on heavily most of the and knowledge efforts than more in Partnership BirdLife summary a is It countries. 100 e

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Global Environment Outlook 3. . Achard 7 al consumptional .5%wildofnature (natural habitats by burningby fossil fuelsNshow thatwe onesNreflectingthefactthat the ng timber,ng fishing, accommodating . Data. arestill very inadequate, butthe r a human generation, however, this however, generation, human a r yearbetween 1970 and1999, probably d future generations depend. generations future d alQfootprintR wasaround sixtimes currentuseof the biosphereNthe area example,loss ofmoist tropical forest sity)was c.0.4% per year from 1990M Thisreportsetsout andstandwewhere gowhereneedtowe information many Although an know we remain, gaps birds. about amount exceptional data on based is report This pollination, seed dispersal and dispersal seed pollination, never has consumption carrion but in must, been quantified, enormous. be cases, many 99: 9266–9271. New York: W.W. Norton. . UNEP (2002) Nand we have already cleared around half the half around cleared already have we Nand 3 . 6 6 . Population. losses forvertebrate species in e. 7 18: 326–330. . Some.habitat types, suchtemperateas forests, ar . 4 5,6

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et al.

et al. . Balmford 6 . Wackernagel . Worldwatch Institute (2003) 1 4 Human impacts on the planet are growingNtoplanetareextethetheimpacts Human on we are compromising our own future . Gland, Switzerland: WWF-World Wide Fund for Natur 17: 20–23. 2 Earthscan. increasinginarea, butthese areexceptional. For (theprimary reservoir of terrestrial species diver 1997,withanother 0.2%Qvisibly degradedR A loss of 1.5% per year may not seem like much. Ove much. like seem not may year per 1.5% of loss A remaining is what of third a roughly to up adds termproductive capacity. Perperson, this ecologic biggerhigh-incomein countries thanlow-incomein richest20%theofworld accounts for86%materiof productivity and ecosystem services, on which we an we which on services, ecosystem and productivity neededforgrowing crops, grazing animals, harvesti infrastructureandsequestering thecarbon released areliving unsustainably Therearenow more than 6.2billion people inthe world, figurea that isincreasing by c.77million peryear. Tobesustainable in thelongterm, humanityRs consumption of renewablenatural resources muststay withinthelimits oftheEarthRs biological capacity.Consumption dependstheon numberconsumersof andtheamount each consumes;capacity dependsthe on efficiencyofproduction systems. Estimates ofour SOURCES peopleremain Qabsolutein povertyR habitats natural worldRs Thesepressures arecausing rapid biodiversity loss bestestimates arethat arewe losing between 0.5M1 andspecies populations) eachyear thishabitat were considerably higher, at1.1% per reflectinghigh levels ofexploitation forfood 2002 Biol. on the environment. Birds are just Birds on the environment. biodiversity— of component one in significant most the from far and biomass—but or numbers species in role substantial a have they In the United many economies. birdwatching example, for States, $85 billion an estimated generated 2001. in output economic overall in that contribution economic The ecological through make birds control, pest as such services Birds tell us We know a lot about birds groups, birds are easy to observe. Birds are useful indicators Birds are barometers for change in We have better information on They are relatively big, attractive Biodiversity as a whole is very the wider environment. Our about the birds than on any other and conspicuous; most are active by expensive to measure and monitor. knowledge of birds’ ecology allows worldRs comparable group of organisms. day; they can be identified in the Although birds cannot be full us to interpret changes in their biodiversity Although many gaps remain, we field, from a distance; and although representatives of all biodiversity, populations and distributions. know a great deal about their they are diverse, the number of the evidence shows that they are an Changes in the overall threat status taxonomy, distribution, habitat species (c.10,000) is manageable. excellent starting point (box 2). of the world’s bird species reflect Birds are useful preferences, movements, numbers, For all these reasons, people enjoy Most importantly, the amount of changes in the underlying threats to environmental population trends, ecology and watching birds and are able to information that we already have on biodiversity (see pp. 16–17). Birds are indicators, helping us to behaviour. Compared to other provide useful data (see box 1). them makes them uniquely useful. found all over the world (box 3); on locate important places and alerting us to environmental change. 1 Birds have huge popular appeal, and the amountnformation of i about them is impressive

While biodiversity as a Watching birds is tremendously popular., Forc.46 example million people in the United States whole is expensive to (around one in five) spend time observingifying and birds ident1, and 20 million people (around one in three) in the United Kingdomdwatchers are bir or regularly feed birds in their monitor, it is easy to gardens2. In 2001, the month-long World Bird Festivalised by organthe BirdLife Partnership count birds. And because attracted well over 300,000 people to more50 birding than 1,4 and cultural events in 88 different countries across the world, with 3 millionhtings bird being sig logged in Europe alone. birds are so popular, we Scientific research on birds is intensive,easing. and Betweenincr 1981 and 2002, there were already know a lot 13,123 articles in mainstream academich journals the word wit QbirdR in the title or abstract, c.600 a year on averageNin 2003, there were3 Many 1,411! birdwatchers about them. are skilled observers, and able to contributequality high data. Information on breeding and non-breeding bird distribution, migration, ecology and behaviourollected from is c all over the world, through the hard work of thousandsdividuals of and in organisations. For example,The Atlas of Southern African involved Birds 7.3 million records collected by 5,0004. Inobservers many countries, data on migration and longevity are gatheredensive through bird-ringing ext programmes. In the rUK 800,000 alone ove birds are ringed each5. Populationyear surveys such as the Breedingey (BBS) Bird Surv of North America provide up- to-date information on bird populations over and 3,700trends: routes are surveyed annually, 50 eachcounts6 .with

Popular interest in birds is reflected involume the sheer of articles, field guides and otherhat have books been t published about them. The largest naturalook historydistributor b is currently marketing 3.5re books times mo about birds than about mammals. There arebird guides identification to covering the entireh individualglobe, wit guides produced for the majority of countries,many others and that focus on particular groupss. A of bird literature survey of the birdlife of Australasiad Oceania an alone reveals over 4,600 bookss7. and report

This huge array of information is also beingt together brough in a meaningful way for conservation.nce 1980, Si BirdLife International (and its precursornational the Inter Council for Bird Preservation)ed has Red publish Data Books, presenting comprehensive informationGlobally on Threatened all Birds (GTBs). Thes latestseries, in thi P. 6: Cape Sugarbird' KEITH BARNES/TROPICAL BIRDING Threatened Birds of, cites Asia over 7,000 references. BirdLifeRsd Database World Bir (WBDB), initiated in 1994, Birdwatchers, Thailand' BCST manages extensive information on some 10,000s (including specie 1,211 GTBs), over 7,500 Important Bird Data collecting' MICHAEL POULSEN/BIRDLIFE Areas (IBAs) and 218 Endemic Bird Areasrently (EBAs): it has cur some 150 data tables covering400 over 1, P. 7: Booted Raquettail' KEITH BARNES/TROPICAL BIRDING unique attributes.

SOURCES1. USFWS (2003)Birding in the United States: a demographicnomic and analysiseco . Washington, DC: Division of Federal2.http:// Aid. www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/uk.html3. ‘Web of science’ keyword4. search. Harrison et al. (1997)The atlas of southern African. Johannesburg:birds BirdLife South Africa.5.http://www.bto.org/research/researchsummary/5birdri nging.htm#admin6. Saueret al. (1997)The North American Breeding Bird Survey results and analysis. VersionLaurel, 96.4. Maryland: Patuxent Wildlife Research. 7. Simpson Center (1995)The Bird-book Book. Melbourne: Natural Learning Pty Limited.

For further information visit 6 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 INTRODUCTION 7 1,2 (187 species)(187 OCEANIC (1,590species) AUSTRALASIAN geographic realm and country abase. (c.1,700species) tterns in species richness and endemism. and richness species in tterns but they are also determined by these by determined also are they but INDOMALAYAN eting species and, more recently, expanding recently, more and, species eting passable oceans and mountain ranges, mountain and oceans passable enced over evolutionary time. Particularly time. evolutionary over enced ich in speciesNhence the particularly high avian high particularly the speciesNhence in ich (937 species)(937 PALEARCTIC m the poles to the equator (c.85species) (c.1,950species) Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Dat reat diversity of bird of diversity reat 2. ANTARCTIC . Country by country, the country, by Country . 1 AFROTROPICAL The distribution of the world’s bird species by bio . 2 relatively few species in total, the Pacific the total, in species few relatively a useful starting point for mapping broad-scale pa broad-scale mapping for point starting useful a . London: Academic Press. ll over 1,000) over ll s (c.3,370 species). This is followed by the by followed is This species). (c.3,370 s 8%, c.1,700 species), Australasian (17%, Australasian species), c.1,700 8%, ther taxa are less well-known than those of birds, birds, of those than well-known less are taxa ther e figure). By far the richest is the Neotropical the is richest the far By figure). e zuela, China, India, Mexico, the Democratic the Mexico, India, China, zuela, pecies), Nearctic (8%, 732 species) and species) 732 (8%, Nearctic pecies), st of the continents the of st ost (97%) are landbirds, the rest seabirds. rest the landbirds, are (97%) ost jor influences include physical barriers such as im as such barriers physical include influences jor inhabit the Earth, the majority (83%) occurring (83%) majority the Earth, the inhabit versity result from the differing conditions experi conditions differing the from result versity to the highest mountainsNan Alpine Chough Alpine mountainsNan highest the to he smallest nations have their own bird faunas. bird own their have nations smallest he r their size; together they hold 20 times more times 20 hold they together size; their r a, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Indonesia (each with (each Indonesia and Ecuador Peru, Brazil, a, lot about the state of the world. However, the However, world. the of state the about lot eographic realms vary substantially in terms of terms in substantially vary realms eographic biotic constraints such as natural enemies and comp and enemies natural as such constraints biotic habitats present. Tropical forests are especially r especially are forests Tropical present. habitats (c.3,370species) NEOTROPICAL (732 species)(732

The speciation and biogeography of birds NEARCTIC has been recorded at 8,080 m on Mt Everest. This g This Everest. Mt on m 8,080 at recorded been has Newton (2003) 1. (187 species)(187 Birds are found almost everywhere in the world, fro OCEANIC upto 200 201–400 401–600 601–800 801–1,000 1,101–1,200 1,201–1,400 1,401–1,600 1,601–1,800 Number of bird species 3 fundamental biogeographic factors. This makes birds makes This factors. biogeographic fundamental richest territories for avian diversity are Colombi are diversity avian for territories richest Vene Bolivia, by followed species), 1,500 than more (a Argentina and Kenya Tanzania, Congo, of Republic Around 10,000 different species of birds currently currently birds of species different 10,000 Around m islands; on remainder the regions, continental in earth on altitudes lowest the from found are Birds SOURCES Pyrrhocorax graculus Pyrrhocorax species is distributed across the world, and even t even and world, the across distributed is species a us tells therefore birds worldRs the of state The biog different the uneven: is birds of distribution (se hold they species bird of types and numbers the specie landbird known all of 36% holds which realm, (1 Indomalayan species), c.1,950 (21%, Afrotropical s 937 (10%, Palearctic the then and species), 1,590 have they Though realms. species) 187 (2%, Oceanic fo rich unusually are region Oceanic the in islands riche the America, South than area unit per species climatic events such as the recent glacial cycles, cycles, glacial recent the as such events climatic and pervasive human impacts. The distributions of o of distributions The impacts. human pervasive and diversity found in the equatorial regions. Other ma Other regions. equatorial the in found diversity These big geographic differences in bird species di species bird in differences geographic big These different of area) (and variety the is influential . 2

et al. et

et al. et Donald Donald 8. 107: 327–339. 107: Howard Howard 4. ervation. ervation.

Biodiversity: measurement Biodiversity: xathat canact as

Biol. Cons. Biol. dexbased wildonbird 365: 335–337. 335–337. 365: (2002) (2002) Bennun & Fanshawe (1997) Pp. 10–22 Pp. (1997) Fanshawe & Bennun (seepp. 28M29). Birds are

et al. et 10.

Nature . 4,5 sefulindication environmentalof arinehabitats rsity Burgess Burgess ofecological factors. Given ingfulpatterns, yetnot somany as ty is enormous.isty Oneestimate thatis stillimperfect) indicators ofspecies feindicators (see p.71, box 2). 6. ts that:ts thepurpose istotrack not always match well the istoriesarewellsounderstood. Birds a inaterrestrial habitats (especially mosteverywhere intheworld (see heirpopulations arereadily surveyed responsive environmentalto e specialisede theirin requirements uchbetter than others. The kind of adthofhabitats and have broad iadefined for selecting indicator taxa elativelyspeaking, somuch erns;onthescale involved; andonthe n micro-habitatsn than, say,insects or ct patternsct unrelatedin taxonomic alforest might take 50M500 scientist- vereal economic importance intheir

Ornis Hungarica Ornis Birds are also beacons for sites. for beacons also are Birds a form (IBAs) Areas Bird Important that sites of network global other much pinpoints effectively 28– pp. (see biodiversity terrestrial starting excellent an are IBAs 29). key of set full a identifying for point 60–61), pp. (see areas biodiversity for information where especially patchy. or scarce is taxa other . Oxford: Earthwatch Europe. Earthwatch Oxford: . Prendergast (1993) (1993) Prendergast 3.

rsity (in press) press) (in ; nevertheless; networka sitesof selected as suppl.: 15: 3–12. 3–12. 15: suppl.: Pearson (1995) Pp. 75–80 in Hawksworth ed. ed. Hawksworth in 75–80 Pp. (1995) Pearson 1,2,3 et al. et 2. Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Pres Bird for Council International UK: Cambridge, 6,7 Ostrich Gregory Gregory (2001) (2001) 9. 391: 72–76. 72–76. 391:

et al. et

Nature Brooks Brooks 268: 25–29. 25–29. 268: . This. hasled to much interest infinding proxy ta 5. 1 (1998) (1998)

et al. et

. Forinstance,. thegovernmentUK hasadopted inan map. the on biodiversity Putting 8,9,10 . London: Chapman & Hall and the Royal Society. Society. Royal the and Hall & Chapman London: . African rainforests and the conservation of biodive of conservation the and rainforests African 394: 472–475. 472–475. 394: (1992) (1992) Lawton Lawton 1.

et al. et

Birds are good (though not perfect) indicators Nature B Lond. Soc. Roy. Proc. importantfor birds will capture most other biodive likelytowork better asbiodiversity indicator tax well-vegetatedones) thaneitherin freshwater m or onlocala scale, patterns ofbird distribution may onlargera scale, birds are very useful (although changesinbird populations tend tointegrate seta distributionpatterns otherof taxa richnessendemismandpatterns adequateecological knowledge, theycanprovide u a change populationsasone ofits 15headline Quality ofLi Bibby Bibby anall-taxa inventory ofjust onehectare oftropic yearstoaccomplish Theexpense comprehensivelyof assessing biodiversi # # # SOURCES (1998) (2001) 7. Theirmost significant advantage isthat wehave, r informationabout themNand their biology andlife-h arealsotaxonomically well-known andstable, andt andmanipulated. Birds arewidespread, occurring al box3). Bird families and genera often occupy brea geographicalranges, yetmany individual species ar andhavenarrow distributions. Birds aremobile and changes.There areenough bird species toshow mean tomake identification itself challenge.a Birds ha ownrightNa useful attribute indicator.anin However,birds aregenerally lessspecialised withi plants.Importantly, theextent whichto theyrefle groupsremains disputed. Theevidence farsosugges in Doolan ed. ed. Doolan in indicatorsforbiodiversity whole.asa Thereisno perfect indicator taxon, but some are m indicatortaxon that works best depends onwhether environmentalchanges, orclarify biodiversity patt kindofhabitat being looked at. Birdsscore very highly onmany ofthe broad criter estimation and 2 a broad scale, their distribution their scale, broad a the of parts highlight patterns important especially are that globe conservation. biodiversity for (see pp. Bird Areas 22–23) Endemic of majority great the with coincide for significant particularly regions and amphibian snake, mammal, sub- mainland in species plant 3). box 55, p. (see Africa Saharan Bird declines warn us of Many 1 Europe-wide monitoring schemes highlightn declines i wider environmental widespread farmland birds common bird problems An assessment in 1994 estimated that 25% of all European birdWidespread European farmland birds have over declined by Birds have long been used to 2 species are species were undergoing a third since the 1960s substantial population declines provide early warning of 1 in decline . environmental problems. The Recently, the Pan-European 120 Common Bird Monitoring Scheme 110 decline of bird populations in has been launched by the BirdLife Partnership in Europe and the100 In many parts of the many parts of the world is of European Bird Census Council to provide regional indicators for90 world, familiar bird considerable concern, indicating a common bird populations in Europe. Annual breeding bird 80 species that we value survey data collated from 18 fundamental flaw in the way that European countries are used to70

calculate regional indices forPopulation index (1966 = 100) are in decline. This 60 we treat our environment. species, taking into account the proportionpopulation of the occurring in each country. 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 shows that we are not These indices are then combined acrossecies suites to ofproduce sp multi-species managing our indicators that show trends in bird populationskey European in habitat types. environment One such indicator has been produced byata combining for 23 abundant d and widespread bird species breeding in, andstic characteri of, farmland. The results show sustainably. that the European farmland bird index declined4% between by 3 1966M2002, with decline rates greatest in the late 1970s and earlyee figure) 1980s (s

2. It is widely accepted that these declines have been driven by agriculturalensification int and the resulting deterioration of farmland habitats, andy that it is the likel trends observed are mirrored by other farmland taxa.

SOURCES 1. Tucker & Heath (1994)Birds in Europe: their conservation Cambridge, status. UK: BirdLife International.2. http:// www.birdlife.net/action/science/indicators/eu_briefing_bird_indicator.pdfACKNOWLEDGEMENTSData and figure kindly provided by the Pan-European Common Bird Scheme Monitoring (PECBM). Thanks to Petr Vorisekor, (Co-ordinat PECBM), Richard Gregory (Royal Society for the fProtection Birds, UK) o and the co-ordinators of theal monitoring18 nation schemes.

2 Grassland birds are declining in North America

In North America, many common grasslandnd and birds shrubla are declining, apparently in responsengoing changes to o in agricultural land use. One recent analysis of state-level Breedingrvey (BBS) Bird Su data highlighted the plights of breeding 63 specie in the open-country habitats of the agricultural landscape of eastern andSA1. centralBirds breeding U in grassland habitatsarticularly are faring badly,p with 15 of 25 species (60%) showing significant negative trendsperiod over 1980M1999, the and an average decliner year. of 1.1% Although pe long-distance migrants exhibited the sharpest declinesyear), (1.8% residents per and short-distance migrantshowed alsonegative s population trends, indicating that changes on the breeding likely grounds to have are driven the declines. In the USA, Red-winged Blackbird populations are Some 78% of grassland and shrubland speciesone or showed more statistically significantdeclining in 25 out of 381 states correlation between state-level BBS trendsges inand farmland chan landscape. Of P. 8: Javan Hawk-eagle' BAS VAN BALEN particular note were declines in the totalQrangelandR area of (lightly grazed grassland) of4.0 Red-winged Blackbird' MIKE READ 1.0% per year, which were positively correlatedh population wit declines in 12 species. 2.0 P. 9: Bateleur' KEITH BARNES/TROPICAL BIRDING One striking example is Red-wingedAgelaius Blackbird phoeniceus , one of the most familiar and abundant birds in North2,3. ThisAmerica species has declined at rates of 1%0.0 per year in eastern and central1, with USA even greater declines observed3. in Canada -2.0 Although direct control programmes haveso probably played a alsignificant role in its (%/year) decline3, changes in the extent of rangeland coverd for accounte 30% of inter-state -4.0 variation in BBS population trends (see1. figure) For further information visit -6.0 www.birdlife.org SOURCES1. Murphy (2003)Auk 120: 20–34.2. Jaramillo & Burke (1999)New World blackbirds: the .icterids London: Population trend 1980–1999 8 -8.0 Christopher Helm.3. McCracken (2003)BirdWatch Canada 24: 8–10.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Data kindly provided by -5.0 -4.0 -3.0 -2.0 -1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 Michael Murphy (Portland State University, USA). Change in rangeland extent (%/year) 9 State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us aboutabout conditioncondition andand changechange 9 d during 2 s cted areas cted ). Combined ), these provide box 3 box 4 boundary (km) = 984) declined markedly with

n Information ctionsnumbersin raptors (e.g. kites, sity(including thin30kmofthe seems mainly Distance from protected-area

extreme) patterns The atlas of southern inmore densely wasalso clear a danceoflarge eagle . Large (>2 kg), non- kg), (>2 Large . uralpractices tothevegetation strong evidence that many common tropical and sub- tropical bird species are also declining. with the interpretation of site- based census data and land-use changes ( atlases and species-mapping schemes ( . Herremans & Herremans- 2 ., eds (1997) Core Periphery 0-15 15-30 30-50 >50

et al Central Africa, Belgium). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 0

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

100 86: 139–160. In Botswana, the number of woodland raptors recorde dry-season point counts ( increasing distance from the core of protected area (% of numbers in core) in numbers of (% .

3 . Harrison

3 Abundance index Abundance . The.relative scarcity ofwoodland 1,2 . 2 . Biol. Conserv. 2 94: 31–41. . 1

Biol. Conserv. . Herremans (1998) . Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa. 1 Raptors in Botswana are faring poorly outside prote outside poorly faring are Botswana in Raptors 4 kindly provided by Marc Herremans (Royal Museum for Tonnoeyr (2000) Thelargewilderness areas inBotswana areone of the strongholdsforraptors in southernAfrica. Nevertheless,outside protectedareas, many raptorspecies still have unfavourablean conservationstatus SOURCES Thepoorconservation status raptorsof Botswanain duewidespreadto depletion biomassof andbiodiver causedlivestockby grazing potentialprey), resultasa ofstructural changes sparrowhawks,kestrels). Forcertain species, there QedgeeffectR within protected areas, with the abun speciesalmost 45%lower inthe peripheral zone (wi boundary)thanthecorein A survey of raptor distributionthein countryRssubtropical woodlands1991Mduring 1995notablefounda declineraptorin abundanceincreasingwith distancefromprotected areas,especially during the dryseason (see figure) Theanalysis wasbased on 9,964 recordsdiurnalof raptors overof40 species awayfrom protected areas, butsimilar (though less werealso observed amongvarious species ofsmaller migratory eagle species showedmost themarkedspecies redu eagle migratory raptorsoutside protected areas iseven more acute alsoimplicated theseindeclines populatedregions southernof Africa, withagricult African birds Birds are also decliningalso areBirds tropicstheinsub- and tropics Across much of the tropics and subtropics—the home of most of the world’s species—it is often necessary to estimate population trends using indirect information, such as national distribution . 3 . (2003) .

et al hanks to the ation. . Barrett 2 >20,000 10,000–19,999 5,000–9,999 1,000–4,999 <1,000 nodata 3 Extent of recent habitat clearance (ha)

rriedoutbetween 1998M The state of Australia’s birds 2003 in timeinbirdof distributionsN recorded morefrequently and r thersame period, but(reflecting trends. . (2003) andbird species for which reliable flectlong-term trendsNsome broad emporary,rich breeding habitat fora appedthedistribution ofthe birds of . These. figures seem toindicate a ciesrichness of10%ormore were unusually highrainfall experienced 3

hesewere inthe more arid interior of et al t quitet sosimple. rgelossessouth-east in Queensland Australia between 1977–1981 and 1998–2002, . Over. the last 20years, Australia has lost 3 . Olsen . Melbourne: Melbourne University Press. 3 ficant areas of native habitat Figures kindly provided by Birds Australia, with t f Environment and Heritage and the Vera Moore Found

The atlas of Australian birds . Melbourne: Birds Australia. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS >-25 -25–-10 -10–10 10–25 >25 insufficientdata . (1984) % change in species richness between atlases 13(4).

et al

Wingspan . Twenty. years later, anupdate oftheatlas wasca . Blakers 1 1 . Although. thetwoatlases represent onlysnapshots Common birds are disappearing in eastern Australia 2 Species richness declined in many parts of eastern particularly in those that have recently lost signi c.10million hectares nativeof vegetation, withla Supplement to 2002 Ineastern Queensland, forexample, declines inspe notedfor27 one-degree squares (see figure) comparableA number ofsquares showed increases ove broadlyfavourable situation, butthe picture isno thepattern for the continent aswhole)a many oft thestate. These increases wereprobably duetheto duringthe1998M2002 atlas period, which provided t numberofspecies, andprobably masked longer-term Natural Heritage Trust, the Australian Department o Beginningin1977, anambitious five-year project m Australia anddifferences between them maynot necessarily re patternsemerge from comparison.a Ofthe 422 mainl datawereavailable, 48%showed change,no 37%were 15%less frequently during thesecond atlas period SOURCES

3 The new atlas of Australian birds ). The ). box 1 box 2 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), meanwhile, has been running for almost 40 years, monitoring population trends of more than 400 of the continent’s bird species. Analysis of BBS data from the agricultural landscapes of eastern and central USA implicates changes in agricultural land use in the continuing declines of the region’s open- country birds ( Declinescommonof temperateinspecies indicateregions unsustainableuse land Population trends of common and widespread bird species can serve as useful indicators of sustainable development, and in Europe and North America they are increasingly being used to support otherwise qualitative claims of biodiversity loss. A recent initiative to generate the first pan-European indicators for common wildlife populations— combining data from a number of high-quality national monitoring schemes—delivers an alarming message about the state of Europe’s common farmland birds (see Declines can Widespread declines in 1 Waterbirds are showing widespread declines birds are indicative of Waterbirds form a diverse guild of over that 30 familiesare ecologically dependent on be quick and global problems wetlands. They occur throughout the world, spectacular often in concentrations, and Bird populations are declining represent one of the most obvious indicators health ofand the diversity of wetland catastrophic ecosystems. A recent analysis found that 1,138 41% populationsof the for which trends are across many regions and known are in decline, and only 19%1. increasingReliable trend data are unavailable for 50% of the worldRs 2,271 waterbird populations.eless, Neverth data from a well-studied region Certain bird species are habitats of the world. Indeed such as Europe (where estimates are available4% of 346 for populations) 7 showed a showing very rapid and it has been estimated that, similarly high proportion (39%) of populationsecline. in d globally, bird populations One of the better-known groups of waterbirds severe population is the Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans),More a than a third of 346 populations of species-rich family for which trend estimatesAnatidae (ducks, geese and swans) for which have declined 20–25% since trends are known are in decline declines. This is are available for 75% of populations. Of the 1 pre-agricultural times as a 462 discrete populations identified for the 164 worrying: history tells us species in the family, 13 were considered to be Fluctuating extinct, and a further 130 were found ngto be(see declini figure). Fewer populations (22%) Extinct that even formerly result of conversion of natural 2% appear to be increasing 4% habitats by humans. Population abundant species can 1. Partly on the basis of these population 25 declines,species (15%) Increasing 22% of Anatidae are currently considered to threatened, be globally with almost half of these go extinct if the causes declines for suites of species that Decreasing estimated to have suffered population 0%declines or more of 3 over the past 10 years or 37% depend on particular habitat 2 of their declines are not three generations.

addressed promptly. types (such as waterbirds: see SOURCES 1. Wetlands International Waterbird(2002) population estimates. Third edition. Wageningen, Netherlands: box 1 Wetlands International.2. BirdLife International Threatened(2004) birds of the world .2004 CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: Stable ), indicate that these BirdLife International. 35% ecosystems are deteriorating globally and require conservation attention. need to detect and respond promptly to these declines if we Declines can be are to address the underlying precipitous causes, prevent extinctions and Population declines are not avoid disruption of ecological always slow and gradual, in line systems. This requires regular with progressive habitat loss or and reliable monitoring of exploitation—on occasions, they populations, and sufficient can be extremely rapid and resources to identify and dramatic. Such precipitous implement appropriate declines can affect even formerly conservation measures to halt abundant species (box 2). We and, eventually, reverse declines.

P. 10: West Indian Whistling-duck' MICHAEL GORE

White-rumped Vulture' OTTO PFISTER

P. 11: Wandering Albatross' TONY PALLISER

For further information visit 10 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about conditions and change 11 2000 2000 2000 regression orgia) have . BirdLife International (2004) 3 Year ctic Survey, UK). Wandering Albatross Grey-headed Albatross Black-browed Albatross 1985 1995 2005 1985 1995 2005 1985 1995 2005 of the Scientific Committee. Hobart, Australia: 1980 1980 1980 1975 1990 1975 1990 1975 1990 0 0

500 400 300 200 100 300 200 100

1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 lines fitted to the annual census data) pairs breeding of Number Albatross species breeding at Bird Island (South declinedGe steadily since the 1970s (the graphs show Also British Antarctic Survey unpublished data. Data kindly provided by John Croxall (British Antar

(250,000)and . CCAMLR (2002) Report of the twenty-first meeting 4 (see figure). 2 . (1998) Pp. 69–83 in

Albatross biology and

ringtoreplace et al ignificant,since suchspecies are 1%,2%and 4%per engths of up to 30 years, 30 to up of engths ACKNOWLEDGEMENT f 30M65%f overto65 y slowpopulationy declines

ianOcean, forexample, . breedingsites show similar Patagonian toothfish earingnumerous, theyface 3 ssesmentioned above are 5M30years e o be occurringbeo throughout thesingle greatest threat to ales, eds. . Croxall 2 . Because. theseof highrates of

4 . Chipping Norton, Australia: Surrey Beatty & Sons. (>1million), which allbreed on (totalpopulation 28,000mature Living Resources. Thalassarchechrysostoma . At BirdAtIsland. (South Georgia), long-term 1 . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. has killed an estimatedkilledanhas10,000M20,000 albatrosses T.melanophrys ) annually) since 1996 Diomedeaexulans . 3

Albatross biology and conservation . Croxall & Gales (1998) Pp. 46–65 in Robertson & G . Chipping Norton, Australia: Surrey Beatty & Sons. 1 T. chrysostomaT.

Albatross species are declining alarmingly 3 Incidentalmortality linked tolongline fishing is albatrosses(see p.43,box 4). Inthe southern Ind illegal,unreported unregulatedand fishing thefor Dissostichuseleginoides (mainly monitoringstudies have revealed steady declines of yearrespectively for these species over the last 2 individuals),Grey-headed Albatross Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Robertson & Gales, eds. Forlong-lived, slow-breeding birds, evenapparentl canhavealarming consequences sustained.if Three WanderingAlbatross SOURCES mortalityandpopulation decline, allthree albatro evaluatedgloballyas threatened: despite still app higha risk ofextinction ifcurrent trends continu Theseseemingly modest annual declines arehighly s albatrossestake many years toproduce enough offsp l generation have may albatrosses These themselves. theseso declines equate populationto reductions o 90years (i.e. three generations). Data from other trends,indicating thatthese declines arelikely t speciesRthe ranges Black-browedAlbatross islandstheinsouthern oceans conservation Threatened birds of the world 2004 and, even if remedial action is taken immediately, recoveries may not be seen for many years. .

Conserv . . 1991–1993 2000 sly 1991–1993 2000 2 en 1991– 517 Nature 517

Anim . However, . 3 (2004) 6,546 6,546 . (2003) et et al.

Threatened birds ofAsia: et al emain unaffected, and unaffected, emain Oaks IndianandSlender-billed Vultures crashed, withdramatic 5. allyEndangered considered themostoneof . Cunningham ). For these species, the this that indicate results Recent . 3 4 883 883 an abundantan supplylivestockof . Experiments show that vultures are vultures that show Experiments . vultures recorded along a standard set of G. tenuirostrisG. 5 y worky inIndia indicated that less thandecade, a between 1993 and opulationsWhite-rumpedof Vulture, populationsdeclined across much ofthe y painkilling drug, diclofenac, used widely used diclofenac, drug, painkilling y tious, probably viral, disease viral, probably tious, y dose. Modelling shows that only a very a only that shows Modelling dose. y box 3 nes 20,974 ent years ent Gyps butthey remained common onthe Indian 20,974 1 breeding species, where even quite small increases in mortality among adults may sometimes lead to significant population declines ( underlying causes are likely to have been operating for a while by the time declines are detected, . BirdLife International (2001) gh exposure to pesticides, cannot explain the explain cannot pesticides, to exposure gh feeding on the carcass of an animal soon animal an of carcass the on feeding from examination of vulture carcasses from carcasses vulture of examination from _update.html (June 2003). White-rumped Vulture Long-billed Vulture 2 White-rumpedVulture Gypsbengalensis 0 0

5,000 5,000

25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 om).

25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 No. of individuals of No. Number of individuals of Number . 109: 381–390. The number of road transects in India declined dramatically betwe 1993 and 2000 were formerly very common throughout South and Gyps . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Conserv .

Biol andSlender-billed Vulture Gyps vultures and other scavengers in these countries r countries these in scavengers other and vultures . (2003) , leading, theirto classification 2001inCriticas 1

et al Gyps G. indicusG. . http://www.birdlife.net/news/news/2003/06/vulture . Prakash 4 1 Indian vulture populations have declined precipitou 2 highly susceptible to diclofenac and are killed by by killed are and diclofenac to susceptible highly veterinar normal the with treated been has it after livestock of proportion small level a contain to need carcasses vultures to lethal diclofenac of declines population in result to Additional rates. observed the at influence may factors to subject are and populations no is there but study, ongoing present at evidence conclusive involved. being causes other for is diclofenac of use the Unless the controlled, urgently vulture these of extinction enormous of all species, seems importance, ecological imminent. Griffonvultures ofthe genus SOURCES www.nature.c see 2004, January 28 online (published drug is a major cause of the observed vulture decli vulture observed the of cause major a is drug South-EastAsia,with White-rumped Vulture declinesalso observed inNepal andPakistan. Surve populationsofthese birds haddeclined byc.95% in 2000(seefigure) abundantlarge birds ofprey inthe world. Vulture regioninthe first half ofthe twentieth century, subcontinent,wherepopulations weremaintained by carcasses.thelateIn1990s, however, theIndian p IndianVulture research in Pakistan implicates an anti-inflammator an implicates Pakistan in research rec in Pakistan and India in medicine veterinary in 6: 189–197. Puzzlingly, non- Puzzlingly, reductions in food availability, or poisoning throu poisoning or availability, food in reductions Findings decline. the of nature specific and rapid infec an being agent the with consistent were India the BirdLife International Red Data Book Apparently disturbancesslight sometimescanbe catastrophic Threats need not be direct (e.g. through hunting), nor particularly extreme, to have a profound impact on bird populations. This is particularly so for large-bodied, slow- Numerous Species are going extinct large-scale habitat destruction particularly clearly how species at exceptional rates and degradation, often deteriorated in status until going species have Extinction is permanent and combined with hunting. extinct as a result of human been driven irreversible. Although extinction Information from Australia shows impacts (box 2). extinct is a natural process, current and projected extinction rates are 1 We have lost over 150 bird species since 1500 estimated to be 1,000 to 10,000 Extinctions have probably been better documentedr birds than fo any other group The rate of extinctions on islands remains appears high tobut be Current extinction rates times the natural background of animals. In total, 129 bird species haveassified been as clextinct since 1500, slowing. However, the rate of extinctionsents on is continstill are exceptionally high. and an additional four species have gone the extinct wild (with in populations rate. Extinctions are difficult to 1,2 increasing [totals include bird speciesxtinct, listed Extinct as E in remaining in captivity). A number of other species currently categoriseds a the Wild and Critically Endangered (Possiblyt)]2 Extinc We are responsible for document, but birds are one of Critically Endangered have probably goneo, but extinct cannot to be designated these extinctions, in the as such until we are certain. Eighteen such have species been recently 18 the best-known groups of categorised as Critically Endangered (Possiblynct)2. Thus, Exti a total of 151 bird Continents 16 past mainly through the organisms, and we have species may have been lost in the lastExtinctions 500 years. are continuing: Islands introduction of non- 17 species were lost in the last quarterntieth of the century, twe and two species14 reasonably comprehensive have been lost since 2000. The last knownl of SpixRsindividua Macaw 12 native species onto Cyanopsitta spixii (classified as Critically Endangered: inctPossibly in the Ext information on recent avian 10 islands, and currently Wild) disappeared in Brazil towards the, andend ofthe 2000 last two known extinction rates. More than individuals of HawaiianCorvus Crow hawaiiensis (classified as Extinct in the 8 through increasingly Wild) disappeared in June 2002.Melamprosops PoQouli phaeosoma, also from 150 bird species are known to 6 the Hawaiian Islands, looks set to becomeaddition the next to this list: efforts Extinctions per 25 years extensive habitat have gone extinct (or are very are underway to take the last three knownls into individua captivity as they are4 destruction on likely to have done so) in the last failing to breed in the wild. 2 Although most bird species (>80%) lives on3 continent continents. Without , the majority of extinctions0 500 years. Most historical (88%) have been on islands1. Often, these resulted from the introduction of 1550 1650 1700 1600 1750 1900 1800 1850 1950 1500 concerted action, extinctions were of species alien invasive species such as cats, rats, which and goats either preyed upon the current extinction rates native species or degraded its1,2. habitatHowever, continental species have beenmmune, far from and i those going extinct often originally had restricted to small islands. extensive ranges. The wave of extinctionss may on be island slowing, perhaps because manytial of introductionsthe poten of alien species to will increase because However, the rate of extinctions predator-free islands have already occurred,cause andso many be susceptible island speciesdy havegone alrea extinct. By contrast, the rate of there are time-lags extinctions on continents appears to beas increasing a result of extensive and expandingruction habitat (see dest figure). If we continue to on continents appears to be degrade and destroy vast areas of naturalthen habitats it will be difficult to prevent a muchand more larger devastating extinction wave from before species finally increasing (see box 1). washing over the continents. disappear. SOURCES 1. Brooks (2000) Pp. 701–708 in BirdLifeal InternationThreatened birds of the .world Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx EdicionsrdLife International.and Bi 2. BirdLife International (2004)Threatened birds of the world. CD-ROM. 2004 Cambridge: BirdLife International.3. Johnson & Stattersfield Ibis(1990) 132: 167–180. We are the cause of these extinctions Humans have been the cause of 2 In Australia, the worsening status and extinctionf birds can o be linked to human impacts the vast majority of recent and The history of land use in Australia is wellnted. docume This has allowed a The percentage of 1,081 Australian birdpectively taxa retros historic extinctions. In the last retrospective assessment of the IUCN Reds (see List pp. statu 14M15) of eachassigned to each of the IUCN Red List tcategories, 50-year a bird taxon (species and subspecies) atrvals 50-year since inte 1750. For eachintervals from 1750 to 2000 two millennia, over 2,000 bird taxon in each time period, data on thend extent clearance, of la degree of 20 species on Polynesian islands agricultural intensification, presence ande of abundanc alien invasive species and rate of harvesting were considered in nownrelation current to k habitat P. 12: SpixRs Macaw' LUIZ CLAUDIO MARIGO Extinct may have been driven extinct as requirements, range and ecology and thethreatening effects of processes 15 P. 13: Seven-coloured Tanager' EDSON ENDRIGO elsewhere in the taxonRs range. The resultsw the show percentage ho qualifyingCritically a result of human activities, often Endangered as threatened or Near Threatened has increased time, as overmounting Endangered through the introduction of non- pressures caused the status of many taxarate. to Thisdeterio study is unique in 10 Vulnerable illustrating the steady intensification pacts,of human and im the consequent

Near % of bird taxa native species of rats. The deterioration in status of a regionRs avifauna 250 years. over This had resulted in Threatened 5 26 extinctions by the end of the twentiethand 17.3%century of the 1,055 extant For further information visit increasing wave of extinctions on taxa being listed in one of the threatenedThreatened or Near categories by 2000. www.birdlife.org 12 continents is a direct result of 0 SOURCEG. Crowley & S. Garrett unpublishedACKNOWLEDGEMENT data. Data and figure kindly provided by Gay Crowley and Stephen Garnett (Queenslandnd Wildlife Parks Service a and Birds Australia). 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 13

1 © 21 Species density Density of GTBs extirpated from parts of their ranges across South and Central America and the Caribbean rts of their range ). Considerable effort is . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: ordeddensity of tionofdryforests, scrub 2 ificantlyforGTBs.20 These abase. ds , which, arelongerno others. Forexample, in st, ultureandurbanisation. In have resulted intheir utnot recently, or n populationn size, areby no 462GTBs (38%) world-wide Brazil,76GTBs areaffected, e 17especies onthe brink of hence anincreasing risk of hathave lost over 99%of areinevitably associated with angeacross theisland ge. ofareas as beenasextensive destruction box 4 world, such as the Atlantic Forests of south-east Brazil, some species have lost over 99% of their original range ( now required to bring such species back from the brink of extinction and to reverse the deteriorating status of many more that are threatened. However, the moral case for doing so is overwhelming, because there are no second chances: extinction is forever.

Threatened birds of the world 2004 (c.40 species) to>20,000 km 2 ). The Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Dat . 2. 1,2 box 3 BirdLife International (2004) 1. Many species have already disappeared from large pa 4 BirdLife International. Speciesinsome places have been harder hitthan in Cuba11GTBs have lost substantial parts oftheir r owingtowidespread habitat destruction anddegrada andwetlands. Argentina,In ranges haveshrunk sign includemanythat rely seasonallyon wetgrasslands suitableowing tocattle ranching anddrainage. In particularlytheinAtlantic Forests, where there h lowlandof evergreen forest owing logging,to agric someareas 21GTBs have disappearedNthe highest rec extirpationsofGTBs inthe world. Losses ofrange reductiona inthetotal numbers ofindividuals and extinction.For example, inthe Neotropics there ar extinction(categorised asCritically Endangered) t theirformer ranges. Declines inrange, andhence i meansconfined thetoNeotropical region. total,In havebeen identified asat risk for this reason. In theInNeotropics, some230 Globally Threatened Bir (GTBs)Nc.50%thoseof thatoccur theinregionNhave beenextirpated from significant parts oftheir ran Onaverage, c.30% oftheir total ranges hasbeen lo varyingfrom <100 km (c.70species). This analysis isbased onreviewa orsites where species were recorded historically b wherehabitat loss orother threats seem certain to disappearance SOURCES persistence of tiny populations, doomed in the absence of intervention, means that effective extinction rates could be even higher than suggested by tallies of recent extinctions. Studies show that many species have already been extirpated from large parts of their ranges. In the worst-hit parts of the Current figuresCurrent probableunderestimate extinctionrates It takes some time for species finally to go extinct as a result of habitat loss and reductions in numbers ( )

I 1 . The 2 Malava Kakamega = 0.5) have gone by

I Kisere Years since isolation = 23 island archipelagos)

n Number of predicted extinctions Yala Ikuywa al andpoliticalal complications can t, Kenya,t, suggested thatthe number he continentalhe tropics, leading some 0 50 100 150 0 5 10 15 20 species found areaaninand its size. lesoverwhich suchextinctions notably forestsNis predicted to

5 0

abitatloss canbeestimated using the oups.Inpractice, however, relatively

20 15 10

1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0

Number of threatened species threatened of Number ) ( remaining species of Proportion isappear. I (see box 1). More importantly, there isa sRasexaggerated andalarmist. There is, (red) regression line does not differ significantly from a perfect positive correlation (green line) (a) The proportion of bird species remaining ( (b) The number of threatened birds in insular South-East Asia correlates closely with the number of bird extinctions predicted by extent of forest loss ( 23–80 years after isolation. Red lines represent exponential rates of decline for the smallest (Malava) and largest (Kakamega) fragments in five Kenyan forest fragments plotted against time since isolation. Half the number that are expected to disappear ( . 1 . 13: 1140– . 11: 382–394. . 14: 1870–1880.

Conserv. Biol . 3

Conserv. Biol

Conserv. Biol . (1999)

et al . (1997) . As.threatened species are 2 . (2000)

et al

Brooks et al 1. Brooks There is a time-lag before species go extinct 2. Castelletta 3 3. 1150. thoseathigh risk ofextinction, this correlationlends support thetoidea that recentdeforestation habitatand fragmentationhavingis muchagreater impactthanimplied documentedby recent extinctionrates.intimateThe relationship betweenhabitat lossextinctionand is furtheremphasised bydata from areas that havebeen deforested for relatively long periodsoftime. InSingapore, for example, whereforest cover isnow less than 5%of itsoriginal area, 61 of the territoryRs 91 forest-dependentbirdspecies have disappeared1923since causemass extinctions ofspecies from alltaxon gr fewconfirmed extinctions havebeen documented t in criticstodismiss thepostulated Qextinction crisi however,roomnoforcomplacency. Numerous procedur delaythe final declaration ofspeciesa asextinct time-lagbefore thelast individuals speciesofa d Thenumber ofextinctions expected resultasa ofh well-establishedrelationship between thenumber of Fewstudies haveattempted quantifyto thetime-sca occur.However, oneinvestigation Kakamegain Fores speciesof habitatin fragments declines exponentiallyafter isolation, withhalf-lifea the half words, other In years. 23M80 of expected are that species of number first the in lost are disappear to eventually a) figure (see isolation following years 23M80 Thewholesale destruction tropicalof habitatsNmost SOURCES Thesestudies helpexplainto the discrepancybetween thenumbers of predictedobservedand extinctions and highlightthecritical time-scales overwhich conservationactionsrequired.are Without immediateaction, manyspecies threatened byhabitat loss will indeed become extinct. Thevariation iscaused bydifferences in fragmentsize anddegree ofisolation. Furthersupport for the existence oftime-a lagisprovided byanalyses that compare numbersthreatenedof species withlevels ofhabitat loss region.ina Onesuch study insularin South-East Asiarevealed that thetotals ofthreatened bird species in regionRstheisland archipelagos showed closecorrelation with thenumber of extinctionspredicted byforest loss data (seefigure b) One in eight of the scientifically objective, Many species 1 In total, 1,211 bird species are threatenedobal with gl worldRs birds faces comprehensive and internationally extinction are close to extinction recognised system yet devised for Using the criteria and categories of the extinction A significant proportion of the assessing extinction risk. Using IUCN Red List1,2, the 2004 assessment of all the worldRs birds judged that 1,211 world’s biodiversity now faces them, all the world’s birds have species (12.4% of extant species, or one extinction. It is not yet possible to been regularly assessed by BirdLife in eight) are globally threatened with Over 12% of bird species extinction (see figure a) 3 quantify exactly how many species International since the 1980s. The . These comprise are considered globally 179 species classed as Critically Endangered are at risk, because we have not 2004 assessment concluded that (meaning that they are considered to be threatened, because they facing an extremely high risk of extinction; even named about 90% of all 1,211 bird species (12% of the see figure b), 344 species assessed as have small and declining Endangered (very high risk of extinction) species on Earth, let alone total, or one in eight) are globally and 688 listed as Vulnerable (high risk of populations and/or small extinction). A further four species are assessed their status. However, a threatened with extinction. Of listed as Extinct in the Wild and 774 Near ranges. In total, 179 bird Threatened species are assessed as close few groups of organisms are well these, 179 species are Critically to qualifying as globally threatened. Onlyes (0.8% 78 speci of the total) are species are now Critically considered insufficiently known to be ables their to threatasses status, and so are Endangered and face an known, and their threat status has Endangered, meaning that they classified as Data Deficient. been comprehensively assessed face an extremely high risk of Threatened species are not evenly distributed bird families. among There are particularly extremely high risk of high proportions of threatened species amongosses (95%), albatr cranes (60%), parrots extinction in the using the criteria of the IUCN Red extinction in the immediate future (29%), pheasants (26%) and pigeons (23%) List. These criteria are the most (see box 1). immediate future. 3,4. Furthermore, families and genera with few species have disproportionately highs of proportion threatened species5. Even allowing for these taxonomic effects, larger-bodied species and those with low reproductive rates (owing to small clutche also sizes) more ar likely to be threatened4.

(a) 1,211 bird species are threatened with(b) 179 bird species are classified as Critically global extinction3 Endangered3

Critically Endangered 179 Extinct in the Wild 4 (<1%)

Threatened 1,211 (12%)

Near Threatened3 774 (8%) Threatened { Least Concern 7,721 (79%) Vulnerable Endangered Data Deficient 78 (<1%) 688 344

SOURCES 1. IUCN (2001)IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Version. Gland, 3.1 Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN Species Survival Commission.2. http://www.redlist.org. 3. BirdLife International Threatened(2004) birds of the world. 2004 CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.4. Bennett & Owens (1997)Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 264: 401–408.5. Purvis et al. (2000)Science 288: 328–330.

P. 14: Forest Owlet' FARAH ISHTIAQ

Kakapo' DAVE GANDY

P. 15: Montserrat Oriole' RSPB-IMAGES

Caerulean Paradise-flycatcher' JON RILEY

For further information visit 14 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 15 >1million ,and 2 ndergone se-flycatcher 1 million1 100,001– il,while Fluctuating Increasing Unknown ) 2 10,001– 100,000 ocations.Intotal, 647GTBs . Sixteen species are species Sixteen . 1 1 10,000 isrestricted to two tiny islets , mainly on small islands. For 2 Range size (km ave ranges that are less than mallerthan 10,000 km on the island of Sangihe, 63 (38%) found at five or fewer, ve small or very small ranges. m hin 300 m of the spot where it 2 large ranges: 36 (3%) have range ple, Alagoas Tyrannulet very low densities and have small ever is longer) is ever ations: in total 937 species (86% of those of (86% species 937 total in ations: qualify as threatened because the declines the because threatened as qualify 50–79 30–49 1–29 Stable or three generations % decline per 10 years is known only from a single site in south-west 80 ≥ 1–10 11–100 101–1,000 1,001– Population trends of GTBs Range sizes of GTBs 0

0

Nesomimustrifasciatus

600 500 400 300 200 100 50

p 350 300 250 200 150 100 Number of species of Number Number of species of Number catastrophically , butare,considered threatened because theyhave u . 2 has a total range size of 2 km is found at just two localities in north-east Braz inthe Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Caerulean Paradi 2 ., eds (in Eriocnemismirabilis

et al across 2 Puffinus Icterus oberi Icterus er three er , declining and fragmentedorrestricted fewtoal 2 . CD-ROM. Cambridge, . Madroño and Mauritius and Torgostracheliotus 3 BirdLife International (2004) Most Globally Threatened Birds have small ranges ve stable populations, stable ve g largely to habitat to largely g t all in response to response in all t during the period 1997M period the during steep population declines, or because they occurdeclining at populations. For example,Lappet-faced Vulture hasrangea of 8.7million km Sixty-three species (5%) have ranges less than 10 k The majority of Globally Threatened Birds (GTBs) ha SOURCE Eutrichomyias rowleyi example, Floreana Mockingbird totallingjust 0.9 km muchofAfrica and the MiddleEast, but itis estimatedthatonly8,500 individualsremainthisand numberdeclining.is CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. (53%) are known from ten or fewer locations, with 4 and 182 (15%) restricted to a single site. For examPhylloscartes ceciliae Colombia (and even there it has only been found waswit first discovered in 1967). A few GTBs have verysizesover onemillion km Colourful Puffleg 555 GTBs (46%) qualify as threatened because they20,000 h km Indonesia.Altogether, 682 GTBs (56%) have ranges s

4 Threatened birds of the world 2004 111: 79–89. owing largely to predation by predation to largely owing exceed 30% in 10 years (or three generations, which generations, three (or years 10 in 30% exceed with trend estimates) are declining, and 412 (38%) (38%) 412 and declining, are estimates) trend with Most Globally Threatened Birds have declining popul declining have Birds Threatened Globally Most estimated or inferred to have to inferred or estimated in 80% exceed that declines generations. three or years 10 of population the example, For Oriole Montserrat Amazona versicolor Amazona rección General de Conservación de la Naturaleza

Biol. Conserv. . Similarly, Balearic Shearwater Shearwater Balearic Similarly, . Threatened birds of the world 2004 2 . (2003) , , declining

et al 2 ; see also pp. 58M59). pp. also see ; ). . Hilton 2 is currently declining at a rate equating to 98% ov 98% to equating rate a at declining currently is box 4 . BirdLife International (2004) 1 ). Small range size is also an also is size range Small ). Falco punctatus Falco Most Globally Threatened Birds are declining, some . Only 111 species (10% of those with estimates) ha estimates) with those of (10% species 111 Only . 3 3 UK: BirdLife International. generations (54 years in this long-lived species), species), long-lived this in years (54 generations cats and just 38 (4%) have increasing populations, almos populations, increasing have (4%) 38 just and Parrot Lucia St (e.g. efforts conservation SOURCES press) Libro Rojo de las aves de andEspaña. SEO/BirdLife. Madrid: Di mauretanicus mauretanicus Kestrel Kestrel is estimated to have declined by up to 52% per year per 52% to up by declined have to estimated is owin years, 10 over 80% than more to equating 2000, eruptions volcanic by destruction box 3 box important factor in raising in factor important GTBs 555 Altogether, risk. extinction (46%) as qualify threatened because they have ranges that are km 20,000 than smaller and fragmented or restricted to a or restricted fragmented and (53%) 647 with locations, few locations, fewer or ten to restricted and known182 (15%) only from a singlesite( be declining at rates of at least 30% least at of rates at declining be or generations years three in ten ( Unknown ns 10,000) ≥ ( 2 Bali2 Starling Medium–large withsmall Small 9,999) (2,500– ulationsthat are estimated to ). Even numerous and numerous Even ). Very smallVery (250–2,499) es)arebelow 2,500 individuals (see e aree less than ten pairs ofTahiti Birds (GTBs) have populations of box 2 box small Population size (number of individuals) species are threatened with are threatened species intensifying the by extinction planet. the on impacts human Threatenedhavespecies decliningand small rangespopulationsand Birds Threatened Globally Most (GTBs) are threatened because There populations. small have they with GTBs) of (80% species 966 are than fewer of populations and mature individuals, 10,000 declining also are of these 80% ( widespread birds may be may birds widespread rapidly to owing threatened total, In populations. declining have of (38% 412 the GTBs total) to estimated are that populations (50–249) Extremely Tiny (<50) Population sizes of GTBs 0

500 400 300 200 100 Number of species of Number . left onTahiti, French Polynesia, andonly about 1 on theonIndonesian island Bali.of Formost species Pomareanigra . In.total, 77species (6.3% ofGTBs) have tiny pop BirdLife International (2004) 1 Most Globally Threatened Birds have small populatio 2 CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. numberfewer than 50individuals. For example, ther Monarch Eightypercent (966 species) ofGlobally Threatened SOURCE fewerthan10,000 individuals, while 41%(502speci figure) Leucopsarrothschildi populations,theirnumbers also are believedtobedeclining. Only226GTBs (19%) have populationsarethat estimatedexceedto10,000 individuals.Mosttheseof speciesqualify as threatenedbecausetheir populationsundergoingare rapiddeclines (see box 3). Threatened birds of the world 2004 All taxonomicgroupsAll threatunderare Although birds are still by far the best-known group, the conservationstatus of four other groups have now been completely assessed for the first time. The threatened species of proportion found was in 2003 extinction with 52% mammals, for 23% about be to conifers. for 25% and cycads for Partialassessments for some other groupsalsoshow substantial proportionsof the assessed species to be threatened with amphibians, for c.30% extinction: fish for 3–49% reptiles, for 4–62% In and for 0.2–58% invertebrates. likely is it groups, taxonomic most of proportions significant that Birds provide unique Species are 1 The worldRs birds are getting more threatened information for becoming The Red List Index for birds shows thateen there a steady has b and continuing deteriorationreat instatus the th of the worldRs birds, as assessing global measured by their IUCN Red List category,988 between (when the 1 first comprehensive global was assessment carried out for IUCN by biodiversity trends BirdLife International) and 2004 (see1M6. Thefigure index a) is based on the number of movedspecies between that categories as a result of more genuine changes in threat status (it excludes resulting moves from improved knowledge or taxonomicnges). For cha each assessment, the The threat status of all of the total number of species in each categoryied isby multipl a score, increasing stepwise fromar oneThreatened for Ne to six for Extinct. The 5 threatened world’s birds has been index is then calculated from the proportionalge in this chan value between assessments, withline inthe 1988 base set to. zero comprehensively assessed four One strength of this index is that it heillustrates overall changet in the status of birds(a) The in Red List Index for5 birds a clear and easily understood fashion, summingther the combinedtoge genuine changes The Red List Index for 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 times between 1988 and 2004, in threat status of 60 species during 1988M1994,6 species during 14 1994M2000 and 0.00 43 species during 2000M2004. It is basede assessmentson completall ofthe worldRs birds birds shows that the -0.01 using the categories and criteria of (c.10,000 species), notNas with many population-based indicesNa potentially biased subset. Better world’s birds have -0.02 the IUCN Red List (see pp.14–15). In the Red List Index, shifts between anyent two categories adjac count the same. For become more threatened By examining the number of example, a species moving from Least Concernr Threatened to Nea contributes as much to-0.03 the overall index trend as one moving fromed to Endanger Critically Endangered. The former -0.04

since 1988, with more Red List Index species moving between Red may represent very significant losses tyof inbiodiversi terms of numbers of individuals,

species slipping closer to List categories as a result of even if the latter represents a greater a increase speciesRs in risk of extinction. However,-0.05 to Worse illustrate overall trends for the most threatenedpecies, the sRed List Index can also be extinction. Seabirds and -0.06 genuine improvement or calculated for just the highest categories:lly Endangered Critica and above (Possibly Extinct, 5 Asian forest birds have deterioration, it has been Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct; see figurer these b). species Fo the rate of deterioration(b) The Red List Index for Critically Endangeredrds bi appeared to level out during 2000M2004. period, During two this Critically Endangered 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 shown particularly severe possible to develop Red List species became Extinct (or Possibly Extinct) Wild, and in the five Endangered species 0.00 became Critically Endangered, but thisy was seven offset species b that improved in status declines. We cannot yet -0.01 Better Indices which quantify the as a result of conservation efforts.

determine global trends -0.02 overall change in threat status of SOURCES1.Collar & Andrew (1988)Birds to watch: the ICBP world check-listened of birds. threat Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Preservation.2. Collar et al. (1994)Birds to watch 2: the world list of threateneds. Cambridge, bird UK: BirdLife for other groups of -0.03 the world’s birds over the last International.3. BirdLife International Threatened(2000) birds of the. Barcelonaworld and Cambridge, UK: Lynx EdicionsrdLife and Bi organisms in this way, International.4. BirdLife International Threatened(2004) birds of the world. CD-ROM. 2004 Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.Red List Index 16 years (see box 1). This -0.04 5. Butchartet al. (submitted) Measuring trends in the statusal biodiversity: of glob Red List indicators6. for Analysis birds. of data held in Worse but similar declines are BirdLife’s World Bird Database.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Methodology developed in conjunction with Red the List IUCN programme. information is unique: for no -0.05 expected. other group of organisms can we yet chart global trends in this way. 2 Most threatened birds are deteriorating in status

The Red List Index measures movement betweenries of the catego IUCN Red List. However, these categories are relatively broad:n species have to ofte undergo fairly significant changes in population size, population trend orin range order sizeto cross the thresholds between categories. To determine qualitative trends 2000 1between and 2004 in the status of all Globally Threatened Birds (GTBs), not justving those between mo Red List categories, a world-wide network of over 100 experts d.was They consulte were asked to judge from their detailed knowledge whether the status esof eachhad improved, speci stayed the same, or deteriorated during the period. Assessmentstained were for 72% ob of GTBs (859 species). Of these, only 11% were judged to have improvedtus, 44% in had sta remained the same and 45% had deteriorated in status since 2000re)2. Similar(see figu proportions were found for

P. 16: Blue-throated Macaw' JOE TOBIAS the subset of Critically Endangered species:re judged 14% towe have improved in status,

Negros Bleeding-heart' EBERHARD CURIO/PESCP 40% had stayed the same, and 46% had deteriorated in status. Of the species for which thered expertsSpecies sco experts judge that almost half P. 17: Houbara Bustard' NATIONAL AVIAN RESEARCH CENTER of GTBs have declined in status during QunknownR status changes or for which no assessment Black-browed Albatross' RICHARD THOMAS/BIRDLIFE 2000–2004, and only 11% have improved could be obtained, many were also likelyen to have be 2 declining. In combination with decliningwn trends sho Improved by the Red List Index, this QsnapshotR atedsurvey indic 11% that threatened birds are in serious trouble,hat and t Deteriorated the problem is getting worse. 45%

For further information visit SOURCES1. BirdLife International Threatened(2000) birds of the .world No 3 16 www.birdlife.org Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx EdicionsLife International.and Bird significant 2. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldabase. Bird Dat change ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Status assessments kindly supplied by >100. experts44%

State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 17

os Better Worse os Better Worse ) in addition in ) box 5box ). Comparisons of different of Comparisons ). Savanna/shrubland/grassland Forest Wetlands Marine Pigeons Waterbirds Parrots Raptors Gamebirds Seabirds box 4 box to pressures at nesting colonies. nesting at pressures to organisms of groups other for Trends similar a in quantified be yet cannot the mirror to likely are they but way, birds. by shown deterioration species-groups highlight the highlight species-groups the in declines dramatic particularly with linked seabirds, of status threat commercial of expansion recent the ( fisheries longline characteristic of different habitats different of characteristic all in birds level, global a at that, how suffering are habitats natural major ( 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004

0.00 0.00

-0.02 -0.04 -0.06 -0.08 -0.10 -0.02 -0.04 -0.06 -0.08 -0.10 -0.12 -0.14 -0.16 Red List Index List Red Red List Indices for selected species-groups Index List Red Red List Indices for birds in different habitats ). other groups . ty: 1,2 habitat types box 3 box Analysis of data held data of Analysis Methodology (submitted) . 2. 1,2 Methodology developed in developed Methodology

et al. al biodiversity: Red List indicators . Butchart he marineenvironmenthe 1 ratinginthe habitat, and if seriously by human activities human by seriously ereassigned toeach type dto just one or two broad (see figure) 8%ofall GTBs. Itshows that x1) can be broken down to deteriorated particularly deteriorated x for birds (see box 1) by 1) box (see birds for x s listed as globally threatened globally as listed s range offorest andwoodland ACKNOWLEDGEMENT therhabitat atsome point in hespecies (i.e. the species tatus of all birds in 1988 (see 1988 in birds all of tatus Trends in some regionssomeTrendsin habitatsof andare concernparticular of status threat the in Deterioration occurred not has birds world’s the regional A world. the across evenly of breakdown the Red List Index have birds Asia’s that shows declines sharpest the undergone due to the is This largely 1988. since the in destruction forest rapid Sumatra and Borneo of lowlands ( 1990s the through species for Indices List Red However, commerical longline fisheries, longline commerical conjunction with the IUCN Red List programme. List Red IUCN the with conjunction SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Measuring trends in the status of global biodiversi global of status the in trends Measuring birds. for indicators List Red in BirdLife’s World Bird Database. Bird World BirdLife’s in which causes incidental mortality incidental causes which seabirds other and albatrosses of 4) box 43, p. and 3 box 11, p. (see abase. ). gramme. box 2 , figure, b). (submitted) Measuring trends in the status of glob

et al. box 1 . Butchart Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Dat 1 2. Seabirds have deteriorated dramatically compared to Birds have deteriorated in status across all major 4 5 for birds. developed in conjunction with the IUCN Red List pro List Red IUCN the with conjunction in developed and have an exceptionally high proportion of specie of proportion high exceptionally an have and Inde List Red the down Breaking 1). box 14, p. (see have seabirds that shows species-groups particular s the of assessment global first the since severely of expansion the to linked closely is This figure). MostGlobally Threatened Birds (GTBs) are restricte habitattypes. The Red List Index for birds (see bo SOURCES particularly impacted been have species-groups Some showtrends for four major habitat types. Species w onlyifstatus changes were driven byprocesses ope thehabitat isof major orcritical importance tot typicallyoccurs innoother habitat, orjust oneo itslife-cycle). The index encompasses trends for 8 speciescharacteristic offorest (including broada types),savanna/shrubland/grassland, wetlandst and havealldeteriorated markedly instatus since 1988

Critically Endangered birds, although there has been a recent levelling out in the rate of deterioration( Species that do not move between categories on the IUCN Red List for genuine reasons (and therefore do not affect the index) are not necessarilystable. For the period 2000–2004, nearly half of threatened species (45% of 859) were judged by species experts to have deteriorated in terms of populationor range size ( os Better Worse gions and Syrian and Puffinus Columba 1 numbers of GTBs and GTBs of numbers Acrocephalus griseldis Acrocephalus ,figure a). Some species . The Middle East also has few GTBs, few has also East Middle The . ropean birds has been driven been has birds ropean ent in the status of birds during 1988M during birds of status the in ent such as Balearic Shearwater Shearwater Balearic as such ects declines in just three species: three just in declines ects attern of steady deterioration (see deterioration steady of attern limantan by 2010 (see p. 37, box 3). Such 3). box 37, p. (see 2010 by limantan ken down by region to compare trends in trends compare to region by down ken . In Europe there are relatively few Globally few relatively are there Europe In . ecies (Madeira Laurel Pigeon Pigeon Laurel (Madeira ecies ic decline, particularly between 1994 and 1994 between particularly decline, ic 1990s and led to predictions of almost total almost of predictions to led and 1990s tion of forests in the Sundaic lowlands of lowlands Sundaic the in forests of tion 1 or the extinction risk of the many bird many the of risk extinction the or More speciesareMore slippingtocloser extinction Despite the conservation efforts of governments and non- governmentalorganisations across the world, birds as a group are becoming more threatened (see box 1 have improved in status during 1988–2004, but many more have deteriorated. More species are slippingcloser toextinction, as shown by the Red List Index for Europe Africa Pacific Americas Middle East Asia king regional variations, with Asia and Asia with variations, regional king s Aquila adalberti Aquila 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 , Basra Reed-warbler Reed-warbler Basra ,

0.02 0.00 -0.02 -0.04 -0.06 -0.08 -0.10 Red List Indices for birds in different regions Red List Index List Red

et al. . 2,3 . Africa, Pacific and the Americas, each with large with each Americas, the and Pacific Africa, . Cambridge, . Butchart 2 Methodology Chlamydotis undulata Chlamydotis and Spanish Imperial Eagle Eagle Imperial Spanish and . BirdLife International (2001) Analysis of data held in 1 3. ). More recently, the trend in overall status of Eu of status overall in trend the recently, More ). Serinus syriacus Serinus Birds have deteriorated in status fasterthan in otherssome re 3 hence more robust indices, robust more hence patterns, similar broadly show African of status the although have to seems birds slowly more deteriorated Serin Serin and the steeper deterioration during 1994M2000 refl 1994M2000 during deterioration steeper the and Bustard Houbara mauretanicus mauretanicus downwards somewhat by declines in several species, species, several in declines by somewhat downwards trocaz Threatened Birds (GTBs), and the minor net improvem net minor the and (GTBs), Birds Threatened sp one just for increases population reflected 1994 UK: BirdLife International. BirdLife’s World Bird Database. The Red List Index for birds (see box 1) can be bro be can 1) box (see birds for Index List Red The SOURCES (submitted) Measuring trends in the status of global biodiversity: Red List indicators for birds. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT different parts of the world. The results show stri show results The world. the of parts different p general the from differences clear showing Europe dramat a shows Asia in birds for index The figure). destruc intensifying the of result a was This 2000. late the in particularly escalated which Indonesia, Ka in and 2005 by Sumatra in forest lowland of loss f implications obvious has loss habitat large-scale forest these to restricted largely are that species Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. Red IUCN the with conjunction in developed programme. List Most countries support Threatened 1 Globally Threatened Birds are distributede across world th threatened species species occur Nearly all countries and territories of220, the worldor 92%) ( hold one or more Globally irdThreatened species (GTBs), B which are Nearly all countries and therefore national priorities for conservationon. Some acti regions and countries stand outparticularly as having high densities of GTBs, for territories in the world (92%) example, the tropical Andes, Atlantic Forestsazil, the of eastern Br Himalayas, eastern Madagascar,d the archipelagos an of South-East Asia world-wide (see figure). In total, 763 GTBs (63%) confinedhave ranges to just one country, and 80 countries) have one(33% or more such QendemicR support populations of one or GTBs, with certain countries being particularlyortant for imp these endemics (box 3). Conversely,ranges of the some GTBs may cross the more Globally Threatened Bird borders of several countries: LesserFalco Kestrel naumanni tops the list, occurring regularly in 92 (and countries as a vagrant in 14 others) Biodiversity is under in Europe, Asia and Africa. Thirteen otherhave species ranges that encompass 30 or more dcountries, 132 species an are found in five or threat across the world. species (GTBs). Many GTBs (63%) more countries. Hence the political responsibilityfor saving GTBs rests both nationally and,red effort, as a sha internationally. Threatened landbirds are have small ranges and are SOURCEBirdLife International Threatened(2004) birds of the world. CD-ROM. 2004 Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. particularly concentrated restricted to single countries. in the tropics, notably in Others have ranges that are Brazil and Indonesia. shared by many states, nearly Threatened seabirds are 100 in the case of Lesser Kestrel found throughout the (see box 1). Threatened species world’s seas, but are found both across the especially in the largest land-masses and on southern oceans. some of the smallest islands. For example, the entire global population of the threatened Ascension Frigatebird breeds on Boatswainbird Islet, a 1 km2 flat- topped rock off Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Oceanic Density map of GTBs across the world islands have disproportionately Species density 1 © 9 © 16–24

large numbers of GTBs because Tropical countries are Brazil support the largest their bird species are particularly important number of any country or particularly susceptible to Although GTBs are found from territory (119 and 117 species human influences owing to polar regions to the equator, respectively) and also the their isolated evolutionary they are concentrated in the highest totals of GTBs endemic history (box 2). The open tropics. Regions such as the to a single country. In addition, P. 18: Lesser Kestrel' RAY TIPPER oceans are also critically tropical Andes, the Atlantic they support the most GTBs P. 19: Bristle-thighed Curlew' JOHN CLARKSON important for marine GTBs, with Forest of Brazil and the relative to total numbers of bird particularly high densities in the archipelagos of South-East Asia species, and some of the international waters of the particularly stand out. Certain highest numbers of threatened

For further information visit southern oceans, notably countries have exceptional mammal and plant species 18 www.birdlife.org around New Zealand (box 3). numbers of GTBs. Indonesia and (box 4). State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 19 Peru Brazil tabase. USA Philippines Indonesia China Shared Endemictocountry s (marked in 1 number of USA Zealand mals and birds. University Philippines New Zealand French Polynesia 1 inameandCongo, withavifaunas of y stilly hold vast tracts oflargely Norfolk Island d analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Da Cook Islands Total number of bird species (Ln-transformed) Long (2000) Global conservation priorities for mam Indonesia Brazil Peru Colombia China Ecuador India New 12345678 3. 0 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 80 60 40 20

140 120 100

(a) The countries with the highest numbers of GTBs (b) The countries with the most threatened avifauna red on a regression of number of GTBs against total bird species for each country)

lly Threatened Birds Number of species of Number Number of GTBs (Ln-transformed) GTBs of Number UK) for help with the analysis. or . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International, an iesaresituated well ies,ofwhich 32are slands),butalso sizeable onessuch Guyana,as Sur ithNewZealand s ares yet threatened inthese countries because the alnumber of bird rmsofabsolute larlythreatened. A totalavian diversity. ory (which influences (which ory priorities for priorities single country): single es than expected, than es hreatenedspecies than in the list of countries of list the in ally Threatened Birds Threatened ally ry endemic GTBs. The GTBs. endemic ry the tropics, have tropics, the ve more than 60 GTBs, 60 than more ve eralterritories thathave y) and past and present and past and y) ia) supports 39 species, 39 supports ia) 119 and 117 respectively 117 and 119 n countries with the most the with countries n endemic GTBs: 85%. With 85%. GTBs: endemic . Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. include very small very include Thanks to Camilla Hinde (University of Cambridge, . They also have particularly high particularly have also They . 2 2 islands Threatened birds of the world 2004 Oceanic ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . The.ten countries with themost threatened . 3 1 islands GTBsshared with atleast one othercontinent/island class GTBsrestricted

2000 IUCN Red List of threatened species Continental-shelf . These two countries also rank among the top few f few top the among rank also countries two These . 1 . BirdLife International (2004) 1 Some countries are particularly important for Globa Continents Hilton-Taylor (2000) 4 Regional and national variations in numbers of Glob of numbers in variations national and Regional hist evolutionary of combination a on depend (GTBs) ecolog and behaviour size, range diversity, species in mainly countries, Certain processes. threatening SOURCES particularly high numbers of GTBs and are therefore are and GTBs of numbers high particularly ha countries Ten action. conservation international holding list, the heading Brazil and Indonesia with a) figure (see avifaunasinclude seven ofthemost important inte numbersofGTBs (e.g. Indonesia, Peru andBrazil, w toppingthelist). Theanalysis alsohighlights sev morethan 600 species. Fortunately, few bird specie unpopulatedforest highlythreatened avifaunas despite relatively low Forexample, French Polynesia supports 79bird spec Austral (to Island Norfolk and threatened, globally ofwhich 16areglobally threatened. speci threatened fewer far hold also countries Some These line. regression the below far fall they i.e. countrieswithGTBsno (e.g. Monaco andtheFaroe I 2. numbers of threatened mammal species mammal threatened of numbers a just to restricted (those GTBs endemic of numbers te the of Eight 67. has Brazil and 69 has Indonesia single-count for important most ten the in are GTBs of proportion high particularly a have Philippines eighth ranks France included, territories dependent 71. supporting GTBs, most the with overallThe avifaunas ofsome countries areparticu graphof the number of GTBs plotted against the tot speciesforeachcountry showsthat numerous countr abovetheregression line, i.e. they support more t expected(figure b) of London (M.Res. dissertation). 0

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 Number of species of Number Number of GTBs on continents and islands ly all islands . Thesepatterns. 2 orting432species,

Threatened birds of the world NsupportstwoGTBs, oneof 2 bers of threatenedbersof species: rsofGTBs, with, forexample, 11on GTBs)arefound oncontinents undNewZealand (seefigure). o USA).o ThePacific island ofNauruN rtstheofopen oceans outside 5). thmarine areas intheEconomic itiesgloballyof threatened seabirds cedpredators, having evolved in longline fisheries (see p. 43, box 4). box 43, p. (see fisheries longline oftenparticularly susceptible to (69species, 5.7%) shared between ontinents;only c.17% are restricted to ceans,particularwitha concentration o mainland,o whichsupport just190. just 18 km conserve such species, many of which are which of many species, such conserve ) is foundisnowhere ) else . BirdLife International (2004) 2 132: 167–180.

Ibis Acrocephalusrehsei 22 . . Oceanic. islands aremore important forGTBs, supp © 2 10 . Johnson & Stattersfield (1990) 1 . However,. islands havedisproportionately highnum 1 BirdLife International (2004) Many Globally Threatened Birds are restricted to sm The southern oceans are important for marine Global Threatened Birds © . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. thanislands located continentalon shelves closet Somesmall islands harbour exceptionally high numbe Mauritiusand13onthe Northern Mariana Islands (t oneofthe worldRs smallest states, with anarea of which(NauruReed-warbler SOURCES almostequal numbers ofGlobally Threatened Birds ( (620species), andislands (622species), withfew them(see figure) Mostofthe worldRs bird species are found onthe c islands arenotunexpected. Species oceanicon islands are humaninfluences, especially theimpacts introduof isolationformany thousands ofyears (see pp.44M4 2004 CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Theranges ofglobally threatened seabirds cover bo ExclusionZones manyofcountries andalso large pa nationalsovereignty. Forexample, thehighest dens arefoundinternationalin watersthesouthern in o theinTasman Seaandthesouth-western Pacific aro to required therefore is co-operation International commercial by capture incidental through threatened Density map of threatened seabirds in the southern oceans Species density 1 SOURCE Threatened birds of the world 2004 2 3 Most species Most bird species show equatorial rainforest, from the many more species than others. species, while grasslands, savanna clear habitat open ocean to true desert. Their Forest, especially moist forest in and inland wetlands each support have strong preferences degree of specialisation varies tropical and subtropical regions, about 15% of species. The habitat habitat Birds occur almost everywhere on greatly, but most species show a holds by far the greatest numbers, preferences of Globally preferences Earth, in all the major habitat clear preference for one or more with 74% of all bird species. Threatened Birds show a broadly types, from polar ice caps to habitat. Some habitats support Shrublands follow, holding 26% of similar pattern (see box 1).

All major habitats have Many bird species are their characteristic bird 1 Birds are found in all major habitats, buts particularly forest i important confined to a single

species, though forests Birds are found across the world in allat major types. habit Although (a) The importance of each major habitatll bird type species for a biome some species occur in two or more, manyd toare just confine one. By far support particularly large and for GTBs the most important habitat is forest, supporting% of all species. 74 Many bird species have their numbers. Region by Shrublands are the second most importantbitat, natural supporting ha 7,000 entire world distributions Non-threatened region, each of the 26% of species. Grasslands, savanna andands inland are wetlall also 6,000 significant habitats for birds, each supportingut 15% of abo species (see Globally Threatened limited to within one of the 5,000 1

world’s biomes supports figure a). These patterns are similar to those Threatenedfor Globally p 4,000 world’s major terrestrial Birds (GTBs): 76% are found in forest, 22%land, in14% shrub in a distinctive set of bird 3,000 grasslands and 11% in inland wetlands. nvironmentThe marine supportse

species found nowhere a higher than expected proportion of GTBs,vannas while support sa a Number of species 2,000 else. Threatened birds lower proportion of GTBs (3%) than expected. 1,000 Around 30% of species (and just 21% ofgularly GTBs) arefound re in 0 Forest Artificial Shrubland Grassland Savannaastal Wetlands Marine Co Desert show similar patterns. artificial habitats. Artificial habitatsor are importance of min for most (65%) of the GTBs that regularly use them (figurese species b). The depend on adjacent natural or semi-natural habitatsing foror feeding, breed but are (b) The relative importance of each majorype forhabitat GTBs t able to use human-modified habitats to someMost GTBsextent. show a clear 900 preference for certain types of habitat,ccurring with 55% in justo one major Importance 800 type (e.g. forest, grassland) and 84% in. one or two Unknown 700 Minor Birds are found in all forest types, fromtic subantarc woodland to equatorial 600 rainforest. The most important types areubtropical tropical/s lowland and 500 Critical/major montane moist forest, which support 40%species and 30% respectively of 400 (and 55M60% in combination), with tropical/subtropical dry forest 300 Number of species supporting 12%. The pattern is very similars: these for three GTB habitat 200 types support 41%, 35% and 12% of GTBs (figure respectively c). These 100 0 forest types are also the most importantened for mammal threat species 2. ForestShrubland Artificial GrasslandWetlands Coastal Marine Savanna Desert Threatened forest birds are highly dependent on intact habitat for their survival. The vast majority for which(c) forest The importance of each major forestl bird type species for al (d) Tolerance of GTBs to is a critical or major habitat type (86%)and for GTBs forest degradation cannot tolerate more than moderate levels of habitat degradation and disturbance,4,000 High with 45% requiring near-pristine habitat. Non-threatened Unknown A mere 3% are highly tolerant of habitat3,500 3% Globally Threatened 11% P. 20: Cross River National Park, Nigeria modification (figure d). ' DAVID THOMAS/BIRDLIFE 3,000

Grey-necked Picathartes' TASSO LEVENTIS 2,500 P. 21: ' LORENZ HEER

Augstmatthorn, Switzerland p 2,000 Low Kgalakgadi Transfrontier Park, BotswanaThese analyses are based on data on habitat preferences derived from a variety of sourceseld and h 45% ' KEITH BARNES/TROPICAL BIRDING 1,500 in BirdLife’s World Bird Database for 9,407 species Number of species Medium (95% of all bird species) including detailedation inform1,000 for all 1,211 GTBs. 41% 500

SOURCES 1. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World 0 Bird Database.2. Hilton-Taylor (2000)2000 IUCN Red Subtropical/Subtropical/Subtropical/TemperateSubtropical/Boreal forest List of threatened species. Gland, Switzerland and tropical tropical tropical forest tropical For further information visit lowland montane dry forest mangrove Cambridge, UK: IUCN. moist forestmoist forest 20 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 21 le East, Africa and Madagascar orldRs terrestrial biomes The terrestrial biomes of western Eurasia, the Midd EurasianArctic tundra (60) Eurasianboreal forests/taiga (62) Europeantemperate forests (13) Eurasianhigh montane (58) Eurasiansteppe (18) Mediterranean(24) Irano-Turanianmountains (22) Eurasiandeserts andsemi-deserts (17) Sahara-Sindian(38) Sahel(16) Sudan-Guineasavanna (54) Guinea-Congoforests (278) LakeVictoria basin (12) Afrotropicalhighlands (240) Somali-Masai(129) EastAfrican coast (36) Zambezian(67) Kalahari-Highveld(13) Namib-Karoo(23) Fynbos(9) MalagasyWest (24) EastMalagasy (45) Biome (number of bird species confined to biome) as aas are s iss life re al;the , for, r history, ological largely abase. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Dat Many bird species are confined to just one of the w 2 Thenatural environment theofworldRs landmasses, resultlargely oftheinterplay between geological climateandtopography, dividedis intodistinct ec units.Oneconvenient namefor these major division QbiomeR,which may bedefined asmajora regional ecologicalcommunity, characterised distinctiveby formsandprincipal plant species. Thetropical forests ofGhana, Brazil andIndonesia example,all look quite similar. This similarity is intheir structure, however: the forests inthe differentregions are composed of very different speciesofplants. Their bird faunas are also very different,with high levels ofendemism ineach. Fo example,theGuinea-Congo forests westernof and centralAfrica support some 278 species ofbird foundnowhereelse. AcrossAfrica, the Middle East and Europe 22biomes recognised(see map). InAfrica, 910 bird species a confinedtosinglea biome, 42% ofthe regional tot equivalentfigures for the Middle East and Europe are179(22%) and86(17%), respectively. The Guinea-Congoforest biome, with278species, is therichest. Overall, fewer bird species are restrictedtobiomes athigher latitudes, in smallerbiomes, andlessin structurally complex vegetationtypes. Thus, thewoodlands theof Zambezianspecies)(67 Somali-Masaiand (129) biomesholdmorebiome-restricted species than dothearid grasslands ofthe Sahel (16) andthe Kalahari-Highveld(13), while theFynbos of SouthAfrica hasonly nine species confined toit. Therelatively large number ofspecies confined thetoSahara-Sindian deserts theofMiddle East (36)reflect the dominance ofthis biome inthe region.InEurope, therichest biomes arethe Mediterranean(18species) andtheArctic tundra (32),although themajority ofthe birds occurringinthe latter are confined toit as breedingspecies only.Most islands, particularly oceanicones, donotfall easily within anybiome classificationandhaveso been excluded from analysis.this SOURCE ).Conserving box 2 representative areas of these distinctive habitats is clearly a priority and key sites within biomes are therefore included in BirdLife’s Important Bird Area programme(seepp.24–25, 26–27). biomes. The Guinea-Congo forests hold the largest total for a single biome (278 species), while just nine species are confined to the Fynbos of South Africa ( biomes—distinctiveregional ecological units, such as the Eurasian high montane biome. Their evolutionary histories, and often quite narrow ecological requirements, have confined them to suitable habitat within a particular region. Thus, in Africa and Madagascar, where 15 biomes are recognised, some 910 bird species, 42% of the regional total, are confined to single Many species Many species have small Restricted-range bird combined, often larger region is restricted-range species of other or restricted ranges species occur together termed an QEndemic Bird AreaR animals and plants. For example, have small Most of the world’s landbirds occupy in Endemic Bird Areas (EBA). There are at least 218 there is good congruence (an ranges or breeding ranges much smaller than Nearly all (>90%) restricted-range separate EBAs found across the overlap of over 60%) between EBAs the land areas apparently available bird species show range overlaps world, most of them in the tropics and QCentres of Plant DiversityR— concentrate to them. For example, among African with at least one other such and subtropics. The majority of areas that are important for at a few sites birds the median range size is species. Where this occurs, the EBAs are also important for endemic plants (box 2). equivalent to only 1% of the

Over one-quarter of the continental area south of the Sahara. 1 More than 25% of all bird species have restrictedanges, including r 70% of Globally world’s birds, including Overall, more than 25% of birds Threatened Birds

nearly three-quarters (c.2,600 species) have a Qrestricted Many species are confined to small areasldRs of surface the wor and occur together in The relationship between restricted-rangeies bird spec 2 Rcentres of endemismQ. The unique biodiversityentrated conc in these small areas is of those that are rangeR, defined as less than 50,000 km and GTBs2,3 especially susceptible to the destructivef humans. effects In o 1987, BirdLife International (about the size of Costa Rica or threatened, have small started a pioneering project to identifyrity these areas prio for biodiversity conservation,100 Restricted-range Bhutan). Species with small ranges using restricted-range landbirds as indicators.tricted-range Res species were defined as species ranges. The majority of those landbirds with a global breedings range than 50,000 of les 2 inkm historical times 80 Widespread species these restricted-range are potentially more susceptible to (i.e. after 1800, when most ornithologicalg began). recordin In total, 2,623 bird species 60 threats, especially habitat (>25% of the total) were identified asange restricted-r species, largely occurring in 218 species occur together in QEndemic Bird AreasR1,2. Some 820 of these species are currentlyd as classifieglobally 40 3 regions called Endemic destruction, so perhaps it is not threatened (nearly 70% of all Globally Threatenedirds)(see figure). B % of species Bird Areas—mainly in surprising that nearly 70% of Globally SOURCES 1. ICBP (1992)Putting biodiversity on the map: priority global areas forconservation. Cambridge, UK: 20 International Council for Bird Preservation.2. Stattersfield et al . (1998) Endemic Bird Areas of the world: priorities for the tropics and Threatened Birds (820 species) have biodiversity conservation. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.3. BirdLife International Threatened(2004) birds of the 0 world 2004. CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. subtropics—in just 5% of restricted ranges (see box 1). All species (n = 9,917) GTBs (n = 1,211) the Earth’s land surface. A further 10% of bird species are congregatory The location of the world’s 2181 EBAs and very localised at Extent and boundary of EBA particular times in their • Central point within EBA life cycles.

P. 23: Lake Nakuru, Kenya' PAUL GORIUP

White-bellied Shortwing' TIM LOSEBY Shola forest, Western Ghats EBA, India ' STUART BUTCHART/BIRDLIFE

For further information visit 22 www.birdlife.org 23 State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 23 . 1,2,3,4 that . Barcelona: our in . Cambridge, UK and ding application to the

n sites . BirdLife International (2003) 2

Handbook of the birds of the world , plus a few representatives from representatives few a plus , . such as mountain ridges and passes, and ridges mountain as such rds it occurs in penguins, albatrosses, penguins, in occurs it rds luding many birds of prey, some storks, some prey, of birds many luding

rds. et al re population of some species, such as such species, some of population re milies but is particularly common in common particularly is but milies ing at the crossroads between Europe, between crossroads the at ing ucks, geese and swans, storks, shorebirds storks, swans, and geese ucks, quarters in Africa. A good example of this of example good A Africa. in quarters hese species may congregate in large in congregate may species hese hen local conditions change. Conservation change. conditions local hen mmon in landbirds, congregatory landbirds, in mmon ravel by soaring. They use rising currents rising use They soaring. by ravel atebirds and auks, while congregatory while auks, and atebirds l bridge for birds migrating between their between migrating birds for bridge l these are appropriately conserved appropriately are these of these species are evaluated as evaluated are species these of where Sites threatened. globally in gather species congregatory therefore are numbers significant IBA BirdLife’s within included also 26–27). pp. (see 24–25, programme ass through Jordan and Israel to avoid to Israel and Jordan through ass ontinued survival. ontinued ain Sanctuary. , cross the area twice a year. It is clearly vital vital clearly is It year. a twice area the cross , ern sector of the Africa–Eurasia flyway system. Fun

Raptor watch: a global directory of raptor migratio . The Royal Society for Conservation of Nature. Leshem (1994) Pp. 49–53 in del Hoyo in east in 3.

Aquila pomarina Aquila Birds of Jordan ). Congregatory ). Zalles & Bildstein, eds (2000) 4. . Anon. (1990) box 4 box 1 Congregation at particular sites is a common behavi many bird species Lynx Edicions. Conservation of soaring migratory birds in the east Kempton, USA: BirdLife International and Hawk Mount 4 fa bird many of feature a is behaviour Congregatory SOURCES waterbirds, both marine and freshwater. Among seabi Among freshwater. and marine both waterbirds, shearwaters, tropicbirds, boobies, cormorants, frig cormorants, boobies, tropicbirds, shearwaters, d egrets, herons, pelicans, many include waterbirds and other waders, gulls and terns. Although less co less Although terns. and gulls waders, other and behaviour occurs across a wide taxonomic range, inc range, taxonomic wide a across occurs behaviour sandgrouse, some parrots and macaws and many swifts many and macaws and parrots some sandgrouse, among the many families of perching or passerine bi passerine or perching of families many the among crucially are sites few a Often, species these to important breeding. or migrating when Flamingo Lesser example, For minor Phoenicopterus a on rely Africa southern and and lakes soda large of handful Great the within mainly pans, and feeding for Valley, Rift may birds of Millions nesting. w another to on moving site, single a at congregate c speciesRs the for vital is sites these of each of t pelicans and storks prey, of birds migratory Many T crossings. water avoid and land, over air warm of bottlenecks migratory through passing when numbers Ly peninsulas. and isthmuses plains, coastal narrow natura a as serves East Middle the Asia, and Africa winter their and Asia, and Europe in areas breeding p that species 230 over of birds million 500 the is Eagle Spotted Lesser as such areas in sites irreplaceable and important crossing the Red Sea in autumn and spring. The enti The spring. and autumn in Sea Red the crossing Global Environment Facility. behaviour confers many confers behaviour vulnerabilities, also but advantages of numbers large when especially a few just of use make birds 20% some Indeed, sites. important (>70%) ( (>70%) 15 bers occupy he Currentrelationship Historicalrelationship (c.2%). Today, ) 2 2 ofremaining 2 or are migratory are or (c.10% ofthe 2 In1800, 20% of the world’s birds wereconfined tonatural habitats in2% of the land surface Area (million km 5 10 edtoc.4million km lyc.7.3 million km .14.5million km -rangelandbirds and the area that they ed-rangespecies thatare endemic theto Many bird speciesarebirdMany includingcongregatory, numbersoflarge migrants andwaterbirds large with (often species bird Many at together gather ranges) overall cycles life their in times various groups spectacular, often large, into or roosting feeding, nesting, for of 10% nearly total, In migrating. classified be may (845) species bird proportion large A congregatory. as and/ of (90%) are these waterbirds Today, 20% ofToday, the world’s birds arefound innatural habitats in just1%of the land surface 0 0

3,000 2,000 1,000 The historical and current relationship between numof restricted-range species and the area that they Number of restricted-range species restricted-range of Number

Endemic . (1998) . Cambridge, UK:

et al (c.1%) (see (c.1%) 2

odiversity Stattersfield Restricted-range bird species occur in EarthRsjust 5% landof t surface lap with CPDs. EBAs have also have EBAs CPDs. with lap BirdLife International. occupyshows that, historically, the2,451 restrict 218EBAs (c.25% ofall species), were confined toc 3 Rspecies/areaQA curve ofthe numbers ofrestricted naturalhabitat (c.5% theof approximately area; land worldRs c.20% and Australia) of size the than less of total a in occur km million 2 SOURCE thesame restricted-range species arepresent inon figure). These findings show that show findings These figure). resources conservation focusing relatively a within actions and achieve to help can area small part major a of conservation the terrestrial EarthRs the of biodiversity. worldRsland area), while 2,000 (c.20%) were confin Bird Areas of the world: priorities for biodiversity conservation f island EBAs (105) and mainland EBAs mainland and (105) EBAs island f bird endemism, as shown by EBAs, and EBAs, by shown as endemism, bird d evolutionary principles on principles evolutionary d reas, 35% in lowland areas and 24% span 24% and areas lowland in 35% reas, range landbirds occurring in EBAs varies EBAs in occurring landbirds range s of Plant DiversityR (CPDsN 234 areas 234 (CPDsN DiversityR Plant of s (c.80%) is forest, especially tropical lowland tropical especially forest, is (c.80%) on Islands, the Choc in Colombia and Colombia in Choc the Islands, on ee box 1), such that the complete ranges of ranges complete the that such 1), box ee at encompasses the overlapping breeding overlapping the encompasses at though their relative importance for different for importance relative their though and plant diversity patterns in patterns diversity plant and rity of EBAs (77%) are in the tropics and tropics the in are (77%) EBAs of rity ds, 30% on continental-shelf islands, while islands, continental-shelf on 30% ds, . Cambridge, UK: World Wide terrestrial vertebrates, invertebrates and invertebrates vertebrates, terrestrial . box 3). box world (see map), covering the ranges of 93% of ranges the covering map), (see world than 50% of EBAs are significant centres of centres significant are EBAs of 50% than ary of the EBA. Following this simple definition, simple this Following EBA. the of ary and EBAs show good congruence: overall, congruence: good show EBAs and 2 . WWF/IUCN (1994, 1994–1995, 1997) 2

r their conservation

Endemic Bird Areas of the world: priorities for bi . (1998) . Today the . Today 2 et al ). The EBAs of the world are world the of EBAs The ). . Stattersfield . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Most Endemic Bird Areas are in the tropics and are important for other biodiversity 1 2 box 3 box A 70% of CPDs overlap with EBAs, and 60% of EBAs over EBAs of 60% and EBAs, with overlap CPDs of 70% vertebrate of indicators excellent be to shown been an ecological common the to due Africa, sub-Saharan 55, p. (see based are distributions speciesRs which An Endemic Bird Area (EBA) is defined as an area th area an as defined is (EBA) Area Bird Endemic An SOURCES ranges of two or more restricted-range landbirds (s landbirds restricted-range more or two of ranges bound the within entirely fall species two least at the across identified been has EBAs 218 of total a majo The species). (2,451 birds restricted-range of o numbers equal approximately are There subtropics. islan oceanic on are 70% EBAs, island the Of (113). a montane in largely are 42% ones, mainland the for EBAs most in habitat natural predominant The both. restricted- of number The forest. moist montane and Solom the are EBAs richest (the 50 over to two from Brazil) in lowlands Forest Atlantic the and Ecuador of patterns global between congruence good is There other including biodiversity, other by shown those more Overall, available. are data which for plants al groups, major these of one least at for endemism QCentre example, For same. the always not is groups plants) for endemism and/or diversity high with conservation Centres of Plant Diversity: a guide and strategy fo Fund for Nature and IUCN. restricted-range birds that birds restricted-range bird all of (c.25% EBAs characterise just in concentrated are species) 5% of land surface the Earth’s ( Endemic Bird AreasBirdEndemic smallfractioncovera of EarthRssurfacetheland varies EBAs of size The to islands tiny from considerably continents, on areas larger much only cover they but together km million 14.5 clearly priority areas for action, and action, for areas priority clearly included are EBAs within sites key Bird Important BirdLife’s within programme. (IBA) Areas Key species Key species identify some way—through small ranges More than 7,500 IBAs extended and adapted for Important Bird Areas or congregatory habits (pp. 22–23), have been identified application to the oceans. pinpoint When selecting sites for or restriction to a particular biome Important Bird Areas have already So far, 6,460 globally key sitesN conservation networks, two (pp. 20–21). This is the basis of been identified in Africa, Asia, significant IBAs in characteristics are widely BirdLife’s Important Bird Area (IBA) Europe and the Middle East using 167 countries and Important recognised as especially programme, which seeks to a set of standardised, objective territories have Bird Areas significant: vulnerability and locate, document and protect selection criteria. The process of been identified, irreplaceability. To identify such networks of sites—areas that can identification is well underway with an Key species can be used sites, we can use the presence of be delimited and, potentially, throughout the Americas and has additional to identify Important Bird birds that are globally threatened managed for conservation— begun in Australia and the Pacific, 1,179 sites identified at the Areas (IBAs)—sites that (see pp. 14–15) and/or critical for the conservation of the Central Asia and the Antarctic. The regional and sub-regional levels are critical for bird geographically concentrated in world’s birds. IBA approach is also being (see box 1). conservation. IBAs sustain bird species that

are threatened, have 1 To date, more than 6,400 Important Bird Areasobal significance of gl have been identified in ries167 andcount territories restricted-ranges, are confined to a biome and/or congregate in large numbers. So far, more than 7,500 IBAs have been identified in 167 countries and territories.

P. 25: Shoebill' KEITH BARNES/TROPICAL BIRDING The IBAs of global significance that have Muraviovka Wildlife Refuge,' RussiaWBSJ already been identified7

Areas of the world where the process of IBA For further information visit identification is still in progress 24 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 25 , with, a 2 Globallythreatened Restrictedrange Biome-restricted Congregatory , with, meana 2 IBA criteria 32% to 80,000to km 2 19% to 34,300to km 2 19% 3 30% ree to which the which to ree 47% Africa that meet the different IBA criteria s ranges insize from 0.001 km s ranges insize from 0.08 km een Europe, the Middle East and Africa 9% Middle East Africa 15% 29% 3 38% 2% 6% Europe ion of habitat is, in general, much more marked in marked more much general, in is, habitat of ion ate how ate of northern of egions compared egions globally significant IBAs in Europe reflect the deg the reflect Europe in IBAs significant globally these species. The species. these proportion of European IBAs selected IBAs European of proportion by IBA networks IBA by all regions, many regions, all reflecting the reflecting tionately more tionately forts. nd the Middle East Middle the nd emphasising the emphasising 3 Percentages of sites in Europe, the Middle East and atively few IBAs are IBAs few atively 54% base. , equivalent, to7%oftheland area. Individual IBA 2 , with, a 2 , equivalent, to5%ofthe land area. Individual IBA 2 . 2 . 2 to19,030 km 2 . 2 , equivalent, theofland6%to 2 Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Data Bird World BirdLife’s in held data of Analysis Numbers and types of Important Bird Areas vary betw 2 areaofthe region. Individual IBAs range in sizefrom0.01 km size841of km meansize349of km meansize1,796of km The relatively large number and small mean size of of size mean small and number large relatively The environment has been modified by people. Fragmentat people. by modified been has environment Europe and the Middle East than in Africa. The high The Africa. in than East Middle the and Europe importance the reflects waterbirds congregatory for Rel figure). (see birds of group this for latitudes a Europe in species restricted-range for identified r these in Areas Bird Endemic few are there because propor has also Africa 22M23). pp. (see Africa with assemblages, biome-restricted for qualifying sites In 20M21). pp. (see biomes tropical of fauna richer Birds, Threatened Globally for identified are IBAs of many for conservation site-based of significance covered region each in area land the of proportion indic figures small These 7%. and 5% between ranges ef conservation concentrating at are IBAs efficient Europe 2,187 IBAsglobalof significance (andan additional1,179sites regionalof andsub- regionalimportance). Overall, sites identifiedat the global level cover 761,338 km MiddleEast 391 IBAs,covering 315,650 km Africa 1,230 IBAs,covering 2,100,630 km SOURCE ). 69. . Fishpool & 5 ervation. . Cambridge, UK:

Ostrich box2 . Newbury and Cambridge, oreof the following ., Durban. . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife

Important Bird Areas in Asia micBird Area (EBA). conservation ; inmuch; ofthe Americas, 6 toonebiome. ciesofglobal conservation concern. bird species, orto exceed thresholds basis,significant numbers ofa basis,more than threshold numbers componentofthe group ofbird species componentoftherestricted-range bird abase. . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. elopedandapplied insome parts ofthe 60 IBAs60globalof significance havebeen effectiveat identifying sites of resenceofspecies ofworld-wide r).Forclarity, only globally significant rocessofsite identification islargely 1,230 IBAs qualify for both threatened and biome-restricted species while the majority of Europe’s 2,187 IBAs of global significance are identified for threatened and congregatory species. Despite such regional variation, these key sites cover no more than 7% of the land area, a proportion that represents a realistic conservation goal ( developedfor selecting Important Bird

ds: priority sites for conservation imilarcriteria for identifying IBAs at rogress(see map). The IBA criteria have, andAsia 5 Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Pres , Africa, . BirdLife International (2004) 4 6

: Adams & Slotow, eds Proc. 22 Int. Ornithol. Congr

in

Important Bird Areas in the Middle East .Asite may qualify as an IBA if it meets one or m 1 theMiddle East Important Bird Areas in Europe: priority sites for

(1998) P. 428 Important Bird Areas in Europe. 2,3 Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Dat

et al. 7. Two-thirds of Africa’s Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islan hold threatened species. . Evans, ed. (1994) are selected because they 4 . Fishpool the 391 IBAs in Middle East 1 GloballyThreatened Bird species, orother bird spe whosedistributions arelargely orwholly confined ofcongregatorya waterbird, seabird orterrestrial setfor migratory species atbottleneck sites. Thesite isknown orthought tohold, regularona Thesite isknown orthought toholdsignificant a Thesite isknown orthought tohold significanta Thesite isknown orthought tohold, regularona specieswhose breeding distributions define anEnde avifaunas. More than half of . Heath & Evans, eds (2000) . Grimmett & Jones (1989) The proportion of sites qualifying 7% of the landareatheof 7% 2 criteria: BirdLife International. 3 completeinEurope Thesecriteria are being applied globally and the p under each of the four criteria varies between regions, reflecting differences in Areas(IBAs) ofglobal significance, based onthe p conservationconcern Regionalnetworksof IBAscovermorethanno setA ofobjective, standardised criteria has been 1. Speciesglobalofconservation concern 2. Assemblagerestricted-rangeof species 3. Assemblagebiome-restrictedof species 4. Congregations SOURCES UK: Pisces Publications and BirdLife International. Evans, eds (2001) International. Australasiaand Central Asia the work isstill inp overthe last twenty years, proved to be extremely internationalconservation importance. date,To6,4 identifiedin167 countries using these criteria. S regionalandsub-regional levels have also been dev world(with anadditional 1,179 sites located sofa sitesareshown theonmap. Important Networks of Important for bird conservation. One site and distributions. Networks of IBAs IBA networks also seek to capture Bird Areas conserve core alone is usually not enough to have been defined for many significant populations of all Bird Areas populations in critical protect a particular species. Globally Threatened Birds (at risk species with restricted ranges form habitat However, safeguarding networks because of their declining (whose distributions define Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of such sites can effectively populations, small populations Endemic Bird Areas) (box 2), or networks represent the most significant sites conserve birds of varied ecologies and/or small ranges—see box 1). limited to particular biomes in the (box 3). Most restricted-range landscape 1 A network of 34 Important Bird Areas has beenified forident the globally threatened Blue Swallowand biome-restricted species are Blue SwallowHirundo atrocaerulea (Vulnerable) migrates within Africa.y It is globallmainly sedentary. By contrast, threatened because of degradation and destructionf its grassland o habitat in both its many congregatory species are The global network of breeding and non-breeding ranges. The entiretion ofH. popula atrocaerulea (estimated at no more than 3,000 birds) nests in montane covering grasslands, small parts of seven countries oflong-distance migrants. The IBA Important Bird Areas southern and eastern Africa. The speciesRsn-breeding known no range centres on the moist tropicalnetworks for these species protect forms a crucial stronghold grasslands of the Lake Victoria1. A networkbasin of 34 Important Bird Areas een(IBAs) has b identified for this species, 27 for breedingtions populaand seven in the less well-known non-critical sites along their migration for maintaining species’ breeding range2 (see figure). Together, these sites coverd area a combine of routes, at which large proportions overall ranges and 20,612 km(. The total estimated rangeOccurrence or Extent of (EOO) for this species is 246,000 2km. The IBA network therefore covers 8.4% of the EOO. of their populations concentrate at populations, and provides Similar calculations for the rest of thely 174 threatened, global resident landbirdsdifferent points in their life-cycles a set of vital stepping in Africa show that the IBAs selected forr a them mean cove of 8.6% of their3. EOOs Important (box 4). IBA networks often cover Bird Areas This demonstrates how the IBA approachhe focuses priority on sites, t where stones for migrants. conservation efforts need to be targeted. # Non-breeding only a small fraction of each # Breeding The 34 IBAs identified for Blue Swallowof cover its estimated 8.4% total1,2 range speciesRs total range. Because they Range

Non-breeding SOURCES1.BirdLife International (2004)Threatened Birds of the World. CD-ROM. 2004 Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. 2.Fishpool & Evans, eds conserve core populations in Breeding (2001)Important Bird Areas in Africa and associatedds: priority islan sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications BirdLife and International.3. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldabase. Bird Dat critical habitat, they provide an excellent means of focusing conservation effort. 2 A network of 18 Important Bird Areas has ifiedbeen forident the restricted-range species of the EcuadorMPeru East Andes Endemic Bird Area

The EcuadorMPeru East Andes Endemic Bird is Areadefined (EBA) by the Ecuador–Peru East Andes EBA COLOMBIA overlapping distributions of 17 restricted-rangeeciesNspecies sp whose individual 2 Number of breeding ranges are smaller than 50,000 (see pp. km 22M23). The key habitatsrestricted-range of species this EBA are tropical montane and lowland forest, evergreen which are threatened 11–14 by agriculture, logging and conversionnd to1. pasturelaThe size of this EBA is # 6–10 2 # Bicoloured Antvireo estimated to be 28,000, a largekm area in which conservation effortse must b # 3–5 targeted in order to conserve the key species.twork of A 18 ne Important Bird # 1–2 Areas (IBAs) has been identified in Perur whichand Ecuado holds all 17 of the P. 26: Bicoloured Antvireo' GUY TUDOR restricted-range species, such as the globallyatened White-necked thre Parakeet ECUADOR Coppery-chested Jacamar' CLIVE BYERS Pyrrhura albipectus, Coppery-chested JacamarGalbula pastazae and Bicoloured White-necked Parakeet' ETEL VILAR AntvireoDysithamnus occidentalis (all Vulnerable, see figure)2. The distributions P. 27: Eurasian Spoonbill' BIRDLIFE of many restricted-range species are nownstill poorly and the k boundary of this Blue-bellied Roller' NCF EBA is necessarily approximate. However,vation the conserof this IBA network Coppery-chested Jacamar will go far towards protecting these forestseir unique and thbirds.

Eighteen IBAs in Ecuador and Peru capturestricted-range all 17 re species of the Ecuador–Peru East Andes Endemic Bird Area.e indicated Sites arfor three of these species2 For further information visit 26 www.birdlife.org SOURCES1. Stattersfieldet al . (1998)Endemic Bird Areas of the world: prioritiesdiversity for bio conservation. White-necked Parakeet Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.2. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldtabase. Bird Da PERU State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 27 Sagala ha) (3 (Critically g one Hills: using a Globally ).Where xford (Ph.D. thesis). (220 ha) (220 0km 5 orests is largely is orests Turdus helleri Turdus Mbololo d fromdcapture-recapture eightof box 5 ,320individual birds were colour ine width indicates the number of dispersal of number the indicates width ine nts. (4 ha) (4 dispersal needs is essential. R Ronge . As expected, there is more exchange more is there expected, As . 1,2 s of over 35 km have been recorded. been have km 35 over of s ricultural landscapes must ensure that ensure must landscapes ricultural s ts, Taita Thrush Thrush Taita ts, ndigenous forest that are now confined to confined now are that forest ndigenous ya, (total area c.400 ha), is composed of composed is ha), c.400 area (total ya, gments of habitat in enabling the dispersal the enabling in habitat of gments of fragments as Qstepping stonesR needs to needs stonesR Qstepping as fragments of als of several such species, including all including species, such several of als ages are, where possible, restored. possible, where are, ages 2 settlements and agriculture. Three Globally Three agriculture. and settlements Where fragments are relatively close to each other, IBAs include both the fragments and the surrounding matrix within their boundaries ( patches are more widely separated, sympathetic management of the landscapethat takes into account species at ndent (Critically Endangered) and Taita White-eye Taita and Endangered) (Critically . Githiru (2003) Endemic forest birds of the Taita 5 dispersal5 events R 2 1 dispersal1 event 2–4dispersal events ≥ fragmentation on small populations. University of O Evidenceinter-fragmentof dispersal events obtaine forest-dependentbird species inthe Taita Hills. 4 markedoverperiod a l ofsixandhalf Thea years. fragme forest of pair respective the between events 298: 1236–1238. Mwachora ha) (4 Apalis fuscigularis Apalis Kichuchenyi ha) (2 Science Macha ha) (3 steppingstones Q Ndiwenyi ha) (4 (Endangered). The land surrounding these natural f natural these surrounding land The (Endangered). . (2002) (92 ha) (92

et al (50 ha) (50 Chawia Ngangao Lens Yale 1. (2 ha) (2 Fururu ha) (12 A network of forest fragments in Kenya, constitutin Important Bird Area, has been identified for three Threatened Birds endemic to it (1 ha) (1 Vuria In the Taita Hills of south-east Kenya, forest-depe birds will fly distances of more than 35 km between forest fragments, across intervening degraded habit between patches closest to each other, but movement but other, each to closest patches between Such studies reveal the importance of even tiny fra tiny even of importance the reveal studies Such role The habitat. such upon depend that species of be recognised: the management of the surrounding ag surrounding the of management the recognised: be these patches are not further eroded, and that link that and eroded, further not are patches these unsuitable for forest-dependent birds, but individu but birds, forest-dependent for unsuitable three endemics, still manage to move between patche between move to manage still endemics, three relatively inaccessible hilltops and surrounded by by surrounded and hilltops inaccessible relatively 5 Ken south-east Area, Bird Important Hills Taita The i of fragments small holds Each massifs. main three remnan forest these to endemic are Birds Threatened SOURCES Zosterops silvanus Zosterops Endangered), Taita Apalis Apalis Taita Endangered), model species to understand the effects of habitat can thus be vital for species survival in highly fragmented landscapes. beimportant in maintaining connectivity between larger areas of favourable habitat. Studies are demonstrating dispersal between fragments, even for species usually considered to be sedentary. Habitat islandsthat act as Breeding Non-breeding Passage Resident Important Bird Areas # # # # Small patches of habitatpatchesofSmall promoteconnectivity in landscapesmodified In agricultural and other modified landscapes,areas of remaining natural habitat may now be widely separatedor restricted to small, apparentlyisolated fragments. However, even tiny patches can tified tified for a congregatory species, ome g ill form a vast yet vast a form ill ified in Asia in ified Sudan–Guineasavanna Transitionzone with Guinea-Congoforests hroughout its range. its hroughout ImportantBirdArea the Platalea # Biome , rivers and flooded and rivers , In all, 105 IBAs have been identified across 22 countries in Africa to conserve the 54 bird species that are wholly confined to the Sudan–Guinea savanna biome, and many other species besides P. leucorodia P. asonally in large numbers large in asonally them and use different use and them Bird Areas (IBAs) Areas Bird western and eastern and western , urope to China and China to urope ns are migratory, are ns f sheltered marine habitats marine sheltered f of its range birds are birds range its of on islands in lakes and rivers and lakes in islands on may be joined during joined be may sian Spoonbill Spoonbill sian atory Eurasian Spoonbill in Europe, the Middle East species at different times of the year eir conservation and need to be to need and conservation eir abase. . Newbury and ernational. , Blue-bellied,

tion

Important Bird Areas in Africa and Piapiacand , are,largely orwholly confined to which, when combined with those illustrated here, w here, illustrated those with combined when which, t species this for sites key of network conservable Tauracoleucolophus populations. Further IBAs are currently being ident being currently are IBAs Further populations. breeding season, when on passage or for non-breedin for or passage on when season, breeding , this, vast area includes widea have been identified where numbers of of numbers where identified been have 2 regularly exceed IBA selection thresholds in either in thresholds selection IBA exceed regularly is a colonial species of extensive shallow marshes shallow extensive of species colonial a is Fishpool & Evans, eds (2001) Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Dat Coraciuscyanogaster A network of 105 Important Bird Areas has been iden for species confined to the SudanMGuinea savanna bi A network of 160 Important Bird Areas has been iden Eurasian Spoonbill or c.7% of the biomeRs total areaNa further 2 3 4 leucorodia areas and, especially in the non-breeding season, o season, non-breeding the in especially and, areas breeds usually It lagoons. and creeks tidal as such E western from ranging distribution, wide a has and populatio northern The Africa. north-east and north in flocks in season non-breeding the spending most parts southern the In China. south-east and Africa regions these in populations and resident, largely birds. migrant by winter northern the Important 160 In Europe, theAfrica, and East Middle The SudanMGuineaThe savannabiome extendsacross countries22 from SenegalEritrea,to and liesbetween thearid Sahel thetonorth andtheGuinea- Congorainforests thetosouth. Covering some 4.3million km SOURCE se congregate migratory, them of many species, Some The network of wetland IBAs identified for the migr SOURCE at particular sites. These sites are critical to th to critical are sites These sites. particular at between move species often, network: a as protected Eura example, For year. of times different at sites and Africa covers sites that are important for the varietytropicalof woodland andwooded grassland habitats.Some 54species ofbird, such asWhite- crestedTuraco illustrationofhow the IBA approach provides a practicalconservation focus priorityon sites. Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications and BirdLife Int Roller aswell asmany other bird species and much other biodiversity.However, theIBAs cover only 283,000 km Ptilostomusafer thisbiome, for which networka of105 Imortant BirdAreas (IBAs) has been identified. Between them,these sites hold all 54species ofthis biome and associated islands: priority sites for conserva Important Bird Areas are Important 1 Important Bird Areas effectively capturel terrestriavertebrates across East Africa, and key biodiversity areas globally threatened wildlife species in anican East QhotspotR Afr Bird Areas Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are All Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are themselvesbiodiversity key areas, because they are internationally important for birds. Individual IBAs capture part of a larger network of key are often important for many other taxonomic as well groups (box 4). For example, the networkBAs inof Ethiopia, 228 I Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda do an effective job of capturingned and threate endemic terrestrial vertebrates.ly, Collectivethese sites include 97% of the biodiversity areas—the most 1 much other regionRs 97 endemic mammals, 90% of 80eatened globally mammals, thr and 92% of 131 endemicamphibians snakes. andTo include the important sites for terrestrial QmissingR species would require only 11 and more this sites, may be an overestimate: severalspecies of these are poorly known and may well be found to occur in the existing IBAs. biodiversity conservation world- biodiversity Similarly, a study in the Eastern Arc mountains coastal forests and of Kenya and Tanzania,ity a QhotspotRbiodivers 2 (see pp. 54M55), identified wide. Key biodiversity areas 160 sites, some of them very small, thate or shelter more globallyon threatened species ofrd, mammal, amphibian, bi gastropod 3or. Forty plant The Important Bird Area form the anchors of a three of these sites (c.25%) had alreadyified been independently ident as IBAs. However, the IBA network includes 92% tof significant the 26 mos sites, network effectively systematic ecological network those for which ten or more globally threatenedcies are recorded. spe All (see pp. 60–61). Like IBAs, they 24 Critically Endangered species (onlych three are ofbirds) whi captures a high occur in at least one IBA. are identified based on the proportion of threatened, SOURCES1. Brookset al.(2001) Ostrich suppl.15: 3–12.2. Mittermeieret al . (1998)Conserv. Biol. 12: 516–520. species they hold. We generally 3. NatureKenya & Wildlife Conservation nzaniaSociety (2003)of Ta Eastern Arc mountains andsts coastal of fore endemic and Kenya and Tanzania biodiversity hotspot:d sitesspecies conservation an targets. Unpublished report. representative wildlife have good data on the status species other than birds. and distribution of bird species. We can therefore use However, the information for many other species is poor or birds as indicators for key 2 UgandaRs 13 QforestR Important Bird Areas9% capture of the 8 butterfly, large moth, small biodiversity areas, patchy, often making it hard to mammal and woody plant species recorded intory an of inven 50 Forest Reserves identify the critical sites for especially when data on In Uganda, the national Forest Departmentcted has a remarkably condu thorough inventory programmeive wildlife of groups f in 50 Forest other groups are poor these species. Reserves, with the aim of identifying prioritys for conservation area 1,2. The study took 100 person-years, costn, US$1 and surveyedmillio woody plants, birds, small mammals (rodentsectivores), and ins butterflies and large mothsand (saturnids sphingids). A total of 2,452 or patchy. species was identified.

Independently, NatureUganda (BirdLife in Uganda) has identified and documented a network of 30 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) 3, 13 of which are also Forest Reserves. This provides an opportunity to evaluate how effectively these 13 IBAs, selected on bird data alone, represent total species richness across five taxon groups. Analysis shows that the 13 QforestR IBAs, with an area of 5,445 km

2, capture 2,181 (89%) of all the species identified in the 50 forest reserves, covering a total of 10,000 km P. 28: Golden-rumped sengi' GALEN RATHBUN 2. This suggests that these 13 Ruwenzori Forest IBA, Uganda' IAN FRANCIS IBAs are an effective suite of sites for WernerRs three-horned chameleon' LOUIS A. HANSEN conserving a large and representative proportion of UgandaRs forest P. 29: Butterfly Euxanthe wakefieldi ' IAN GORDON biodiversity Sultansazligig IBA, Turkey' CUNEYT OGUZTZN 4. The low cost of gathering OrchidOphrys lycia ' GUVEN EKEN/BIRDLIFE IBA data, compared with conducting site inventories for multiple taxa, reinforces the practicality of using birds as beacons for key biodiversity areas.

SOURCES 1. Howardet al. (1997)Oryx 31: 253–264. 2. Howardet al. (1998)Nature 394: 472–475.3. Byaruhanga For further information visit et al. (2001) Pp. 975–1003 in Fishpool & Evans,1) eds (200 28 www.birdlife.org Important Bird Areas in Africa and associatedds: priority islan sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications and BirdLife International.4. Painet al. (in prep.). State of the world’s birds 2004 STATE What birds tell us about condition and change 29 , 2 28% 18% group 2 Birds only Birds + 1 other or or plants (72%ofthe 4% groups Birds + 5 other 22% groups Birds + 2 other 14% groups a totala land area of91,684 km 14% groups Birds + 4 other Birds + 3 other Number of taxon groups in addition to birds for which Turkey’s 156 IBAs hold internationally significant populations . Studies. inprogress have shown that atleast 112 1 . (2003). Additional data kindly provided by provided kindly data Additional . Nearly. onethird, 48 2

in litt . Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird i and WWF-Turkey. and i . G. Eken g 1 2 Over 70% of TurkeyRs Important Bird Areas also hold of numbers other animals important internationally a Derne a g total,93% byarea) ofthese sites also hold internationallysignificant populations of oneor more of five other wildlife groups (plants,mammals, reptiles, amphibians and freshwaterfish) Do The156 ImportantBird Areas (IBAs) inTurkey cover c.12%ofthecountry SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IBAs,are ofglobal orregional importance forthree or more different groups, in additiontobirds. Asmore surveys are carriedout, the number ofIBAs known to beimportant for other groups is likely to rise.Thesefindings highlight the importanceofconserving IBAs inTurkey foradiverse range of other fauna and flora. Database. 4 . 4 67 h nted in ); and); ategories 73 box 3 umberofbutterfly species in Allspecies terange size, andvaries from demicto the Albertine Rift Valley 16 ).It appears that for the overall R 20 box 4 llthecountryRs IBAnetwork asa and other sources. Preliminary sources. other and ludeawide variety of forest, 2 firstcut Conservation priority score Q have already been recorded from the 24 the from recorded been already have 2 s,birds andvascular plants have been tment butterfly and dragonfly biodiversity. Of the Of biodiversity. dragonfly and butterfly as globally threatened or Near Threatened Near or threatened globally as l and 82% of those of highest conservation highest of those of 82% and l IBAs can be used with confidence as a butterflies and dragonflies in all Ugandanhabitats ( plants,mammals,reptiles, amphibians and freshwater fish in Turkey ( networkof key biodiversity areas, with extra sites for other taxa being added when data become available. 123456 16 0

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

regionorto Uganda). Numbers incolumns show the n eachcategory recorded fromIBAs. Conservationpriority score isbased upon approxima 1(widespread across W, C, Eand SAfrica) to 6(en The percentage of Ugandan butterfly species represe Ugandan IBAs in each of six conservation priority c 100 ); species Ugandan of % terfly species and 84% of dragonfly IBAshave shown they areeffective atcapturing muc rtions of those species of greatest d , ciety of box 2 al lists. al ted by ted Cambridge, e, jkstra,

Important Bird Areas in Areas Bird Important Data and graphic kindly graphic and Data 1) 1) );butterflies, large moths, . Kampala: Uganda Forest Uganda Kampala: . . Kampala: Uganda Forest Uganda Kampala: . some 8% of the land surface of the country and inc tland,IBAs inUganda. Theaim was to assess howwe reslargea proportion of gonflies. Even so, 84% of the countryRs 241 species 241 countryRs the of 84% so, Even gonflies. habitats, inonlysmall a (seebox2). More recently, butterflies, dragonflie ossthefull range ofhabitats. d with earlier records from the Uganda Forest Depar Forest Uganda the from records earlier with d , the IBA network captures at least 74% of the tota the of 74% least at captures network IBA the , waited.However, the insect the national IBA network includes most of UgandaRs of most includes network IBA national the 3 box1 smallmammals and woody plants inUgandan forests ( endemic and representative species for other terrestrial groups. The effectiveness of the IBA network has already been shown for terrestrialvertebrates inEast Africa; globallythreatened wildlife species in the mountains and coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania (see the 12 Ugandan dragonfly species recently assessed assessed recently species dragonfly Ugandan 12 the . Assessment by V. Clausnitzer & K.-D.B. & Clausnitzer V. by Assessment . to Uganda) (see figure). (see Uganda) to 4 . Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications an Publications Pisces UK: Cambridge, and Newbury . ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Dijkstra, who are also revising East African nation African East revising also are who Dijkstra, provided by Charlie Williams, Herbert Tushabe and Tushabe Herbert Williams, Charlie by provided Josephine Asasira of the Ugandan IBAs Project, a Project, IBAs Ugandan the of Asasira Josephine collaboration between Makerere University Institute University Makerere between collaboration Environment and Natural Resources (MUIENR), Kampala (MUIENR), Resources Natural and Environment Department. Uganda; University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Royal So Royal Denmark, Copenhagen, of University Uganda; Forest biodiversity reports biodiversity Forest for the Protection of Birds, UK, and University of of University and UK, Birds, of Protection the for UK. Additional records and other help were contribu were help other and records Additional UK. T. Davenport, S. Collins, W. Kinuthia, D. Kalibakat D. Kinuthia, W. Collins, S. Davenport, T. F. Molleman, F. Jiggins, V. Clausnitzer, K.-D.B. Di K.-D.B. Clausnitzer, V. Jiggins, F. Molleman, F.

onservation . Comparative. studies ofthecountryRs 13QforestR 1 J.J. Kisakye, K. Miller and P. Etyang. P. and Miller K. Kisakye, J.J.

The butterflies of Uganda: an annotated checklist annotated an Uganda: of butterflies The . (2001) Pp. 975–1003 in Fishpool & Evans, eds (200 eds Evans, & Fishpool in 975–1003 Pp. (2001) .

et al et . Howard & Davenport (1996) (1996) Davenport & Howard . 2 . Davenport (1996) (1996) Davenport . . Byaruhanga Byaruhanga . 3 1 conservation concern UgandaRs 30 Important Bird Areas capture 74% of but species recorded from the country, and higher propo 3 BirdLife International. International. BirdLife Department. forest-dwellingbiodiversity inother taxon groups surveyedinthe remaining 17,mainly savanna andwe The30 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Uganda occupy SOURCES results available for the two insect taxa show that show taxa insect two the for available results country the from recorded species butterfly 1,247 priority (species endemic to the Albertine Rift or or Rift Albertine the to endemic (species priority dra for surveyed been yet not have IBAs Ugandan Six IBAs for which data are available, including 11 of of 11 including available, are data which for IBAs Theresults ofstudies for woody plants are still a datasuggest that the IBA network effectively captu UgandaRsspecies-level biodiversity across allmain proportionofthecountryRs land area. wholecaptures species diversity inother taxa, acr collate being currently are surveys these from Data savannaandwetland habitats c for sites priority islands: associated and Africa Important Bird AreaImportantBird conservenetworks biodiversitymuchin birdsadditionto There is growing evidence that networks of IBAs, though identified using information on birds,disproportionatelyare importantfor other animals and plants.That is to say, IBA networks are good at capturing threatened, Habitat Most threats are caused one another. For example, over (see pp. 42–43) and the effects of by human activities 90% of Globally Threatened Birds alien invasive species (pp. 44–45) destruction We cause nearly all of the many (GTBs) that are currently are also major threats and is the largest immediate threats that directly threatened by over-exploitation others—notably pollution impact bird species and the sites are also affected by the (pp. 40–41) and climate change of the many and habitats in which they live. destruction of their habitats. (pp. 46–49)—are of increasing threats to For example, some 95% of concern. Some of these threats biodiversity European Important Bird Areas Habitat destruction is can be reversed, given enough (IBAs) are used for human the most serious threat resources, but others are activities, which often involve the Habitat destruction and difficult to combat and can Humans cause the entire site, and over 40% are degradation threaten over become the final cause of majority of threats to subject to one or more high- 86% of GTBs and are currently extinction for species that are species, sites and impact threats. Threats are often the most serious pressures on the already reduced to tiny habitats. These threats interconnected and reinforce world’s birds. Over-exploitation numbers (see box 1). are often interconnected and reinforce each other. Habitat destruction and 1 Habitat destruction, over-exploitation andcts the of alieneffe invasive species are the most conversion for prevalent threats to birds

agricultural and forestry Habitat destruction and degradation currentlyt 1,045 impacGlobally Threatened Birds (GTBs), activities—and the 86% of the total. Over-exploitation (mainly for food hunting and trapping for the cage-bird trade) and the effects of alien invasive speciesly predators) (especial each directly threaten over 300 associated degradation GTBs (nearly 30%). These are currentlyious the mostthreats ser to bird species (see figure), with 40% of GTBs threatened by two outthese of three threats. of There are other factors, and fragmentation—are however, that are increasing as problems,uman such disturbance as h (e.g. to congregatory the biggest problems. birds), incidental mortality (notably theof seabirdsdrowning in commercial longline fisheries) and environmental pollution (on land, innd wetlands seas, and a in the1,2. air) All these threats are taken into account in the IUCN Red Listof evaluation species and contribute to their classification as globally threatened (Critically Endangered,ngered orEnda Vulnerable, see pp. 14M15). High- impact threats affect the majority of then and populatio cause rapid declines, while low-impact ones affect the minority and cause slower,till significant, albeit s declines.

Some of these threats can be reversed given 1,2 enough resources. When species populationsThe main threats to GTBs world-wide become very small, however, there is an increased risk of extinction from threats such as natural disasters (e.g. volcanoes, cyclones1,000 and Unknown impact drought) or changes in native species dynamics Low impact (e.g. increases in competition) that areto difficult High/medium impact combat. There are also factors that areo intrinsic800 t highly reduced populations (e.g. inbreeding,

P. 30: Forest fire' BIRDLIFE limited dispersal, skewed sex-ratios) that can significantly increase extinction risk. Currently, Logger, Thailand' MARK EDWARDS/BIRDLIFE nearly 60 species classified as Critically 600 P. 31: Cut tree stump' CARLTON WARD JR Endangered (>30%) are considered threatened

Strange-tailed Tyrant' ALEJANDRO DI GIACOMO by at least one of these factors. Without intensive management, threats such as these may become

Number of GTBs 400 the final cause of a speciesRs extinction.

200

For further information visit SOURCES 1. BirdLife International Threatened(2004) birds of 0 30 www.birdlife.org the world 2004. CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. 2. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldtabase. Bird Da Habitat Exploitation InvasiveHuman Natural Pollution ChangesIncidentalPersecution Intrinsic destruction/ species disturbancedisasters in native mortality factors degradation species State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 31 . . 1

Conserv. Mining . In . e actual e 2 . Laura (2002) Laura . 6 . (2003) (2003) . . Between 1995 Between .

5 diversity conservation cropland, et al et centre of endemism of centre Urbanisation & 23: 24–25. 24–25. 23: industrialisation for agriculture, and as a as and agriculture, for . Herkert Herkert . 8 only,out oftotala of3,619) areavailable, out oftotala of1,230) forest timber of trees, usually non-native usually trees, of

e and subtropical grasslands from grasslands subtropical and e plantations Afforestation, & intensified management

World Birdwatch World 20: 243–249. 243–249. 20: , and 98 potential Important Bird Areas Bird Important potential 98 and , Commercial deforestation 1 osaic of temperate steppes (pampas) and (pampas) steppes temperate of osaic st recently by an expansion in expansion an by recently st destruction, with 21% of IBAs affected. IBAs of 21% with destruction, IBAs, with a high impact at 35% at impact high a with IBAs,

50% and 35% of African and European J. Areas Nat. hifting agriculture an additional pressure additional an agriculture hifting rowth forest remains). In Africa, ongoing or ongoing Africa, In remains). forest rowth rcoal production) and forest grazing being grazing forest and production) rcoal and through increased densities of non- of densities increased through and 7 grazing & forest n destroyed, before their importance could be could importance their before destroyed, n Firewood collection ad building and wetland drainage wetland and building ad , and only 0.3% of the original grassland area of area grassland original the of 0.3% only and , 4 n Argentina n Endemic Bird Areas of the world: priorities for bio drián Di Giacomo (Aves Argentinas/AOP). (Aves Giacomo Di drián , with over 1,000 km( of grassland converted to converted grassland of km( 1,000 over with , 5 Timber extraction . (1998) . Di Giacomo & Krapovickas (2001) (2001) Krapovickas & Giacomo Di . Africa(853 IBAs for which appropriate threat data Europe(1,147 IBAs affected byhigh-impact threats 5 tural grasslands in Argentina

et al . O’Leary & Nyberg (2000) (2000) Nyberg & O’Leary . s on grassland ecosystems can extend well beyond th beyond well extend can ecosystems grassland on s 7 (see figure). (see destruction in Important Bird Areas in

3 temperat in Areas Bird Important Argentinas: Pampas & fisheries . The great majority have already been converted to converted been already have majority great The . Aquaculture 1,3 [27 July]: 40. 40. July]: [27 caused by road building road by caused . Stattersfield . These grassland regions are a globally important important globally a are regions grassland These . 2 1 . However, these grasslands are also very suitable suitable very also are grasslands these However, . 3 1,2,3 y more than 500% than more y Clarín Shifting agriculture . ss grasslands are being afforested with plantations with afforested being are grasslands ss 1 8: 47–53. on

Parks l pampas remain in a natural state natural a in remain pampas l . Roman (2000) (2000) Roman . 4 . Buenos Aires: Xavier Verstraeten. Verstraeten. Xavier Aires: Buenos . Agricultural expansion & intensification Agricultural expansion and intensification threaten IBAs respectively Data and background materials kindly provided by A by provided kindly materials background and Data nd road building) is a further key cause of habitat of cause key further a is building) road nd major flood-plains major 0

. Krapovickas & Di Giacomo (2000) (2000) Giacomo Di & Krapovickas . 50 40 30 20 10 nd biome in Argentina originally comprised a vast m vast a comprised originally Argentina in biome nd

rial biome in Argentina in biome rial p 3 % of IBAs impacted IBAs of % campos the in cially emaining natural grasslands of Argentina, caused mo caused Argentina, of grasslands natural emaining cation are among the most serious threats affecting threats serious most the among are cation are of less importance in Europe where little old-g little where Europe in importance less of are s, with a high impact at 37% at impact high a with s, ens over 50% of Important Bird Areas (IBAs), with s with (IBAs), Areas Bird Important of 50% over ens 3% of IBAs, with firewood collection (including cha (including collection firewood with IBAs, of 3% , following land preparation that often involves ro involves often that preparation land following , 1 . Several potential grassland IBAs have already bee already have IBAs grassland potential Several . 6 . . 8 . About 60 grassland-dependent bird species occur i occur species bird grassland-dependent 60 About . 1,2 BirdLife . 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Database. . Krapovickas & Di Giacomo (1998) r conservation r 1

Threatened birds of birds Threatened . Moreover, the negative impacts of tree plantation tree of impacts negative the Moreover, .

Important Bird Areas Bird Important Argentinas/AOP. Aves Aires: Buenos .

Important Bird Areas Bird Important 5 . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife UK: Cambridge, . 17: 587–594. 587–594. 17:

Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. International. BirdLife UK: Cambridge, Argentina SOURCES

Metas para el Año 2010, Argentinos a las Obras las a Argentinos 2010, Año el para Metas grassland predators grassland Biol. converted habitat, for example through edge effects edge through example for habitat, converted confirmed plantations in 2001 alone 2001 in plantations and 2000, the area of such monocultures increased b increased monocultures such of area the 2000, and species of pine and eucalyptus and pine of species The remaining large blocks of once open and tree-le and open once of blocks large remaining The . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International BirdLife UK: Cambridge, CD-ROM. . . BirdLife International (2004) (2004) International BirdLife . . Heath & Evans, eds (2000) (2000) eds Evans, & Heath . 470,000 km( receives any form of statutory protecti statutory of form any receives km( 470,000 Fishpool & Evans, eds (2001) (2001) eds Evans, & Fishpool 3 2 1. 1. rangeland or settlementNless than 3% of the origina the of 3% than settlementNless or rangeland Africa and Europe Agriculture and forestry are key drivers of habitat Habitat fragmentation puts pressure on remaining na 2 In Europe this is also a major factor affecting IBA affecting factor major a also is this Europe In additional, often related pressures (these threats threats (these pressures related often additional, a dam (including development infrastructure planned The key causes of habitat destruction habitat of causes key The (GTBs) Birds Threatened Globally threatening GTBs 1,045 the Of picture. similar a present large-scale destruction, habitat by affected farming, crop (including activities agricultural as such crops perennial and ranching livestock A half. nearly impact palm) oil and coffee small-holder by affected is proportion similar or logging Selective farming. subsistence or GTBs, these of c.40% threaten tree-cutting affect deforestation general and clear-felling the and collection firewood 30%, some affect vegetation non-woody of harvesting plantations tree to conversion and c.15% are GTBs of 60% over Overall, 10%. some Infrastructure activities. forestry by impacted 30% over to threat a is development International. Africa, selective logging or tree-cutting affects 2 affects tree-cutting or logging selective Africa, In Africa, habitat clearance for agriculture threat agriculture for clearance habitat Africa, In SOURCES Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications and and Publications Pisces UK: Cambridge, and Newbury International. and analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Bird World BirdLife’s in held data of analysis and In Europe too, agricultural expansion and intensifi and expansion agricultural too, Europe In 3 in Africa and associated islands: priority sites fo sites priority islands: associated and Africa in conservation for sites priority Europe: in 2004 world the terrest threatened most the probably now are result for numerous species of fauna and flora and fauna of species numerous for (IBAs) have been identified in the grasslands, espe grasslands, the in identified been have (IBAs) Continuing fragmentation is a major threat to the r the to threat major a is fragmentation Continuing government-subsidised private forestry. The grassla The forestry. private government-subsidised several across spread (campos) savannas subtropical 9). – ). Such ). box 3 box that occurs in habitats next to next habitats in occurs that serious have can areas, cleared forest tropical Many consequences. pristine on rely instance, for birds, and forest, primary near-pristine or selective to tolerance low show c). figure 1, box 20, p. (see logging Even for bird non-threatened rural, to adapted have that species the habitats, semi-natural agricultural of intensification significant causing is practices temperate in declines population 8 (pp. alike regions tropical and The problem is made worse by the worse is made problem The habitats natural of fragmentation most world, the of much across sub-tropical and tropical in notably open-country in also but forests, ( habitats fragmentation results in smaller, in results fragmentation sub- isolated more with populations, possibilities reduced and dispersal for local of risks increased global ultimately and total, In extinction. 252 are bird species globally considered threatened by a small of combination ranges. fragmented severely ), but all play a play all but ), resource exploitation, or exploitation, resource R box 2 box selective significant part in the destruction of destruction the in part significant driving in therefore and habitats change. ecosystem Habitat is destroyedisHabitat agriculturefor mainly forestryand activity agricultural of expansion The has led to of the huge destruction including habitats, natural of areas in wetlands, and grasslands forests, (see world the of regions all nearly the forests, tropical For 32–33). pp. biodiversity, for habitat richest major first the typically is logging to access providing often pressure, to leading and areas remote and degradation clearance further and The (pp. 36–37). expansion of urban areas and development natural reduces also infrastructure access give roads new and habitats, results which areas, additional to The 38–39). (pp. losses in further factors these of importance relative the of parts different in varies ( world degradationandHabitat compoundfragmentation problemthe habitat the species many For accompanies that degradation Q Expanding Agricultural expansion is to a 500% expansion in the extent is now underway in the tropics, under above-average threat from severe in biodiversity of cropland and pasture world-wide where most of the world’s agricultural expansion (box 1, agriculture hotspots (see box 1, figure a). In Europe biodiversity is found, with huge figure b). As tropical forests are destroys Agriculture has been expanding and North America, unchecked implications for both wildlife the predominant natural habitat more habitat since the domestication of crop agricultural development has populations and ecosystem in EBAs, this tells us that they too plants 10,000 years ago. But in the already transformed many natural functioning. Endemic Bird Areas are particularly threatened by than any past three centuries, exponential habitats and depleted their (EBAs), globally important centres agriculture. other factor human population growth has led biodiversity. Similar transformation of biodiversity (see pp. 22–23), are Demand for tropical commodities is a major The single most 1 Agricultural land has expanded six-fold sinceand Endemic1700 Bird Areas have suffered disproportionately cause of current important cause of Agriculture (defined here as arable land, crops perennial and permanent pasture1) is normally associated with human settlements, the agriculturalso expansion habitat loss is the 2 spread of human population candensity be used to estimate agricultural expansionr the planet. ove These changes have been The cultivation of agricultural expansion of reconstructed by the History Database ofEnvironment the Global (HYDE)3, using a model that tracks historical agriculturalexpansion across 3 export commodities has expanded agriculture, which the world. The results show that, globally,a of agricultural the are land has increased six-foldg the past durin 300 years. In 1700, less than 6% of global land area was used for agriculture,ereas todayRs wh figure is c.32% (see figureof the a). remainingMuch land is unsuitablerapidly within the developing world represents one of the for agriculture and a disproportionate amounte usable of land th is concentrated in areas ortantthat are for imp biodiversity. during the past half-century, greatest threats to the notably for coffee, cocoa, sugar and world’s remaining (more recently) palm oil and soya biodiversity. Tropical (box 2). Increased production of forests are particularly such commodities is causing threatened. unprecedented levels of habitat loss, particularly of tropical forests.

(a) The timing and expansion of agricultural land from

1700 to 19903

Colours indicate the period in which relatively intact habitats were converted to agricultural land

1750 1950

1850 1990 (b) Over 300 years substantially more landhas beenin EBAs The impact of agriculture as a threat tord Endemic Areas (EBAs, Bi globally converted to cropland and pasture thanof in the the world rest important centres of biodiversity: see anpp. be 22M23) derived c by overlaying the50 EBAs distribution of EBAs onto such a map ofcultural global expansion.agri This shows Rest of the world P. 33: Intensive agriculture,' BIRDLIFE UK Oil palm plantation, Indonesia that EBAs have been much more extensivelyed by transform agricultural expansion40 ' MARCO LAMBERTINI/BIRDLIFE than the rest of the world (figure b). By of 1990, EBA land43% area had been converted to agriculture, compared to 32%st of ofthe the EarthRs re land area 30 (excluding the Antarctic). The apparentn deceleratiosince 1970 is an artifact of the modelling procedure by HYDE. 20 SOURCES 1. FAO (2001)FAOSTAT: FAO Statistical Databases.Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization. 2. Tobleret al. (1995)The global demography project.Santa Barbara, California: National Center for

% cropland and pasture 10 For further information visit Geographic Information and Analysis.3. Klein Goldewijk (2001)Global Biogeochem. 15: Cy. 417–433. 32 www.birdlife.org ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSFigures and text kindly provided by Jörnn, Scharleman Rhys Green (both Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and nConservatio Biology Group, University of Cambridge,ndrew UK) and A0 Balmford (Conservation Biology Group, UniversityCambridge, of UK). 1700 1800 1900 2000 State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 33 R equent threats marginal Threatened ts) Q Other Alieninvasives Over-exploitation loss/degradation Habitat (other) loss/degradation Habitat (agriculture) and is the most Type Type of threat Threatened Endangered Vulnerable Near species than it does for species in higher in species for does it than species ultural expansion constitutes a higher a constitutes expansion ultural land is currently the most important threat important most the currently is land butbiologically important habitats, such as boreal forests and drylands. overcome the current limits on their growth and ranges. Such organisms could have big impacts on biodiversity, but this will depend on how they are used, in agriculture and other natural-resource sectors. For instance, they could reduce pressure for new habitat clearance by making already degraded land more productive. By contrast, they could allow agriculture to intensify to the detriment of those species that inhabit farmed land, and could also facilitate its expansion into today’sagriculturally IUCN Red List Category Critically Endangered Extinct/ the Wild Extinct in

0

75 50 25 100 threats of % Hunting and alien invasive species were the most (61% fr of threats) for Extinct birds whereas for Nearbirds, habitat loss through agricultural expansion frequently listed threatening process (57% of threa ). Analysis of data held in appears to be increasing in importance Agricultural expansion is a major threat to birds, 3 to Globally Threatened Birds (see pp. 30M31). Agric 30M31). pp. (see Birds Threatened Globally to Threatened Near impacting threats all of proportion Red IUCN the on categories same the If figure). (see List processes threatening recent in identified been have assessments period long a over operating that indicates this time, of with associated pressures to set are agriculture increasingly become future. the in important The conversion of natural habitats to agricultural agricultural to habitats natural of conversion The SOURCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Jörn by provided kindly text and Figures Royal (both Green Rhys Scharlemann, and Birds of Protection the for Society University Group, Biology Conservation Balmford Andrew and UK) Cambridge, of University Group, Biology (Conservation UK). Cambridge, of BirdLife’s World Bird Database. box 3 Agriculturalisexpansion threateningincreasingly species In the past, over-hunting and alien invasive species were responsible for most bird species extinctions. Today, the greatest threat to biodiversity is habitat loss, particularly as a result of agricultural expansion, which is now threatening previously widespread and common birds ( potentialTheimpacts of modifiedgenetically unclear remain organisms Genetic modification is already producing plants, animals and micro-organisms that can lobal production of soya, palm oil and . Soya. 1 1 ) cultivated ) 2 300: 587. . Forexample,. 2,3 387: 253–260. The global extent of several major tropical crops expanded markedly between 1961 and 2000 (km area total The foreach crop in 2000 is givenunder eachbar Science for the Protection of Nature orld,which are thus umptionbythe developed th,although theactual area ncomefordeveloping countries, areas under cultivation formany palm,coffee, cocoa andrice high-biodiversitycountries . (1997) wild nature Coffee s responsibles formassive forest than that forrice alone. Soya bean oductsfrom ice-cream tobeauty 10,720,000

et al . Such.land-use changes leaddrasticto 1 Rice . Costanza . O’Brien & Kinnaird (2003) 2 151,198,000 4 . 18. . These. land-use changes arelinked globalto ofcoffee plantation, most ofit having replaced 4 2 Cocoa 7,156,000 372: 623–624.

Conserv. Biol

Nature Oilpalm 9,707,000 Data kindly supplied by Paul Donald (Royal Society . Donald (in press) Soyabean 1 76,297,000 The past 40 years have seen dramatic increases in g other tropical export commodities 2 0

50

km 250 200 150 100 % increase in area 1961–2000 area in increase % . Balmford & Long (1994) 2 3 Birds, UK). Brazilalone has over 20,000 km tropicalcommodity crops, including soya bean, oil Therehave been significant recent increases inthe SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT beanandoilpalm have experienced thebiggest grow undercultivation forthese combined isstill lower andpalm oilhave become major commodities forcons world,the latter being used ingreata range ofpr treatments.Coffee andcocoa aremajor sources ofi secondonlyoiltolegalin international trade lossesinbiodiversity andecological services from loss,eveninside protected areas traderules and over-consumption in the developed w partlyresponsible for large-scale habitat loss in (see pp. 50M51). primaryrainforest. InIndonesia, coffee planting i Intensification Agricultural intensification 1 Agricultural intensification threatens Importantrd Areas Bi in Europe is a major threat to sites In Europe, over the past three decades, to the threats of agriculture (a) The percentage of IBAs per countryeatened that are by thr agricultural and habitats Important Bird Areas (IBAs) posed by agricultural intensification and expansion 3in Europe World-wide, agricultural policies intensification and expansion have beenome severe in s is a major countries. For example, agricultural intensification and have intensified farming in many expansion threaten c.70% of IBAs in Austria and cause of Belgium, and overall 32% of the c.4,000ope IBAs in Eur countries, turning farmland into (see figure a) 3. poor-quality habitat for birds and habitat In Turkey, 50 out of 132 IBAs (c.38%)ntly are significa other wildlife. For example, rain- threatened by agricultural intensificationnsion and expa Percentage degradation (figure b). Wetlands have suffered in ivers,particular: r fed cereals have been replaced streams and lakes have been adversely affected by0–19 water-diversion schemes to feed intensivelyed irrigat with irrigated, heavily fertilised 20–35 farms2 Agriculture is not only . In addition, over the last century at least 36–46 and pesticide-treated crops. 2 expanding, it is also 13,000 km of wetland habitat have been drained for 47–56 Pastures and rangeland have been conversion to arable land or otherwise destroyed,ainly m57–100 intensifying. High-input since 19602. In the Konya basin of central Anatolia, two overgrazed, leading to excessive 2 farming practices— large wetlands (c.300 in kmtotal) have recently dried soil erosion and compaction. Semi- up and three large wetland IBAs (Beysehirla Lake, Sug such as deep drainage, Lake and the Hotamis marshes) have sustaineds seriou natural habitat features have been damage2. These sites are important for threatened and large-scale irrigation, declining waterbirds, such as Dalmatian Pelican lost from the farm landscape, High 18% heavy pesticide use and Pelecanus crispus (Vulnerable) and White-tailed Lapwing (b) The proportion of 132 IBAs in Turkey including strips of meadow, Vanellus leucurus. that are affected by high-, medium- and low-impact threats from agriculture1 multiple cropping— SOURCES1. G. Ekenin litt. (2003).2. Heath & Evans, eds (2000)Important Bird hedgerows, groves, small wetlands None 56% Medium 20% are leading to the Areas in Europe: priority sites for conservation. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife and tree stands along wetlands. International.3. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldtabase. Bird Da degradation of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Information and analysis for figure b dedkindly by provi Low 4% Vast and highly managed Güven Eken (BirdLife International Europeann). Divisio agricultural and semi- Unknown 2% monoculture landscapes have natural habitats, replaced the diverse crop mosaics causing declines in that were formerly essential in biodiversity across resting the soil and combating huge areas. pests. As a result, 32% of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Europe, for instance, are threatened by agricultural intensification (see box 1).

P. 34: Combine harvester,' ANDREW UK HAY/RSPB-IMAGES

P. 35: Eurasian Skylark' CHRIS GOMERSHALL/RSPB-IMAGES

Coffee, Thailand' BIRDLIFE

For further information visit 34 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 35 red R ull-sun 33: 13–27. 33: 1 point counts. ). full-sun andthree sites in Q

Agroforest. Syst. Agroforest. box 3 . (1996) (1996) .

et al et . Gallina Gallina . 4 Shade-coffeefarming Intensivecoffeefarming intensive systems, with significant impacts on birds and other wildlife ( to the production of agricultural export commodities such as rice, coffee, sugar, cocoa, palm oil and soya (see p. 33, box 2). Cropping and production methods are intensifying, causing widespread damage to previously semi-natural agriculturalecosystems. For example, traditional shade coffee plantations are presently being converted to ural habitats for forest bird communities. bird forest for habitats ural

ive coffee plantations. Conversion to full-sun to Conversion plantations. coffee ive r example, nectar-feeding birds dependent on dependent birds nectar-feeding example, r

1 3 5 2 6 4 0 46: 598–608. 598–608. 46: Species richness index richness Species Columnsshow the mean number ofspecies recorded at Thirty-twosites were surveyed inshade plantations sunplantations Bird Bird species diversity is much lower in intensive f coffee plantations in the Dominican Republic, compa with less intensive shade-plantation systems

. BioScience 4 . 1 species than traditional shade trees, . (1997) (1997) .

et al et Inga to mammalsto ). These).losses 3 . Perfecto Perfecto . 3 18. box 2

Conserv. Biol. Biol. Conserv. . Theseresults. consistent are 2 , fromarthropods, 1 Society for the Protection of Birds, UK). Birds, of Protection the for Society have happened in some of the wealthiestnations in the world, indicating that European developedbeenagriculturenot has sustainablythateffectsandits have not been adequately monitored. Thisisone ofmany studies to demonstratethatforest birdcommunities aredepleted whenshade-coffee systems areconverted full-sunto intensive farming Certainguildsbirdsof suffer especially fo badly; agricult these of value the reduces clearly systems forest flowers are virtually eliminated from intens from eliminated virtually are flowers forest thanfull-sunin systems (seefigure) intensificationispartly to blame in causing these declines among birds and other countryside biodiversity( also are birds Tropical intensive to due declining production crop Vast areas of natural habitat in the tropics have been converted Traditionalcoffeeplantations Qshadeare systemsRwhere theplants aregrown underrainforest trees.Although disruptivethetounderstorey, this methodallows several guilds offorest birdsandother indigenous biodiversity to survivewithin thecomplex vegetation structure.Inthe Cordillera Central ofthe DominicanRepublic, bird diversity is muchhigher traditionalin coffee plantations,shaded nativeby acrosswidea range ofother wildlife groups . Donald (in press) press) (in Donald . 2 7: 19–34. 19–34. 7:

Orn. Neotrop. Orn. Information kindly provided by Paul Donald (Royal (Royal Donald Paul by provided kindly Information . Wunderle & Latta (1996) (1996) Latta & Wunderle . 1 plantations Intensively farmed coffee supports many fewer bird SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3 Intensiveisfarming speciesdepletingbird wildlifeother and Many common farmland birds are declining across the temperate zone. For example, almost 40% of bird species in Europe have an unfavourableconservation status, meaning their populations are small,declining orhighly localised. Many of these species inhabit agriculturalhabitats and cannot be conservedsolely within important sites such as nature reserves— indeed, around 90% of Europe lies outsidesuch key sites. Agricultural ? ? oss . (2001) 1,2 ?

et al ? of ety for the Protection ? ?

Donald Europe’s environment: 2. (b) In Poland, Skylark densities drop as land- use intensifies 30=nfarms ineach category; columnsshow medians with 95%confidence interval È nsive year-round use year-round nsive È has declined threefold declined has habitat features (such features habitat È . The.birds ofthenon- 3 È È È È ? È È ? È ? È È . 89: 167–182. È ? . Skylarks suffer in areas of high of areas in suffer Skylarks . È È È 1,2 È e tocharacterisee much ofthenorth- È radationlikelyis havetosimilar biodiversity È È er Stateser which areunder the Alauda arvensis Alauda f thef intensively farmed European È s thatsface impending CAP-subsidised È bettermainly because agricultural atgreat cost tothe environment. By sult,lessenvironmentally destructive. r differencesr incereal yield. Few birds iggestdeclines are directly related to . Intensive. farming driven byCAP versityandabundance oftheir farmland È P isradicallyP reformed, newEU states È ification has also had negative effects on effects negative had also has ification ark ark 1,2 . Stanners & Bourdeau, eds (1995) 3 È

Agr. Ecosyst. Environ È È ? (2002) È È Farming intensity Figures kindly provided by Paul Donald (Royal Soci

et al. . Copenhagen: European Environment Agency. B 268: 25–29. È : 30%theofvariance: farmlandin birddeclines acr

Lond. 1,2 . Donald Low Medium High 1. 1,2

2 8 6 4 0

12 10

SOURCES

Proc. Roy. Soc the Dobris Assessment Pairs/km ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of Birds, UK). Non-EU 2 as vegetation mosaics) and also because of the inte the of because also and mosaics) vegetation as cropping. multiple for land of farming intensity because of a lack of semi-natural of lack a of because intensity farming in areas of most intensive farming (figure b) (figure farming intensive most of areas in . 2 Severedecline Moderatedecline Smalldecline Nodata EU ? F Agricultural intensification has caused the decline many common bird species in Europe Severity of decline between 1970 and 1990 F F (a) Farmland bird declines between 1970 and 1990 have been greatest in EU countries EUstates ofcentral andeastern Europe have fared practiceshaveremained lessintensive and,re aas currentOf concern areaccessiontheEU13 countrie intensificationoftheir agriculture. Unless theCA willprobably experience similar declines inthe di speciesbird countriesinEurope can beexplained solely bythei canbreed intheextreme monocultures that have com westernEuropean arable landscape. Suchhabitat deg detrimentaleffects onother components ofEuropean birds. In Poland, breeding density of Eurasian Skyl Eurasian of density breeding Poland, In birds. In non-EU countries, increasing agricultural intens agricultural increasing countries, non-EU In 2 Farmlandbirds are declining severely across most o countries,particularly Europeanin Union (EU)Memb CommonAgricultural Policy (CAP) (see figure a) subsidieshas produced large quantities offood but comparingbetween countries, itisclear that the b intensiveagricultural methods Unsustainable Logging is responsible especially in Asia (see box 1). 2 Human-initiated fires are responsible forosses massive of l for much deforestation Many countries try to mitigate rainforest in Indonesia forestry is It is estimated that since the effects of logging through In rainforest, natural fires are extremelyd birds rare, and an other biodiversity suffer rapidly historical times the world has regulation and programmes greatly when human-initiated fires occur.est mayBurnt take for hundreds or possibly 1 lost through human activity designed to advance sustainable thousands of years to return to its original. Human state activity worsens the risk of fire eroding and its negative impacts for a varietyFor of reasons.example: c.40% of its original 60 million km2 forest management, but # fragmentation of forests increases theirea edge-to-ar ratio, making them less humid and more susceptible to fire, while loggingoads or mining allow accessr to areas previously biodiversity of forest cover. Approximately enforcement is often poor, and protected by their remoteness 120,000 km2 of tropical forests illegal logging predominates # fires from slash-and-burn cultivation ofteninto areas spread of primary forest # smouldering underground coal seams ort layers can re-ignite of pea forest fires during the Unsustainable forestry are destroyed each year, an area in some regions. In addition to its dry season, and can burn for decades asfficult they to are extinguish. di At present, it is practices are spreading roughly the size of Malawi, direct impacts, logging can also estimated that as many as 1,000 undergroundres are coalburning fi in Indonesia2. alone Nicaragua or North Korea. open up forest to encroachment In Indonesia during 1997M1998, fires damagedtroyed almostor des 50,0002 of kmforest in and intensifying across Borneo and Sumatra (an area larger than)3 .Switzerland Although made worse by a drought the world. This is Commercial clear-cutting and and settlement (see pp. 38–39), induced by El Nio, these fires were causedns. The by huma1997 fires released as much carbon selective logging for timber is, and other damaging disturbance, into the atmosphere as the total annualke carbon of the intaworldRs vegetation, equivalent to leading to extensive EuropeRs current annual carbon emissionsombustion from the of c fossil4. fuels Research at Bukit habitat loss, directly or indirectly, responsible such as hunting (see pp. 42–43) Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra, theshowed density that of hornbill species decreased 5 particularly in the for much of this deforestation, and fire (box 2). by 28M63% in fire-damaged forest, becausearse ofcanopy the sp and scarcity. of fruit SOURCES 1. Chamberset al. (1998)Nature 391: 135–136.2. Bhattacharya (2003) http://www.newscientist.com/news/ tropics, with grave and news.jsp?id=ns99993390.3. Liewet al. (1998)Proc. 1998 Internatn. Geosci. Remote Sens.m Symposiu2: 879–881.4. Page et irreversible al. (2002)Nature 420: 61–65.5. Anggrainiet al. (2000)Bird Conserv. Internatn. 10: 189–202. consequences for biodiversity. 1 The forests of Asia, in particular, have romsuffered f unsustainable forestry practices

Although human activities have been reducingrldRs tropical the wo forest area for centuries, the process accelerated to alarmings in the latter rate half of the twentieth century1. Deforestation is a complex issue withuses, multiple but commercial ca logging is a major driver in the tropics, where theomplement greatest cof the earthRs terrestrial biodiversity occurs. The forests of Asialar in have particu suffered from unsustainable forestry practices, with 0.7% of the remainingral forest natu lost to logging each year, much of it clear-felled (see2. figure)

In parts of Malaysia and Indonesia, manyat have forests already th been selectively logged will be logged for the second or thirdnear time future, in the because there is so little primary forest left. In Sabah and Peninsularia, all Malaysprimary rainforest outside conservation areas has effectively beenforestation lost. As de continues, previously continuous tropical forests come to consist of protected fragments scattered across a mainly agricultural landscape Amongst the three major continents with tropical 3. This is forest, Asia is losing the greatest percentagets of i already the situation in a number ofnatural forest each2 year countries, such as the Philippines, Costa P. 36: ' DR CHAN AH LAK Rica and Ghana. This degree of habitat loss, Rhinoceros Hornbill 0.8 degradation and fragmentation has serious P. 37: Pulp and paper mill, Sumatra, Indonesia consequences for birds. ' MARCO LAMBERTINI/BIRDLIFE 0.6 Buff-throated Woodcreeper' P. COTTON/BIRDLIFE

SOURCES 1. Roper & Roberts (1999)Deforestation: 0.4 tropical forests in decline. Canada: CIDA Forestry Advisers Network.2. FAO (1997)The state of the world’s forests 1997. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization. 0.2 3. Schelhas & Greenberg, edsForest (1996) patches in

tropical landscapes. Washington, DC: Island Press. % of total natural forest area Area of forest logged per year as 0 For further information visit Africa Americas Asia 36 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 3737 Frugivores Arboreal insectivores Terrestrial insectivores 1,2,3,4

0

40 30 20 10

-10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 -70 composition % change in community in change % In selectively logged forests, terrestrial and arboreal insectivores are generally less abundant . 5 resilient, spp.). Conserv. ective logging regimes Formicarius . Thiollay (1992) ( The cutting edge: 3 trast, birds adapted to adapted birds trast, spp.) and woodcreepers and spp.) arts, but significant decreases in decreases significant but arts, ., eds (2001) restrial insectivores such as such insectivores restrial 12: 605–611.

et al . However, the increases in increases the However, . 5 Automolus . Fimbel 5 nopy of forest-dependent bird species. A review A species. bird forest-dependent of l. feed on insects or nectar typically decrease typically nectar or insects on feed ird species drops by c.30% in selectively in c.30% by drops species ird ction or clear-felling. Nevertheless, selective Nevertheless, clear-felling. or ction avian community in selectively logged and logged selectively in community avian ivorous species, and the resulting bird resulting the and species, ivorous onise selectively logged forest successfully forest logged selectively onise Conserv. Biol. llows much biodiversity to persist, and is and persist, to biodiversity much llows are often adapted to foraging over large over foraging to adapted often are ners ( ners , leading to changes in the composition of composition the in changes to leading , 6: 1155–1173. . Frugivores, by contrast, appear to be relatively relatively be to appear contrast, by Frugivores, . . Marsden (1998) 5 2 ,and 1 , and the . New York: Columbia University Press. 20: 31–37. ng to

Biodivers. & Conserv. spp.) and ground antbirds such as the antthrushes antthrushes the as such antbirds ground and spp.) per year. These 2 Biotropica 1 , with forest-dependent birds becoming rare. In con In rare. becoming birds forest-dependent with , spp.), suffer less than their terrestrial counterp terrestrial their than less suffer spp.), 1,2,3,4 . In Neotropical forests, those hardest hit are ter are hit hardest those forests, Neotropical In . 5 Sclerurus . Thiollay (1997) 4 ryRs forests was cleared d1997, Sumatra lost 29% of . Johns (1988) 1 Forest bird communities are depleted even under sel 6: 47–63. Xiphorhynchus 4 Not all guilds of bird respond similarly to logging to similarly respond bird of guilds all Not that species example, For figure). (see communities abundance in insect of declines for compensate not do frugivores origina the of version impoverished an is community and frequently comprise a higher proportion of the the of proportion higher a comprise frequently and they because probably is This forests. QsecondaryR ca open more a from benefit species some and areas, Arboreal insectivores, such as certain foliage-glea certain as such insectivores, Arboreal leaftossers ( leaftossers abundance are consistently observed consistently are abundance ( certainly less damaging than intensive timber extra timber intensive than damaging less certainly abundance and diversity the both decreases logging b forest of abundance that shows studies several of forests logged Well-managed selective logging of tropical forest a forest tropical of logging selective Well-managed SOURCES farmland, open or degraded habitats are able to col to able are habitats degraded or open farmland, Biol. conserving wildlife in logged tropical forests

1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000

8 0

18 16 14 12 10

By 2000, Indonesia had lost 40% of its forest cover rate of deforestation is accelerating ) (100,000 km (100,000

2 Area of forest remaining forest of Area e parts of Indonesia by 2010 of forest were cleared annually in the 1980s, risi 2 gal ). tion has increased to an average rate of 20,000 km ,and the land is 1 box 4 . 2 trawill disappear by ,the type richest in biodiversity. Between 1985 an year) wn by 700%bywnsince the ations.IndonesiaRs ctionIndonesiain is 1950, but between then and 2000 c.40% of the count t bytany form ofsustainable roximately 10,000 km essions

Deforestation in Indonesia: a view of the Loggedanforestis impoverishedforhabitat biodiversity Logging can be selective and well-managed, but often it is not. Even selectively logged forests support consistently fewer forest-specialist bird species than primary forests. Those species that do persist often become rare. Many are understorey insectivores, unable to survive in the open, fragmented habitats created by current forestry practices( . Bogor, Indonesia and Washington, DC:

The last frontier forests: ecosystems & . (1997) . Holmes (2000) 2

.IndonesiaRs forests are being felled for et al .Unless the rate of deforestation is 2 2 . Bryant 3

The state of the forest: Indonesia . Thisgrowth. hasbeenachieved mainly through ille 3 . Washington, DC: World Resources Institute. per year in the early 1990s. Since 1996, deforesta 2 . Jakarta: World Bank. . FWI/GFW (2002) 1 ).The recent accelerating Lowland forest will have been destroyed across larg itsforests, and Kalimantan 22% lossesare concentrated on non-swamp lowland forest reducedor halted, non-swamp lowland forest in Suma 2005, and in Kalimantan by 2010 Forest Watch Indonesia and Global Forest Watch. timberand wood-pulp (c.40 million cubicmetres per 3 Indonesia was still densely forested as recently as SOURCES thenconverted to other uses such as oil palm plant productioncapacity for wood-pulp andpaper hasgro late1980s, and isnow atlevela that cannot beme forestmanagement this rate of loss is accelerating (see figure). Appc.17,000 km loggingandland clearance. Around 73%logofprodu illegaloccursandoutside designated forestry conc situation in 1999 economies on the edge box 3 The pulp,paperandThe industriesoilarepalm expandingcurrently The pulp and paper industry is currently expanding in tropical Asia,with several huge mills operationalor under construction in Sumatra, Borneo and Mindanao. Large areas of mature forest are being cleared for pulp fibre, and the land is then converted to other usessuch as oil palm plantations ( loss of forest in Indonesia has led to 65 species being moved to higher threat categories on the IUCN Red List. Infrastructure The development of degradation and fragmentation of 2 Large dams and barrages are an increasing threat to wetland-dependent birds development infrastructure threatens natural habitats. It has been biodiversity world-wide identified as a key threat to many Large dams cause major ecological changesbasins. in Theriver first global survey of Infrastructure is the central bird species (see box 1). Ramifying these shows that, despite some positiveeir effects, overall thimpact is distinctly is a growing negative1. Large dams have led to: nervous system of our world and networks of housing, transport, # the loss of forests and other economicallyogically and valuableecol habitats, the loss problem of biodiversity and the degradation of upstreamchment areas cat the most obvious footprint of energy and telecommunications # the loss of aquatic biodiversity in upstreamwnstream and dofisheries, and the loss of human activity. The expansion of infrastructure facilitate the spread ecosystem services of downstream wetlands,rivers, such floodplain as lakes, marshes Our ever-spreading and forests, estuaries, deltas and nearbyarine shallow ecosystems m the human-built environment into and intensification of many human # cumulative impacts on water quality, river-flowime and species reg composition, infrastructure— the natural one—infrastructure activities that threaten biodiversity, where a number of dams are sited on the1. same river such as housing, development—has a significant such as deforestation (see A high proportion of the worldRs river basinsof a large (61% sample) are highly or industry, dams and moderately fragmented by1. For dams example, in Africa, the Middle East and negative impact on biodiversity, pp. 36–37), agriculture (pp. 32–33) Europe, dams and other hydrological structuresconsidered are to pose a threat to transport networks—is mainly through the destruction, and over-exploitation (pp. 42–43). nearly 10% (304) of the 3,701 globally rdImportant Areas (IBAs) Bi in this2 .region destroying and The great majority (87%) of the 304 potentiallyected IBAs aff contain areas that qualify as wetlands of international importancemsar Sites), (Ra according to degrading natural 1 Threatened birds indicate the looming consequencesof the criteria of the Convention on Wetlandsure)2. In(see Asia, fig actual or unchecked infrastructure development planned dam projects are likely to have impacts significant on at least habitats. Unless properly 10 Globally Threatened Birds. Waterbirds floodplains, of lowland such as planned, designed and It is predicted that in 30 yearsR time overthe 70% of Masked FinfootHeliopais personata and Indian SkimmerRynchops albicollis2, EarthRs land surface will have been impacted by are affected particularly badly. managed, infrastructure infrastructure development1. Unless this expansion is often facilitates better controlled and planned than at illpresent, cause it w a substantial increase in environmentallating problems re expansion of potentially to habitats, biodiversity, food production,ter freshwa damaging activities such resources and health. Latin America andan the are Caribbe likely to be the hardest hit, with more thanthe 80% of # Dam-threatened IBA that land significantly affected, closely followede rapidly by th as logging, agriculture overlaps with Ramsar Site and fires. developing Asia-Pacific region, where more of than 75% land area is predicted to be affected1 .in this way

These changes are already having profoundn the impacts worldRs o birds. For example, in Latin America and the Caribbean, eightve countries more than ha 50% of their Globally Threatened Birds (GTBs) threatened by einfrastructur development; seven of the eight are small island states in the Caribbean2. In the Asia-Pacific region, infrastructure is an especially pervasive threat to bird speciesmore industrialisedin the and/or densely populated countries (see figure), and beis judgedcausing to a net reduction or degradation of habitat for 146 (27%) ofs 540the regionRGTBs2. The main types of threat from infrastructure in the region relateettlement to human (60 s GTBs impacted), industry (46 GTBs) and tourism/recreation2. (14 GTBs)

The ten countries in Asia with the highestge of percenta their GTBs impacted by 100 infrastructure development2 P. 38: Urbanisation, Indonesia' BIRDLIFE

Indian Skimmer' OTTO PFISTER 80 19 13 P. 39: Dam construction, Portugal 26 Values indicate total numbers of GTBs affected ' HELDA COSTA/SPEA 21 10 13 Noisy Scrub-bird' GRAEME CHAPMAN 60 31 15 6 Wetlands of international importance for 24 Spanish Imperial Eagle' ALEJANDRO TOR
S SÁNCHEZ birds that are threatened by dams, barrages and embankments in Africa, Europe and the 40 Middle East 2

20

0 For further information visit North Hong KongSouth Taiwan Sri Lanka Mongolia Japan LaosVietnam Singapore SOURCES 1. World Commission on DamsDams (2000)

% of country’s GTBs impacted by infrastructure Korea & Macau Korea 38 www.birdlife.org and development: a new framework for decision-making. SOURCES 1. Clarkeet al., eds (2002)Global Environment Outlook. London: 3 Earthscan.2. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s London: Earthscan.2. Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Database. World Bird Database. State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 39 3 million . Hobart: uent fires inglikelihood . USFWS (2002) 4 . Janss & Ferrer (2001) 6 Nonly1,000 pairs 1 least120,000 bird deaths Hungary.

Swift Parrot recovery plan Years after fire obilephone towers across the . Moseikin (2003) The operation and source offlowering trees, and 5 EmpireState Building) willbeerected e worlde population) were killed by ldlife of Australia since pre-history. since Australia of ldlife 000 years ago and used small fires for fires small used and ago years 000 t of grasslands, which replaced other habitats other replaced which grasslands, of t lia, areas were burned every 5M10 years and years 5M10 every burned were areas lia, colonists burned heathland more often, every often, more heathland burned colonists took over land management, the practice and practice the management, land over took tive and extensive burns were also used to aid to used also were burns extensive and tive . Ithaca, New York: Cornell University. lueGumtree habitat y, resulting in a mix of habitats with a high a with habitats of mix a in resulting y, . 1 . 2 0 5 10 15 20

8 6 4 2 0 . Swift Parrot Recovery (2001)Team .

20 18 16 14 12 10 5 2 Index of relative abundance relative of Index Noisy Scrub-bird avoids areas that suffer from freq 6 . Conservative. estimates suggest that atleast four . extinction or decline of many bird species 3,4 Aquila rating and young birds issort inthe USA alone. Moreover, there isgrowa , . 1 n Birds of Prey and Owls, 18–23 May 2003. Budapest, t: http://birds.fws.gov/mortality-fact-sheet.pdf). 12: 479–485.

Avian mortality at communication towers onesurvey season . InWisconsin,. singlea radio tower hascaused at 4 5 . Canberra: Environment Australia. are at risk from fire. from risk at are

birds and invertebrates erline inthe Atyrau region 00M70,000thisofkmtype of an 932anSteppe Eagle talitybymore than 50% mple,inexpensive alterations to proportion ofthe raptor declines leyear iderabledanger birdsto The action plan for Australian birds Aust. Wildlife Res. particularly ofinexperienced, rocess for almost half of half almost for rocess mongsttreesonesuburbanin area problem:themushrooming ofradio, television andm come todepend increasingly onsuburban areas asa trocutionpoweron lines is Atrichornis clamosus Atrichornis intained. Inappropriate fire Inappropriate intained.

e often than every c.6 years, c.6 every than often e isiontransmission (including some taller than the ettlement were a major factor major a were ettlement with towers structure of their habitats their of structure a three-montha period in1997, 40birds (c.2% ofth years of vegetation regrowth vegetation of years Humans have used fire to mould the landscape and wi and landscape the mould to fire used have Humans 60,000M100, continent the entered people Aboriginal hunting and land clearance. In south-western Austra south-western In clearance. land and hunting intensit low relatively of and scattered were fires Europeans once However, species. plant of diversity European Early rapidly. changed burning of purpose developmen the favoured regime fire This years. 2M3 Destruc livestock. grazing for habitat provided and land clearance or to show European ownership European show to or clearance land (Endangered) isthreatened mainly byloss ofitsB (Endangered) loses 30%juvenilesof to . Evans & Manville, eds (2000) 3 . Smith (1985) 3 . Garnett (1992) 2 . Species are lost because frequent fires frequent because lost are Species . 1 e , notably those of heathland and mallee and heathland of those notably , ment. 2 rvice. ia and Kazakhstan. Poster: Sixth World Conference o ish and Wildlife Service (Avian mortality fact shee

The action plan for Australian birds 2000 Aquilaadalberti Lathamusdiscolor , and, there are atleast 100,000 large towers ofth 3 . Australia’s biodiversity—responses to fire: plants, 3 11: 11: 3–12. . (1999) . For.example: wereelectrocuted along 1,500 powerofkm linein 5 et al . 3 . Garnett & Crowley (2000) . Gill . World-wide, at least 78 Globally Threatened Birds Threatened Globally 78 least at World-wide, . 1 1 1 In Australia, human-caused fires are linked to the Collisions and electrocutions: real threats for mig causedatleast 311raptor electrocutions singina SpanishImperial Eagle inKazakhstan, singlea 100-km section of10kVpow norththeofCaspian SeaKazakhstan,in fewerno th GiventhatRussia andKazakhstan holdleastat 50,0 powerline, this pressure alone may explain largea reportedthisinregion. electrocutionpoweron lines eachyear. However, si thedesign ofpower line poles could cutannual mor nipalensis 4 3 construction of fatal power lines continues in Russ (Vulnerable), which avoids areas that are burnt mor burnt are that areas avoids which (Vulnerable), 20M25 after only densities highest its reaches and figure) (see Migratory bird mortality.Arlington, Virginia: US F Structuresinurban areas arebynomeans theonly countrysideEurasiaof andNorth America poses cons that1,000 so-called QmegatowersR fordigital telev theUSAimminentlyin Canberra: Australian National Parks and Wildlife Se Canberra: Department of the Environment and Heritag birdsarekilled inthe USA each year bycollisions One such Australian example is the Noisy Scrub-bird Noisy the is example Australian such One sinceitwas constructed Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environ meaning that fire-sensitive vegetation cannot be ma be cannot vegetation fire-sensitive that meaning p endangering major a as recognised now are regimes birds threatened nationally AustraliaRs remain.With such extensive habitat loss, they have collisionsare beginning totake their toll. During collisionswithwindows andfences whileforaging a SOURCES InAustralia, Swift Parrot # # # SOURCES In Europe,In central Asiaand Africa, meanwhile, elec documentedcauseasa ofmass mortality ofraptors, juvenilebirds alter the plant species composition and vegetation vegetation and composition species plant the alter habitats The changes in the fire regime following European s European following regime fire the in changes The taxa bird five least at of extinction the in Bird Conserv. Internatn. ). ). Often, deaths could Often, ). box 3 box 4 be avoided through better design and the use of simple bird protectiondevices. habitats. However, the increased However, habitats. accessand human activity accompanyinginfrastructure development have led to major changes in the fire regime in This often has many regions. disastrousconsequences local for ( biodiversity Artificialstructureskill year each birds of millions migration,Especiallyonwhen birds are susceptible flying to into and being killed allby kinds of artificialfrom fencesto structures, electricfarms.windpylonsand Larger birds are also vulnerable to electrocution on poorly designed Many casualties powerlines. are of collisionsbut commonspecies, andelectrocutions can also have significantimpacts on threatened birds( ). box 2 box ecosystem services ( services ecosystem biodiversity, and have biodiversity, disrupted many existing negativeimpacts on particular have had widespread Dams and barragesareandDams increasingthreatan The demand for clean water is increasing rapidly in our densely Careful populatedworld. developmentof hydrological infrastructure is ever more barrages, dams, However, important. embankments and other major hydro-engineering schemes often have serious impacts on river-basin Largedams in ecosystems. colonisationHuman threatincreasesthe firefrom People have used fire to alter habitats and the since pre-history, spread of fire traces human Fire colonisationacross theworld. is a natural phenomenon in many Pollution Pollution of the wider blooms, poisonous Qred tidesR, fish- animals, micro-organisms and been banned or restricted in other environment has direct kills and the formation of diseases. To enhance crop yields nations. Unfortunately, the side- remains a and indirect impacts permanently oxygen-less Qdead across the developing world, effects and longer-term impacts of serious Bird populations are directly zonesR, as in parts of the Black Sea agriculture is becoming such pesticides and herbicides are impacted by environmental and Gulf of Mexico. Other water- increasingly reliant on such often ignored or simply not known concern pollution, through mortality and borne pollutants that can affect biocides, many of which have by those who use them (see box 1). sublethal effects such as reduced birds and their habitats include Pollution of the fertility. Pollution can also have pesticide residues, run-off from 1 Pesticides continue to poison birds on a elarge scal environment has direct strong indirect effects, by land-fill, suspended sediment from and indirect impacts on degrading habitats or reducing excessive soil erosion, heavy World-wide, more than two million tonnes of pesticides are applied annually and usage birds—an indication of food supplies, and overall it metals, salts and trace elements continues to increase. Pesticides are valuable tools assisting in food production, the wider problems it threatens 187 Globally Threatened that are poisonous in excess (e.g. habitat management and the control of diseases and pests, but they also have creates for man and significant environmental impacts. Birds (GTBs). The types of pollution selenium). According to one conservative estimate, biodiversity alike. 672 million birds in the USA are directly that affect bird populations are exposed each year to pesticides on farmland, very diverse. Water-borne Little is known of the and 10% of these birds die as a result nutrient pollution from point long-term effects of 1. As is probably the case in most countries,is there sources (e.g. fish-farms, sewage many pollutants no centralised database in the USA tonformation collect the oni bird kills attributed to pesticides. Such incidents are difficult and to monitoringdetect, efforts are generally outfalls) and from more dispersed Huge areas of farmland, lacking. The longer-term and indirect sticideeffects useof pe are even less well monitored sources (e.g. agricultural run-off) rangeland, forest and wetland are or studied. Nevertheless, approximatelyes 50 used pesticid currently in the USA are known to have caused die-offs of birds,uch including diverse sgroups as songbirds, can devastate otherwise treated with poisonous synthetic gamebirds, raptors, seabirds and shorebirds,ing to theaccord US Fish & Wildlife Service.

productive wetland and coastal chemicals each year to control For instance, monocrotophos is an organophosphatensecticide used i in crop farming, and habitats, through inducing algal competitor species of plants, one of the most bird-toxic agriculturaln chemicalsuse. Since i its introduction in 1964, documented avian mortalities number well00, over including 100,0 the mass-poisoning of nearly 6,000 SwainsonRsButeo Hawk swainsoni in Argentina during 1995/962. Despite this, it remains one of the most heavilycides used in pesti the world. In November 2000, 15 Sarus CraneGrus antigone (Vulnerable) were found dead in a field wintering near their grounds in Keoladeo National Park, northern3. The cranes India had died after eating recently sown wheat treated with monocrotophos3. Such pesticide poisoning is known as a direct cause of mortality in many crane4. species

Another poisoning incident occurred in2002, Mongolia when in about 3,500 km( of steppe were treated with the rodenticide bromadiolone,lowing a population fol explosion of voles5. No monitoring of non-target mortalityed, was but conduct ecologists working in the area noted more than 340 dead or dying several birds localities, at including 145 Demoiselle CraneGrus virgo and large raptors such as SteppeAquila Eagle nipalensis P. 40: Crop spraying, Pakistan' IAN DENHOLM and Saker FalconFalco cherrug5. The true scale of the mortality was presumablych mu Aerial spraying' BIRDLIFE larger than was observed. P. 41: Poisoned Eurasian Sparrowhawk' WWF Unfortunately, intentional poisoning ofpesticides birds with is a common practice in some Power station' ANDREW HAY/RSPB-IMAGES parts of the world, e.g. where farmers ngare to attempti prevent crop damage or to Oiled African Penguin' SANCCOB control perceived predators of small livestock.South Africa, In this type of poisoning is Cleaning oiled penguins' SANCCOB one of the greatest threats to BlueGrus Crane paradisea 6 (Vulnerable), and in Europe numerous raptor species, including a numberally Threatened of Glob Birds, continue to be deliberately poisoned in this7. way

SOURCES 1. Williams (1997)Audubon [January–February] 28–35.2. Goldstein et al. (1999)Ecotoxicology 8: 201–214. 3. Painet al. (in press)Sci. Total Environ. 4. Meine & Archibald, edsThe (1996) cranes: status survey and conservation action For further information visit plan. Gland, Switzerland/Cambridge, UK:5. Natsagdorj IUCN. & Batbayar (2002) The impacticide of used rodent to control 40 www.birdlife.org rodents on Demoiselle AnthropoidesCrane ( virgo) and other animals in Mongolia. Unpublished. 6. Barnes, report ed. (2000) The Eskom Red Data Book of birds of Southesotho Africa, and L Swaziland. Johannesburg: BirdLife South7. Africa.Mineauet al. (1999)J. Raptor Res. 33: 1–37. State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 41 ApolloSea unreported . The. spill may South BirdLife Town: Cape . 1 ,000M . One. ofthe most 2 -collecting,andby ofCommon Murre l orlocalised.l For d) . Cleaning. oiled birds birds. Thespecies is opulationbreeds es ricanPenguin morethanspecies90 3 with singlea slick s ands have the potential offnorth-west Spain in . Cape Town: BirdLife South Africa & Avian & Africa South BirdLife Town: Cape . rebreeding range. During the

ation success story success ation on effortson 0 in1998,0 from thewrecks ofthe birdrescue during the . Nevertheless,. such sums are 5 e continuinge decline ofAfrican Prestige d overd theyears. Inthe1970s, 55% . Cape Town: BirdLife South Africa & Avian & Africa South BirdLife Town: Cape . ricanPenguins areoiled each year. dualsuccessfully released backinto rethan 86% in2000, when the . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. 33: 407–413.

ation success story success ation

J. Avian Biol. ation success story success ation (Vulnerable) beenhasreduced fromc.1.45 million . (2002)

et al QbackgroundR level ofoil pollution from smaller, . Threatened birds of the world 2004 . Tilgar ustrialised regions 5

irds and are costly to clean up conserv a Penguins: African oiled of Rehabilitation lorinepollution, because 6: 41–54. immediatethreats isnow mortality from oil spills, capableofoiling thousands ortens ofthousands of particularlyatrisk because more than 80%of its p November2002caused theoiling estimated anof 115 230,000 individuals,whichofonly 23,181 birdsof wereactually retrieved (6,120 alive and17,061 dea towipe outentire populations where these aresmal instance,thewreck oftheoil-tanker Oilspills atsea can kill large numbers ofseabird havewiped outthe rare Iberian breeding population Uriaaalge Overthelast 100 years,theworld population Afof Spheniscusdemersus adultbirds tofewer than 200,000 byegg- andguano depletionoffood-fish stocks bycommercial fisheri have declined over the oreexpensive inother parts ofthe world

Rehabilitation of oiled African Penguins: a conserv a Penguins: African oiled of Rehabilitation argestoil-shipping route lies offshore ofits enti . Long-term. aciddeposition has Turdus 2

er nowerthan wouldit havebeen without rehabilitati conserv a Penguins: African oiled of Rehabilitation . This. hasplayed significanta part inreducing th pills,with 10,000 penguinsoiled in1994 and20,00 lth.Acidrain has been implicated in Environ. Reviews 3 . BirdLife International (2004) fitgroups involvedNthe insurance claim forthe sea . 2 thewild inhealthya state; this figure rose tomo hepollution. 5 , including, Globally Threatened Birds 1 eds. eds. d rain,d andmany bird species breeding Thesechemicals transportedbecan US$1,459,000, equivalent c.$100to foreachindivi tiondeclines. Inthe UK, recenta study alsosuggested byexperimental work on acidrain, which cancause major and agriculture all pollute the atmosphere the pollute all agriculture and ils,andcurrent emission standards may thrush breedingintheeastern USA, particularly elyexplanation isthat acid deposition cleaningoperations. Onaverage, more than 2%ofAf guinsandother seabirds have increased andimprove um,andthat this hasreduced thequality . (2003) Pp. 1–7 in Nel & Whittington, eds. eds. Whittington, & Nel in 1–7 Pp. (2003) . (Vulnerable)

Treasure al et . Despite. clean-air legislation, manyeastern andEstonia . Graveland (1998) 1 4 4 . The. lack ofavailable calcium inthe environment 99: 11235–11240. 1 . Nel Nel . 2 . 12: 1153–1155. 12: . 265: 679–684. respectively. However, there isalso substantiala . Ryan (2003) Pp. 25–29 in Nel & Whittington, eds. eds. Whittington, & Nel in 25–29 Pp. (2003) Ryan .

Conserv. Biol Conserv. 3 Catharusbicknelli

Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. in theNetherlandsin Treasure . (2002) . Whittington (2003) Pp. 8–17 in Nel & Whittington, & Nel in 8–17 Pp. (2003) Whittington . . Jessup (1998) (1998) Jessup . 4 5 et al . Thisdecline. wasevidently notcausedorganoch by 3 . Efforts. torehabilitate seabirds have been even m . http://www.seo.org/2002/prestige/. http://www.seo.org/2002/prestige/. . 4

Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 1 andthe within100 kmofmajora harbour, and the worldRs l . Hames Parusmajor 1 Acid rain continues to exceed critical loads in ind Oil spills significantly reduce populations of seab lastdecade, there have been twocatastrophic oils thewild spillwasUS$589,000 andthatfor the is a costlyisa operation forthe voluntary andnon-pro relativelytiny forthe companies responsible fort SOURCES Penguin:thepopulation estimatedis 19%betolarg Africa & Avian Demography Unit. Unit. Demography Avian & Africa Demography Unit. Unit. Demography majority(upto87%) returned tobreeding colonies Demography Unit. Unit. Demography ofcaptured oiled penguins were released back into . Green (1998) Effortstorescue, clean andrehabilitate oiled pen past150 years 3 regionsofNorth America continue toexperience aci theseinareasshow unexplained population declines maybekeya factor inexplaining these bird popula foundthat eggshell thicknesses offour species of longdistances intheatmosphere before falling as economicdamage plantations,to crops andhuman hea 3 factoriespower-plants,heating, domestic Vehicles, significantlywithsulphur nitrogenand compounds. recentpopulation declines ofseveral bird species highinelevation zones withlow soilspH suchBicknellRsas Thrush SOURCES 4 depletedtheavailable calcium acid-sensitivein so beinsufficient toensure their recovery itbegan long before the introduction ofDDT. likA hascaused reductiona intheavailability ofcalci ofeggshells laid bythrushes. Suchmechanism a is GreatTit spillagesanddeliberate illegal discharges during ApolloSea t ). box 3 box e in the . . Despite. bansanin 2 1 ). . Washington, DC: World Federation of Public n ourn food, soil, air and water. ystemdysfunction, immune dysfunction, eggshell thinning, vefailure, deformities and ion of femalesionof still muchrelied uponmedicine,in s,following heavy spraying ofthis fromPOPs. These included various in concentrationin theyasmove theup disease control redators,including birds such aseagles ife.theInUSA, studies fromthe ancers,behavioural changes, ance,atLake Kariba inZimbabwe, box 4 box and population declines ( declines population and sign visible most the often are Birds problems environmental the of spillages or slicks oil by caused in chemicals toxic of These wetlands. often can episodes for disastrous be and biodiversity local for economies ( Persistentorganicpollutants (POPs)are toxicsubstances composedorganic of (carbon-based)chemicalcompounds. They includeindustrial chemicals like polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs), residues of organochlorinepesticides likeDDT,and unwantedbyproductsdioxins. assuchThese pollutantspersist theenvironmentin andcan travelthrough air and water far from their source.POPs tend tocollect inthe fatty showedsignificant eggshell thinning consequenand R 134: 250–258.

Ibis

Persistent organic pollutants and human health Haliaeetusvocifer . (2000) . Douthwaite (1992) 2

et al . Orris 1 ). For example, the calcium- the example, For ). environment Persistent organic pollutants continue to accumulat Health Associations. breedingfailure dueto accumulation ofDDT residue insecticideadjacentin woodland forthepurpose of SOURCES increasingnumber countries,of these chemicals are industryandagriculture around theworld. Forinst AfricanFish-eagle tissueorganisms,of andthus dramatically increase foodchain. POPs are now found almost everywhere, i growingA body ofevidence links POPs toreproducti physiologicalandbehavioural dysfunctions wildlin heavilypolluted Great Lakes region revealed that p andcormorants, suffered significant health impacts combinationspopulationof declinereproductiveand metabolicchanges, deformities andbirthdefects, c abnormallyfunctioning thyroids otherandhormone s suppression,feminisation malesofand masculinisat 2 box 2 box persistent organic pollutants organic persistent ( Birds can indicatecanBirdsthe pollutantseffectsof good often are populations Bird of impacts the of indicators well- the in instance for pollutants, case of documented the negative of populations on DDT of impact raptors, other and Falcon Peregrine known well less other for also and Q rich rich food needed for adequate in nesting development eggshell with areas in available less is birds is this and rain, acid increasingly thinning in eggshell manifested Many species Exploitation of birds has expanding markets and increasing Over-exploitation has distributed across the North become unsustainable demand, combined with improved already caused Atlantic, which was hunted for are exploited Humans have harvested and traded access and techniques for capture, extinctions its feathers, meat, fat and oil, beyond birds since time immemorial: for are causing the exploitation of Humans have already driven with specimen collecting the food, as pets, for cultural purposes many species beyond sustainable formerly numerous species to final cause of its extinction in sustainable and for sport. This use of nature is levels. Over the last few decades, extinction through about 1852. Another is the levels fundamental to the economies and more than one-quarter of the over-exploitation. Carolina Parakeet, once wide- cultures of many nations. Wild meat world’s bird species have been An example ranging and very common in Unsustainable hunting is not only a vital source of protein, recorded in international trade, is the Great the eastern USA, which was for food or trapping for but also generates valuable income with millions of individual birds Auk, once hunted for food, crop the cage-bird trade for rural populations. However, traded each year. widely protection and the millinery currently threatens trade, with the last captive hundreds of bird species. 1 Over-exploitation is a threat to many large and bird dying in 1915. Overall, Bycatch of seabirds by conspicuous bird species 50 species that have become fisheries is a major In all, 345 Globally Threatened Birds extinct since 1500 (c.40% of (GTBs; nearly 30%) are currently threat, particularly to threatened by over-exploitation for human the total) have been subject use, primarily through hunting for food albatrosses. (262 species) and trapping for the cage- to over-harvesting. bird trade (117 species). Often these are large and conspicuous species, such as cranes and storks. Some families are particularly affected, with more than 10% of their species threatened by over- exploitation. Large numbers are at risk 2in Unsustainable exploitation is most prevalenta in Asi some cases, e.g. 52 species of parrots and 44 species each of pigeons and pheasants (see figure). Other families, notably Nearly all the countries and territoriesld of(212, the 89%)wor harbour bird species that waterfowl, birds of prey and rails, are alsoare threatened by over-exploitation, butt appears this threa to be particularly prevalent in heavily hunted, although smaller Asia. This region has eight out of the sten with countrie the highest numbers of Globally proportions are affected overall. Threatened Birds (GTBs) threatened by (seeexploitation figure). Indonesia and China stand out: as well as having the highest GTBs numbers threatened of by over-exploitation (68 and 51 respectively), they also haveroportion a higher than p expected of all their GTBs, and of their entire avifauna, threatenedthis reason. for

SOURCE Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldabase. Bird Dat SOURCEAnalysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldbase. Bird Data

60 80 In Indonesia and China, more than 50 GTBstened are by threa over-exploitation Large numbers of parrots, pigeons and pheasantsthreatened are by over-exploitation % of total number of GTBs affected given bar above each 13% 70 Only families with 15 or more species included; 56% 50 % of total number of species affected givenach above e P. 42: Red-and-blue Lory, Talaud Islands, Indonesia 14% 23% bar, total number of species in each familyelow given b 60 ' A. COMPOST/BIRDLIFE Maleo egg harvester, Sulawesi, Indonesia 40 61% 50 ' STUART BUTCHART/BIRDLIFE 54% P. 43: Philippine Cockatoo 30 40 ' PH. GARGUIL/GARGUE PRODUCTIONS 52% 29% Straw-headed Bulbul' TEE LIAN HUAT 74% 73% 68% 30 Pirate trawler, Southern' Ocean JIM ENTICOTT 60% 29% 20 9% 28% 20 5% 6% 10 14% 38% 47% 10 Number of GTBs affected by over-exploitation Number of GTBs affected by over-exploitation

0 0 For further information visit Parrots Pigeons, Pheasants, Ducks, Curassows, Hawks, Rails HornbillsMegapodesCranes Indonesia China India Philippines Brazil VietnamMyanmar Thailand Malaysia Colombia 42 www.birdlife.org 388 doves quails, geese, guans eagles 160 57 21 15 327 francolins swans 53 250 195 170 State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 43 . 1,2 servation tspots 1,2 . BirdLife International 3. . 114: 1–27. Albatrossforaging areas blue,= with thedarkest shadesindicating themost intensively usedareas Fishingeffort areas red,= with thedarkest shades indicatingthemost intensively usedareas

Biol. Conserv g (see also p. 58, box 4 for other mitigation other for 4 box 58, p. also (see g e long-lived birds (see p. 11, box 3). box 11, p. (see birds long-lived e ith foraging hotspots (see figure) (see hotspots foraging ith ly, albatross scientists have agreed to pool to agreed have scientists albatross ly, es- and colony-specific, resulting in only a only in resulting colony-specific, and es- catching and drowning some 300,000 seabirds as they scavenge thebait. Pirate fishing boats operating illegally in the southern oceans kill one-third, with the rest dying in legally licensed fisheries. This incidental bycatch is the singlegreatest threat to albatrosses.All 21 speciesare now classedas globally threatened or Near Threatened, largely because ofinteractions with fisheries (see also p. 11, box 3). ing on the Prince Edward Islands (2003) l significant, since even a small increase in increase small a even since significant, l verlap between commercial longline fishing effort

et al. Tuck erim summary. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International 2. . This will greatly enhance our ability to make con make to ability our enhance greatly will This . 3 44: E141–E154.

Ibis ),and measures . (2002) Prince Edward Islands SOUTH AFRICA et al Nel box 4 1. Commercial fishing effort overlaps with foraging ho for seabirds 4 (2004) Global Procellariform Tracking Workshop: int albatross mortality can have severe effects on thes on effects severe have can mortality albatross speci been have studies tracking satellite date, To database single a into data their A partial overlap in fishing/foraging areas is stil is areas fishing/foraging in overlap partial A Recent picture. global the of understanding partial decisions, based on a sound scientific understandin scientific sound a on based decisions, methods). and the foraging areas of Wandering Albatross breed Albatrosses travel vast distances (up to (up distances vast travel Albatrosses birds These food. of search in km/day) 2,000 with contact increasing into coming are death the to leading fleets, fishing commercial individuals. of thousands of bycatch through been have scientists decade, past the For devices tracking satellite miniature attaching the of idea better a obtain to albatrosses to results The use. they that ocean the of areas w overlaps effort fishing areas, some in that, show SOURCES In the southern Indian Ocean, there is a critical o that prevent seabird capture (see p. 59, box 4) are not yet widely used. Longline fleets set more than one billion hooks each year, Growth of commercial of Growth seabirds threatens fishing The growth of longline fishing around the world is an increasing threat to many seabird species. This isfor two main reasons: areas where fishing is concentrated overlapwith foraging hotspots for birds ( ).

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BRUNEI a Historicalextent occurrenceof Recentlocalities (1980–present) S For many other species, the total the species, other many For numbers for harvested domestic and international this of effects the and markets, known. poorly still are exploitation, Straw-headed Bulbul was once widespread in lowland areas of South-East Asia, but recent records are almost all from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Brunei declines in and both declines numbers most the be to known is and range, ( them to threat significant Kalimantan # Philippine Cockatoo .

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a . Cambridge, UK: (Critically J . 2 MALAYSIA INDONESIA Historicalextent occurrenceof Recentlocalities (1980–present)

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a t r a m countries, certain and ), u S ). For some species that are that species some For ). ompounded by habitat loss ing to uncontrolledingto eggharvesting Cacatuahaematuropygia -scale box 1box (Endangered) e islande Palawan,of thestronghold, its remainingits stronghold (Endangered) manyat llycaptured Malaysian birds nowfeed the idualisland populations areexpected soon heagestructure ofthe remaining numbers ghtafter for its celebrated song, extinction box 2 box notably Indonesia and China and Indonesia notably ( trade. Exploitation particularly Exploitation trade. including families, bird some affects pheasants and pigeons parrots, (see especially highly sought after, over- after, sought highly especially huge causing is exploitation Pycnonotus zeylanicus

Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife Internationa Ansercygnoides

Saving Asia’s threatened birds: a guide for governm Macrocephalonmaleo 2 . . BirdLife International (2001) 2 2 . BirdLife International (2003) . Forthese.particularly sought-after species, 1 1 Sought-after species face rapid declines in theinlower Yangtze basin China,in owing largeto commercialhunting to intensive trapping for the cage-bird trade and(see c figure) therapid decline Swanof Goose therapid decline ofMaleo thehuge range reduction of Philippine Cockatoo Endangered)and Straw-headed Bulbul of itsnestingof colonies Sulawesion (Indonesia), ow BirdLife International. over-exploitationcausingis rapiddeclines bothin range.andExamples include: Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. In theAsianInregion, over-exploitation is consideredparticularlya significant threat for Critically10 Endangered andEndangered25 bird species # # # Inthecase ofthe cockatoo, trapping ischanging t SOURCES population,withfewer andfewer young birds (onth chicksaretaken from every accessible nest). Indiv togoextinct asresult.a For the bulbul, much sou isimminent inSumatra. Continual imports ofillega highdemandIndonesia,in depleting populations in Philippine Cockatoo was once widespread, and known from 52 islands, but there are recent records from just eight 3 Huntingcage-theand majoraretrade bird threats Globally of 30% nearly Currently, are (GTBs) Birds Threatened over-exploitation, by threatened food for hunting through mainly cage-bird the for trapping and Alien Invasive species are the can be catastrophic. Invasives can Invasive species are a species (box 2). The arrival of main cause of recent affect native species by eating particular threat on new invasives in the near invasive bird extinctions them, competing with them, islands future is a very real threat for species, Humans have been transporting hybridising with them, disrupting Currently, nearly 30% of almost 50 island species. There including animals from one part of the or destroying their habitat, or Globally Threatened Birds is particular concern for bird world to another for thousands of introducing pathogens or parasites (GTBs) are affected by alien species in Micronesia. The diseases, are years, sometimes deliberately that sicken or kill them. Over the invasive species, making this brown tree snake has already spreading (e.g. livestock released by sailors last five hundred years, alien the third most important caused severe ecological, onto islands as a source of food) invasives have been partly or threat after habitat destruction economic and health problems and sometimes accidentally wholly responsible for the and over-exploitation (see on Guam since it was Invasive species of (e.g. rats escaping from boats). In extinction of at least 65 bird pp. 30–31). Island species are accidentally introduced shortly animals, plants and most cases, such introductions are species, making this the most particularly susceptible because after World War II (including disease-causing micro- unsuccessful, but when they do common contributory factor in of their isolated evolutionary the local and global extinction organisms are a become established as Qalien recent losses to the world’s history, with 67% of oceanic- of several native bird, bat, and particular threat to birds invasive speciesR, the consequences avifauna (see box 1). island GTBs affected by invasive lizard species). on islands, and have already caused numerous extinctions. 1 Invasive species have been implicated in fnearly of hal 2 Small island species are most at risk froms invasive recent bird extinctions Global travel, trade and In total, 326 Globally Threatened Birdsly (GTBs, 30% of near the total) are currently 1 a changing climate are In total, 129 bird species are classified gone as having extinct since1,2 1500 (see pp. 12-13). threatened by alien invasive. speciesThe problem is especially acute on islands, The impacts of alien invasive species, ationover-exploit by humans, and habitat particularly small ones (67% of GTBs onands oceanic are threatened isl by invasives, see 2 encouraging the spread destruction and degradation have been thetributory major factorscon (see 3figure). figure a), where long Invasive species are associated with the of extinctionat least 65 species. Predation by isolation has led to the (a) Sixty-seven percent of GTBs on oceanicare affected islands by of invasives world-wide, evolution of species thatinvasive species, a much higher figure inentalthan on islands cont introduced dogs, pigs and mongooses, andstruction habitat by de sheep, rabbits and often lack adequate or continents2 including damaging goats, have been implicated in some cases. it is However, predation by introduced rats defences against introduced species. The majority of and cats, and diseases Oceanic islands Continental islands Continents species (95%) are affected diseases. caused by introduced The major threats contributing to birdsince extinctions 15003 (432 GTBs) (190 GTBs) (620 GTBs) pathogens, that have been by introduced predators, but 8% the most deadly, many are subject to multiple 67% 17% 70 contributing to the impacts from a range of extinction of some 30, 20 invasives (figure b) 60 and 10 species respectively.

50 2. One such example is Galpagos 40 SOURCES1. Brooks (2000) Pp. 701– PetrelPterodroma 708 in BirdLife International 30 phaeopygia (Critically Threatened birds of the .world GTBs threatened by invasive species Endangered) which has Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx20 undergone an extremely GTBs not threatened by invasives Edicions and BirdLife International.

2. BirdLife International (2004) Number of extinct species rapid decline since the early 10 1980s owing to a variety(b) of Ninety-five percent of GTBs threatenedives areby invas Threatened birds of the world. 2004 threats, including predation 2 0 affected by invasive predators CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife by introduced rats, cats and Invasive Over- Habitat Unknown NaturalPersecutionChanges P. 45: Apapane and mosquito' JACK JEFFREY International.3. Analysis of data held dogs, and the destruction species exploitationdestruction/ disasters in native Introduced mongoose, Jamaica' LEO DOUGLAS in BirdLife’s World Bird Database. degradation species of breeding habitat by 300 introduced goats and Black-faced Spoonbill' MARTIN HALE cattle 250 200

1. 150 100 SOURCES1. BirdLife International (2004)Threatened birds of the world 50 For further information visit 2004. CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK:Number of GTBs impacted BirdLife International.2. Analysis of 0 44 www.birdlife.org Predatorsdt hbi Herbivores Plants lt i Competitorsth /Hybridisers Pathogens/ h b idi data held in BirdLife’s World Bird parasites Database. Nature of alien invasive species State of the World’s Birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 45 . 6 d

Bird Numbers (Critically rn North America North rn 179 (2405): 12–13. (2405): 179

of Capeof Cormorant Scientist New . Williams & Ward (2002) 5 Americaandthe Caribbean. declinesIndianofYellow-nosed

troduced population of House Finch House of population troduced Biol. Conserv. Diomedeaamsterdamensis Ananthaswamy (2003) (2003) Ananthaswamy (Vulnerable) fromHispaniola Cubanand

2.

diseasebutremains relatively stable across its

(blue) Native bird abundance per 100 net-hours 100 per abundance bird Native Territories).Thediseases mayhavespread to 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 , Africa,killing c.13,000 individualsbetween Mayan mon in mid- ffected populations ffected s Southern Ocean albatrosses. C. leucognaphalusC. d to the native population of this species in weste in species this of population native the to d ensities of both . 2,3 . Avian. cholera hasalso devastated thepopulation . Hong Kong: Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. Society. Watching Bird Kong Hong Kong: Hong . Culexquinqufasciatus 4 White-necked Crow rds) (Endangered) andAmsterdam Albatross drivenextinct byhabitat loss, 8 Altitude (m) asternUSAsince 1999, andhas now spread toLatin has recently caused a significant decline in the in the in decline significant a caused recently has

, two bacterialtwo, diseases, havecaused considerable 2003 January hasshown very high levels ofmortality from this Platalea Weimerskirch (submitted) Disease outbreak threaten Phoebetriafusca 4. 0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500 1,800 2,100 (Endangered) Amsterdamon Island (French Southern introductionmosquitoesof 0

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

17: 13–15. 100 On Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii, avian pox is most com elevation forests where there are relatively high d native birds and mosquitoes and % avian pox prevalence (red) prevalence pox avian % and

ds in the Hawaiian Islands are limited by (NearThreatened) Westernin CapeProvince, South Relative mosquito abundance index (amber) index abundance mosquito Relative sprea to started has and America, North eastern in (Endangered) couldmuch bemore severe 118: 327–333. . 1

Auk Birdscope Erysipelothrixrhusiopathidae Corvusbrachyrhynchos 22: . 5

International Black-faced Spoonbill census: 24–26 24–26 census: Spoonbill Black-faced International . (2001) C.minutus Thalassarchecarteri

70: 101– et al . (Endangered) is inverselyis . Yu (2003) Yu . 8

Condor 1 . Hartup

Stud. Avian Biol. 6 ribution, ecology and and avian pox .For example, Avian diseases are spreading to are Avian una diseases spreading hitherto impact c birdc taxa, butmore than half ofthese have been PalmCrow range.consequencesThe already-diminishingthefor AmericanCrow Endangeredwithworlda population onlyofc.130 bi October 2002October Albatross minor Phalacrocoraxcapensis mexicanus Carpodacus Avianbotulism, bacteriala disease that is arguablythemost important disease of migratorybirds world-wide, affects millionsofbirds. recentA outbreak in Taiwankilled more than 7%ofthe world populationBlack-facedof Spoonbill WestNileVirus, largelya mosquito-borne viraldisease (causing bothbird andhuman mortalities),hasestablished itself over much ofe Aviancholera and disease, infectious an conjunctivitis, Mycoplasmal nearbycolonies Sootyof Albatross .The mosquito is 1M5 6 Bonter & Hochachka (2003) ce anddistribution,ce . (2001) 3. Aviandiseasescause canchronic population declines,dramatic die-offs orreductions inthe reproductivesuccess andsurvival individualof birds.Theycaneven cause extinctions. Certain aviandiseases nowappear tobespreading to populationspreviously unaffected, including to speciesalready threatened byother factors. Examplesinclude: 1. 2. 3. 4. SOURCES 11: 2–6. 4 native bird species,

et al . Warner (1968) 7 Brooks (2000) Pp. 701–708 in 2. . Jarvi . The highest incidence of 5 7 . Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions versity of Hawaii, Manoa (Ph.D. dissertation). . For forest-dwellingFor. nativebirds, accidentalthe 22: 247–253. Plasmodiumrelictum 1,3 Chasiempissandwichensis 217: 633–635. 22: 221–233. ).

Science 119: 929–942.

Stud. Avian Biol.

Auk forestswhere mosquitoes overlap with highly susceptible native birds (see figure) La Pointe (2000) Avian malaria in Hawaii: the dist

Stud. Avian Biol. 3. box 4 ). Some).diseases malariaand pox thus occurs in wet, mid-elevation ,has had devastating consequences . (2002) Threatened Birds of the World

et al most common below 600 m unaffected, including to speciesalready threatened by other . Olson & James (1982) box 3 factors ( factors populationspreviously . VanderWerf (2001) 1 6 andhence playing a part in local extinctions The distribution and abundance of native forest bir introduced avian diseases van Riper 8. appear to be spreading to . van Riper & Scott (2001) 3 120. BirdLife International 254–263. vector potential of forest-dwelling mosquitoes. Uni 4 and BirdLife International. suggestingthatpoxcouldlimiting be theirabundan TheHawaiian islands once supported over 100endemi theprevalence poxQElepaioofin relatedtothe population density ofthis andother SOURCES bringingwiththemavian malaria Poxvirusavium introducedpredators diseaseand Invasive diseases are aInvasivediseasesare problemgrowing Diseasescarried by invasive pathogens and parasites are already implicated in the decline and extinction of many bird species( their ranges (see p. 47, box 4). These factors, together with the degradation and fragmentation of naturalhabitats which make it easierfor invasives to establish themselves, mean that invasive species are likely to become an increasingthreat. Globalisation andGlobalisation changeclimate encouragespreadofthe invasives Increases in human mobility and expansion of global trade encourage the spread of alien invasivespecies. Global climate changecreates conditions suitable for new invasives. For example, increased temperatures potentiallyenable disease- carryingmosquitoes to expand Climate Our planetRs climate However, these recent changes are operate at many different levels— and shape) is changing rapidly different because they are taking from individuals to ecosystems. and genetic change is The Earth is undergoing profound place faster and are unlikely to be At the species level, climate composition. Many already changes to its climate. There is now reversed by natural processes. change affects particular species such effects have already been little doubt that this results from in different ways. It may alter documented in a wide range of impacting human activities, mainly the Climate change affects their distribution, abundance, species (box 2). Birds provide biodiversity burning of fossil fuels (see box 1). all biodiversity behaviour, phenology (the timing some of the clearest examples, in Climatic changes have occurred The effects of climate change on of events such as migration or both single species and multi- The climate of our throughout Earth’s history. biodiversity are far-reaching and breeding), morphology (size species studies (box 3). planet is changing rapidly because of human activities, 1 The worldRs climate has changed significantlyrecent over 2 There is good evidence that climate changedy is alrea decades, and much larger changes are predictedhe in t impacting a wide spectrum of taxa especially the burning coming decades of fossil fuels. We can Many individual studies have examined thefor recentevidence biological changes in relation to measured climatic changes. Theseostly concentrated have m on a limited set of There is now convincing already see many direct evidence that our planetRs taxa, or been restricted to particular countriesregions. However, or two recent meta- climate has changed analyses combine a broad spectrum of resultst whether to tesa coherent pattern exists significantly over recent impacts on biodiversity, across regions and for a diverse arrayOne of species. analysis examined the results of 143 decades. Over the twentieth and other threats may century the global mean studies on a wide spectrum of species,473 totalling organisms 1, from all regions of the surface temperature world. Of the 587 species showing significantrature-related tempe changes (in increased by 0.4M0.8:C and be made much worse. distribution, abundance, phenology, morphologyenetic frequencies), or g 82% had shifted sea-levels rose 1M2 mm annually. The largest in the direction expected from temperature increases climate change (e.g. distributions moving towards higher latitudesChanges or in phenology and distribution detectedg amon occurred across the mid- and high-latitudeshern continents, of nort where precipitation altitudes) almost 500 species are overwhelmingly ionin the direct increased by 5M10%. Snow cover has decreased in the bynorthern 10% hemisphere since 1 . The timing predicted from climate 2change the late 1960s of spring events, such as egg-laying by birds, spawning by amphibians and flowering by plants, was shown Changed in direction predicted from measurede change climat 1 (by 61 studies) to have shifted . Changed opposite to prediction from measurede change climat earlier by 5.1 days per decade on 100 Since the start of the industrial era, theric atmosphe concentrations of greenhouse gasesaverage over the last half-century, with changes being most pronounced such as carbon dioxide and methane haveue increased to human d activities. For example, 90 at higher latitudes carbon dioxide concentrations have increasednce 1750, 31% largely si due to combustion 80 of fossil fuels and deforestation. Mostrved of the warming obse over the last 50 years, with 1. The second 70 associated precipitation changes and seas, is level likely rise to have been caused by theanalysis reviewed studies of over increase in greenhouse gas concentrations1,2. 1,700 species, and found similar 60 results: 87% of phenology shifts and As a consequence of continuing human-induceds to greenhouse change gas concentrations,81% of range shifts were in the 50 direction expected from climate the planetRs mean surface temperatureto is riseprojected by between 1.4 and 5.8:C by 40 change (see figure) % of species the end of the twenty-first century, withs warming land area more than the oceans, and 2. These studies 30 high latitudes warming more than the tropics.rates are Such unprecedented during at P. 46: South Pacific atoll' WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL give us a very high confidence that least the last 10,000 years. The intensityuency and of freq extreme climatic events are 20 Sandhill Crane' MIKE READ global climate change is already likely to increase. While annual precipitationrojected isto p increase overall (as a global P. 47: Keel-billed Toucan' PETE MORRIS/BIRDQUEST impacting biodiversity. 10 average), particular regions will see increasesdecreases or of typically 5M20%. Broadly, Pied Flycatcher' MIKE READ 0 Hawaiian forest, Maui, Hawaii, USA precipitation is projected to increasetude at high-lati and in equatorial areas and decreaseSOURCES 1. Rootet al. (2003)Nature 421: 57–60. 1 Phenology (n = 484) Distribution (n = 460) ' RICHARD THOMAS/BIRDLIFE in the subtropics. Sea levels are projected 9M88 tocm rise over the same. period 2.Parmesan & Yohe (2003)Nature 421: 37–42.

SOURCES 1. Gitayet al., eds (2002)Climate change and biodiversity. Geneva: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2.Houghtonet al., eds (2001)Climate change 2001: the scientific Cambridge, basis. UK: Cambridge University Press.

For further information visit 46 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 47 2 High +2°C +2°C of of disease (Hawaii) Medium Alakai Swamp (Kauai) Hanawi Forest (Maui) Current +2°C Current Current Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge Low 0 0 0 500

4,000 2,000 8,000 Malaria risk to birds 6,000 3,500 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 2,500 1,500 3,000

16,000 14,000 10,000 12,000 12,000 10,000 14,000

Area (ha) Area (ha) Area Area (ha) Area The The area of forest with medium and low malaria risks for native bird species in forest reserves on three Hawaiian islands is predicted to decrease substantially following a temperature rise of 2°C 99: 14,246– . Thus,.in 1 398: 611–614. .The results show

2 Nature

Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. (1999)

et al. (2002) . Still

et al. 1 In In Hawaii, climate change will increase the impact . Benning 4 increases in the areas of high malaria risk, andreductions or disappearances of areas with low risk. For example, a temperature increase of 2:C will almost eliminate low malaria-risk forest in the Hakalau Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii (an important area for five GTBs). Current forestation of pasture land above the refuge is crucial to improving the chances of survival of the endemicspecies. Hawaii,temperaturesas rise,thealtitudinal zoneofmalaria risk will also shift upwards. someInareas, thecoolest (andhence safest)cloudforest zoneconstrainedis itsin upwardshift,because highertheelevations havebeen cleared forpasture. The effects of climate change on the extent of forests with high to low malaria risks have been modelled for three specific areas (representative of the most intact forestand highest abundance of native species)on the islands of Hawaii, Maui andKauai (see figure) 14,249. 2 Endemic birds in the Hawaiian Islands have Islands Hawaiian the in birds Endemic and pox avian by impacted severely been mosquitoes. introduced by transmitted malaria, Thesearerestricted tothelowlands, so coolerhigh-elevation forests remain thelast refugefor 18Globally Threatened Birds (GTBs),mainlyhoneycreepers (Drepanididae)(see p.45, box 3). theInPacific islands, elsewhere,as climate changeis predicted to lead to the lifting of cloud-base,the consequentand upward shiftsmontaneof cloudforests SOURCES

. Proc. 7 (1998)

et al. . Visser 8 chicksnowpeaks earlier. . Lemoine & Bohning-Gaese (2003) 4 145: 484–495. ). laid progressively larger

Ibis n average for those showing those for average n than 1903M1950. From 1951 to 1993, to 1951 From 1903M1950. than rises in mean spring hingsuccess, global warming may mericaarrived fourdays earlier 3: 23–38. ys in the last 40 years, possibly so that so possibly years, 40 last the in ys ve notshiftedve synchronyin with and invest more resources in Sahara have delayed autumn passage by passage autumn delayed have Sahara w a mismatcha w between foodsupply and Parusmajor resumablybecause thecues towhich

pastdecades have ledto changes in ogether, provide compelling evidence compelling provide ogether, ). Examples of responses include: responses of Examples ). box 4box increased pressure from competitors,predators,parasites, diseases and disturbances (such as firesor storms). Climate change willoften act in combination with majorthreats such as habitat loss and alien invasive species, making theirimpacts considerably worse ( rive the ultimate impacts of climate change climate of impacts ultimate the rive Butler (2003) 7.

Global Change Biol. Ficedula hypoleuca (1997) B 270: 1467–1471.

et al. Ramphastos e ways . Veit 3 . 1 tleast 1,540 m in . 8 399: 213. foundoffthe west coast . Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. 4 moreimportant. There may be . 9

indirect effects are even Nature and 1998 . een1987and1994. The decline was 2 enefitresidents andincrease the igrants bird species tended to nest earlierNby nine days o days nine earlierNby nest to tended species bird . s decreaseds andthenumber and Keel-billed Toucan andoceancurrents, associated with 3 es increased between 19801992.and thby19km on average between 1968 d significantly earlier during the period 1951M1993 period the during earlier significantly d e 13 days13earlier,e while birds wintering Southin A simplymoved tonew feeding grounds, riod. By contrast, migrants wintering north of the the of north wintering migrants contrast, By riod. of the Sahara has advanced by an average of 2.5 da 2.5 of average an by advanced has Sahara the of ill be catastrophic for many species (see pp. 48M49 pp. (see species many for catastrophic be ill hange on birds from around the world, which taken t taken which world, the around from birds on hange . Jenni & Kéry (2003) Puffinusgriseus eggsthrough the period 1975M1993, correlating with reproduction temperatures.Since larger eggs enjoy improved hatc allow females to alter their reproductive strategy IntheUK, increasing spring temperatures over the vegetationphenology. The food supply for Great Tit In Finland, breeding Pied Flycatcher titsrespond during reproductive decision-making ha However,egg-laying bythetits hasnot advanced, p changesvegetationin phenology. Hence, there nois timingbreedingof 6 iverse ways. It is these proximate responses that d that responses proximate these is It ways. iverse Climate change makeschangeClimate worsethreatsother Climate change may affect species directly, for example through changes in temperature and rainfall. Often, however, the 17: 108–110. # # . 6 . Thomas & Lennon (1999) 2 388: 526.

Ecography

Nature (1997) 398: 611–615. . Jarvinen (1994) et al. 9

Nature . Crick . 5 5 (1999)

et al. have extended their ranges up mountain slopes to a . B 265: 1867–1870. 17: 577–586. . Pounds 1 Climate change is already affecting birds in divers significant trends significant they can cross the Sahel before the seasonal dry pe dry seasonal the before Sahel the cross can they period same the over average on days 3.4 averag on arrived USA southern in winter that birds InCosta Rica, lowland and foothill species such as Inthe UK, breeding birds extended their ranges nor association1988,inand increasingwith temperatur IntheUSA, thenumber ofSooty Shearwater Germany,In theproportion long-distanceof migrant proportionshort-distanceof migrants residentsand Thismaybecausebe increased winter temperatures b competitivepressure theyimposelong-distance on m breeding 65 of 63% 1995, and 1971 between UK the In south winter that birds of migration the Europe, In arrive migrants USA, Massachusetts, and York New In responseto elevated cloud-base levels between 1979 duringthenon-breeding season declined 90%betwby attributedchangesto oceaninsurface temperatures climatechange. Itappears unlikely that the birds becausethedeclines haveoccurred overhuge areas sulfuratus that climate change is already affecting birds in d in birds affecting already is change climate that There are many examples of the effects of climate c climate of effects the of examples many are There Distributiondensityand # # # # Behaviourphenologyand # # # SOURCES on speciesNthe significant changes to ranges that w that ranges to changes significant speciesNthe on

3 Conserv. Biol. Roy. Soc. Lond Many species will suffer Climate species may shift (in latitude or 2 In the Arctic tundra, climate change will maticcause dra from range shifts and losses altitude: see box 1), contract losses in waterbird breeding habitat change will Modelling studies show that the (boxes 2 and 3), or even The Arctic region showed the most pronouncedg of any warmin part of the globe in the soon threaten ranges occupied by many species disappear (box 4). Species last century. This trend is set to continue,arming with of upw to 5 C in the next 50M80 years predicted by some models1. Considerable changes in vegetation covericted are by predall will become unsuitable for them as whose climate space both contracts 2 many more models: boreal forests are likely to spreadrds, northwaperhaps at a rate of 0.2M2 .km/year climate changes. The climate space and shifts substantially will be of As there are few areas where tundra isexpand, expected there to will be a consequent net

loss of 45M71% of the area of tundra2 levels if double,CO a scenario that is predicted to species with that is suitable for particular particular concern (box 5). occur by 2070M20993. extinction The Arctic tundra is the main breedingmany habitat migratory for waterbird species, 1 In Mexico, climate change may lead to habitating becom comprising 23M27 million individual geeses4. Manyand wader species will be severely unsuitable in large parts of the range of WorthenRs Sparrow impacted by the loss of tundra habitat.23 A Arctic study waterbirdsof showed that, on average, they may lose 35M51% of theirge breeding3. For example, ran DunlinCalidris Climate change will alpinacould lose up to 58% of its breeding habitats time-frame in thi (see figure), Red- WorthenRs SparrowSpizella wortheni is currently listed as Endangered becausen it has a breasted GooseBranta ruficollis (already classified as Vulnerable) may85% lose up to reduce, and force shifts extremely small and declining range andin population north-east Mexico, threatened by and Spoon-billed SandpiperEurynorhynchus pygmeus (Endangered) could lose up to continued degradation of its open shrub-grasslandabitat by agriculture h and grazing. Climate in, the ranges of many 57%4,5. Such results show how climate change peciesmay impact that are s distributed at change modelling shows that much of theabitat remaining may become h unsuitable in just the polar edges of continents, and whichore may have theref limited opportunities for species. Many will not 50 years. This was determined by modellingtionship the betweenrela known localities1,2 dispersing to new areas of suitable habitat. be able to move fast (see figure a) and various climatic variablesnerate ato predicted ge potential distribution3 (figure b). This was then combined withate global change clim models to generate a enough, or in concert predicted potential distribution4,5 (figurein 2055 c). The modelled distributions for presentDunlin is predicted to suffer extensive loss of its tundra breeding habitat3 and future were brought together to determine that are areas suitable now and likely to with other species. remain so (figure d). Many of the sitesthe from species which is currently known are predicted to become unsuitable in futuremate due change. to cli Assuming that WorthenRs This will result in Breeding areas extinctions. Whether we Sparrow has minimal dispersal ability,s thispoints analysi to the populations at the south- western edge of the speciesRs distributionost viable as the in m the long term. Tundra, no change lose a few species or Tundra loss (a) Historic distribution of Worthen’s Sparrow(b) Current potential distribution of the species Tundra expansion huge numbers will based on specimen localities based on modelling Qecologicalof its nicheR

depend critically on the Darker shades of red indicate greater probability of an area SOURCES 1.Neilson & Drapek being suitable. degree of warming. We (1998)Global Change Biol.4: must act now to 505–521.2. Huntley (1996) Pp. 290–311 in Oechelet al., minimise this. eds. Global change and Arctic terrestrial ecosystems. New York: Springer Verlag.3. Zöckler & Lysenko (2000)Water birds on the edge: first circumpolar assessment of climate change impact on Arctic breeding water. birds (c)Potential distribution in 2055, based on (d)modelled Potential present and future distribution ofCambridge, UK: World Conservation Press.4. Zöckler (1998) current distribution and global climatels changethe species mode Patterns in biodiversity in ArcticCambridge, birds. UK: WCMC. Darker shades of green represent areas 5. Tomkovichet al. (2002) Bird Conserv. Internatn. 12: 1–18. that are both presently suitable, and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTFigure kindly provided by Christoph Zöckler (United likely to remain suitable under Nations Environment Programme: World Conservationonitoring Centre, M UK). climate change predictions for 2055. P. 49: Golden Bowerbird ' IAN MONTGOMERY/birdway.com.au

Red-breasted Goose' TONY MARTIN Darker shades of blue indicate greater probability of an area being suitable.

SOURCES 1. Navarro-Sigüenzaet al.(2002) CODATA 1: J. 45–53.2. Navarro-Sigüenzaet al.(2003) Bull. Brit. Orn. Club123A. 3. Petersonet al.(2002) Pp. 617–623 inet Scott al. eds, Predicting species occurrences: issues of accuracy.scale and For further information visit Washington, DC: Island4 .Press. Peterson et al.(2002) Nature 416: 626–629.5. Peterson et al.(2001) Ecol. Model. 144: 21–30. 48 www.birdlife.org ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSData and figures kindly provided by A. Townsenderson (University Pet of Kansas Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center,fo USA),G. Navarro-Sigüenza Adol (Universidad Nacionalma de AutónoMéxico), and Enrique Martínez-Meyer (Universidadtónoma Nacional de AuMéxico).

State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 49

extinctions (red line) (red extinctions Number of predicted of Number size) Scottish Crossbill 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 tial , under 1 nd nd shift t modelledt Italian Sparrow Italian Rock Partridge Rock Spanish Imperial Eagle Imperial Spanish Range size change Range of temperature increase temperature of Range predicted for twenty-first century twenty-first for predicted Red-legged Partridge Red-legged l waslthen used tomapthe area in Temperature increase (°C) Collared Flycatcher Collared Crested Tit Crested Marmora’s Warbler Marmora’s Citril Finch Citril hift so much that there is little overlap little is there that much so hift Azure-winged Magpie Azure-winged impactofclimate change wasassessed xis). For six species, the area where area the species, six For xis). ribution in terms of three climatic three of terms in ribution cent ranges, usually with good agreement good with usually ranges, cent 01234567 e retreatse tohigher altitudes upmountain eraturesrise 3.5 C. Assuming that the ctedtoshrink considerably. Anincrease of ustraliasupport endemic13 birdspecies. decades) will reduce the mean range of ss than 100). Even where this does not occur, not does this where Even 100). than ss 0 (future projected range size as % of current range species in the late twenty-first century under a under century twenty-first late the in species

80 60 40 20

140 120 100 Mean % range remaining (blue line) (blue remaining range % Mean 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 With With larger temperature rises, the percentage of suitable range predicted to remain for 13 endemic birds decreases rapidly to zero (blue) while the number of extinctions increases rapidly (red)

0

60 50 40 30 20 10

1 range) current of % as range Range shift (overlap of future projected future of (overlap shift Range The percentage overlap and size change of the potenfuture ranges of ten bird species endemic to Europe a climate change scenario in will Australia depend on the degree of Data Data kindly provided kindly Data . Thegraph. shows howwellthe projected andcurren

1 Dynam. Clim. ; seefigure).; These 2 (2000) Cambridge, UK: Cambridge UK: Cambridge, et al. al. et ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Gordon , anddramatically, illustrate the 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 1. 1. In Europe, species with ranges that both contract a that both contract with ranges species In Europe, are to likely be most at risk 5 ranges match up in overlap (y axis) and extent (x a (x extent and axis) (y overlap in rangesmatch up le values axis (x decrease will suitable is climate climatethe spaces associated may with thespecies current and future between species, eight For ranges. modelled predicted is overlap 20% than less no is there species three for and Species all. at overlap predicted might axis either on values low with low with those but risk, at be marked axesNthose both on values of be graphNmay the on red in concern. conservation particular and figure kindly supplied by Rhys Green (Royal Green Rhys by supplied kindly figure and and Birds of Protection the for Society of University Group, Biology Conservation Brian and Collingham Yvonne UK), Cambridge, UK). Durham, of (University Huntley Fortenlandbirds endemic toEurope, thepotential dist geographical (1980s) recent their modelling by re their simulate to used was model This variables. SOURCE 147–168. 16: betweentheobserved andsimulated ranges. Themode the for suitable be to likely is climate the which climate future scenario resultsare mirrored for other endemic vertebrates needforaction ensureto thattemperature risesdo not exceed c.2 C. If they do, the resultsforbiodiversity will becatastrophic. Themontane tropical rainforests north-easternof A Underglobal climate change, these forests areexpe (theupper end of the predicted range of temperatureincreases just1 C (considered inevitable within the next few endemicbirds byover 30%, assuitable climate spac sides.Thereduction will beasmuch as96%if temp completelossspeciesRs ofa suitable range resultsitsinextinction (because there will benoareas ofnew suitable habitat to disperseto), thenumber ofextinctions will increasedramatically iftemperatures rise bymore than 2 C, and almost all species willgoextinct iftemperatures rise by 5.8 C

IPCC third assessment report. report. assessment third IPCC B 270:1887–1892. 270:1887–1892. B (2001) (2001)

et al. et ia).

Proc. Royal Soc. Lond. Soc. Royal Proc. globalA). . Houghton Houghton . 2 (2003) (2003) (2003) (2003)

et al. et box4

in litt. in . Williams Williams . 3 . S. Williams Williams S. . 1 The The number of birds endemic montane that go extinct warming from climate change 4 by Stephen Williams (James Cook University, Austral University, Cook (James Williams Stephen by University Press. Press. University SOURCES average temperature rise of 2°C in the next century will lead to numerous extinctions, but leave opensome practical management options for the conservationbiodiversity.of Temperature rises beyond this level are predicted to lead to catastrophicextinction rates, with few management options and a bleak future for both biodiversity and people. The extent of warming of extent The critical be will The size of the extinction crisis caused by climate change will be directly related to the degree of globalwarming ( redicted otection of Birds, UK), Rhys UK), Birds, of otection ge, UK) and Carsten Rahbek Carsten and UK) ge, Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa. South BirdLife Johannesburg:

serines. Currentrange predicted to beunoccupied inthe future Currentrange predicted to remainsuitable inthelate twenty-firstcentury Data and figure kindly supplied by Steve Willis, Steve by supplied kindly figure and Data feguard the species should be should species the feguard ain suitable. ain ined to regions of higher ground in South in ground higher of regions to ined By 2070–2099 the range of Cape Longclaw is predicted to contract considerably species currently considered safe. considered currently species estimated study global recent One be could of species 15–37% that 2050 by extinction to committed climate of consequence a as susceptible most The change. with those be will species bounded ranges, restricted of edges the (on distributions small or mountain-tops continents, habitat specialised islands), dispersal poor requirements, While populations. small or abilities in greatly differ species bird are most abilities, dispersal to compared mobile relatively be will organisms—which other even more severely. impacted Durham, UK), Geoff Hilton (Royal Society for the Pr the for Society (Royal Hilton Geoff UK), Durham, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS to indicate to 2 d Conservation Biology Group, University of Cambrid of University Group, Biology Conservation d is endemic is 16: 147–168. 147–168. 16: likely, even of even likely,

The atlas of South African birds. Volume 2: the pas the 2: Volume birds. African South of atlas The extinctions are extinctions (1997)

et al. al. et Clim. Dynam. Clim. Macronyx capensis Macronyx Both local and global and local Both (2000) . Over much of its range it is a fairly a is it range its of much Over . 1 . Harrison Harrison . 1 et al. al. et In southern Africa, the range of Cape Longclaw is p to retreat to upland areas will also become disrupted. become also will . Gordon Gordon . 3 Yvonne Collingham and Brian Huntley (University of of (University Huntley Brian and Collingham Yvonne the future distribution of suitable climate. This climate. suitable of distribution future the twenty-first the of end the towards that shows south retreat to predicted is range the century will Longclaw Cape considerably. contract and conf largely be will and Botswana in extinct become sa to necessary management Any figure). (see Africa rem to predicted areas upland those in concentrated Cape Longclaw Longclaw Cape SOURCES common breeding resident. To assess the assess To resident. breeding common its on change climate of effect potential modelled was envelopeR Qclimate a distribution, the of distribution known current the using variables. climatic of number a and species moisture of measure a included These winter and summer of and availability then was model resultant The temperature. scenario climate future a to applied to southern Africa, occurring in a variety of variety a in occurring Africa, southern to to coast the from habitats grassland highlands 2 Green (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds an Birds of Protection the for Society (Royal Green (University of Copenhagen, Denmark). Copenhagen, of (University Climate change will result will change Climate extinctions many in species many that suggest Studies with up keep to able be not will As space. climate changing their the rates, different at move species ecosystems of structure community Immediate At the root of the tangle, rooted both in our destruction and over-exploitation conservation challenging for them, biodiversity crisis are expanding demands on the planet elsewhere. Although developing as do a range of severe social threats to humanityRs most serious (see p. 5, box 2) and the unfair countries have a special pressures including widespread biodiversity problems ways that we share our resources. responsibility for global poverty. Areas that have rich and The immediate threats to birds Rising individual consumption and biodiversity conservation (see irreplaceable biodiversity often have much and biodiversity are growing in material expectations, especially in box 1), imbalances in global support the densest human deeper both scale and scope. The rich nations, are driving trade arrangements and populations (box 2), increasing causes underlying causes are a complex agricultural intensification, habitat technology access make the immediate pressures.

The immediate threats 1 More species are threatened in the developing than world in 2 People and biodiversity are often concentratedhe in t to birds and other the developed world same areas

biodiversity are 1 Developing countries (as defined) host by FAO the great majority of the worldRs GloballyDemographic pressuresNsuch as highThe areas of densest human population largely ultimately caused by Threatened Birds and those evaluated asened Near2 (see Threat figure). The proportion ofdensities or growth rates of human overlap with centres of bird endemism in the population, and increasing flows of migrantstropical Andes region species that are confined to the developings much world greater i for this group of and refugeesNare one of the main drivers of 4 societal problems— species (82% and 88%) than for Extinct species), suggesting (59% that threats to birdsthe extinction crisis. There is increasing in the developing world are increasinglative with timeto the re developed world. It mayevidence that areas of dense human including growth in settlement or impact coincide with areas be that species in the developed world havepassed already through an Qextinction filterR: of unique and irreplaceable COLOMBIA human population and in other words, the most biodiversity. In sub-Saharan susceptible species haveThe numbers of bird species in each IUCNategory Red List c Africa, human population density already been driven to material consumption, that are confined to the developing and orldsdeveloped w is positively correlated with extinction, leaving only the species richness of terrestrial widespread poverty, more resilient ones (based on breeding distributions) vertebrates, at least at the 3. 800 scale of a 1 grid inequitable access to Solid = developing world Tint = developed world SOURCES 1. FAO (2001)FAOSTAT. 700 ECUADOR resources and an unfair FAO Statistical Databases. Rome: Food and Agricultural Organization.600 1. This Areas of dense human 2. BirdLife International (2000) global trade regime. association holds for such settlement and infrastructure 500 Threatened birds of the .world different groups as Larger towns Barcelona, Spain & Cambridge, UK: widespread species, Centres of past civilisation Lynx Edicions & BirdLife International.400 narrowly endemic species 3. Balmford (1996) Trends Ecol. Evol. and globally threatened 300 species, and looks set to Significant bird endemism 11: 193–196.

Number of species persist in the face of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Figure and High bird endemism 200 foreseeable population Mochu Exceptional bird endemism text kindly provided by Jörn growth. Many 1 grid cells Scharlemann and Rhys Green (Royal 100 with dense human populations also Society for the Protection of Birds and Chimu Conservation Biology Group, University contain species found nowhere else, of Cambridge, UK) and Andrew 0 highlighting the potential for policy Balmford (University of Cambridge, UK). Chavin Extinct CriticallyEndangered Vulnerable Near conflict between human development Endangered Threatened and biodiversity conservation. Similar IUCN Red List category relationships between the distributions ofPERU people and biodiversity have been found for Australia

Huari Cuzco/Inca

2 2 3 P. 50: Urbanisation' BIRDLIFE , North America, Europe and, at a 4 P. 51: Motorway' BIRDLIFE smaller scale, the tropical Andes (see. figure) BOLIVIA

Landfill site' WILTSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST SOURCES1. Balmfordet al. (2001)Science 291: 2529– Tiahuanuco 2530.2. Luck et al. (2004) Proc. Nat. Cochabamba/Inca Acad. Sci. 101: 182–186.3. Araújo (2003)Global Ecol. Biogeogr. 12: 5–12. 4. Fjeldså & Rahbek (1998) Pp.139–160 in For further information visit Maceet al., eds.Conservation in a 50 www.birdlife.org changing world. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 51 51 ROMANIA potentially Proposed Existing 25+ 17–24 9–16 1–8 0 Waterways Total number of IBAs potentially affected Roadandrail BULGARIA POLAND SLOVAKIA LATVIA HUNGARY ESTONIA vironmental issues, biodiversity suffers Eighty-five IBAs in central and eastern Europe areaffected by EU transport development proposals LITHUANIA CZECH SLOVENIA REPUBLIC lly sNto the eady ort th weak th ct as ct ia. Full- ia. Ncould ne . Sandy, UK: ointhe d areas,d are alsoare re). New re). tant Bird tant e forbirds t amage . iodiversity. ial sNe.g. in the in sNe.g. ture frastructure on under the under on stigations

accession countries

An assessment of the potential impact of the Fisher & Waliczky (2001) When planning for development does not integrate en 3 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Tencentral andeastern European countries arej to EuropeanUnion(EU) between 2004and2007, with all benefitsobligationsand thatmembership entails. O obligationistoconserve the most important sites andother biodiversity within networka ofprotecte SOURCE calledNatura 2000.These10 RaccessionR countries requiredtoincrease the capacity oftheir transpor infrastructurenetworkNroads, railwayswaterwayand helpachieve Quniversal mobility andaccessibilityR In Transport EURs the policy, official not Although transp national both guides (TINA) Assessment Needs th in investments transport and developments policy financ international EU, the by countries accession inve BirdLifeRs investors. private and institutions Impor 85 that revealed have proposals TINA the into countries accession the in IBAs of (IBAs)N21% Areas figu (see developments transport new by affected be and IBAs, 52 threaten potentially roads upgraded or environmenta more a waterwaysNsupposedly developing impa negatively transportNcould of mode sustainable IBAs. 34 as many protecti requiring sites for criteria the meet IBAs a highlight findings these and network, 2000 Natura environmental EU between conflict major potentially infrastruc transport for funding EU and legislation alr is development TINA-guided Ongoing development. IBA several of integrity ecological the threatening Bulgar southern and Hungary eastern Republic, Czech wi combined proposals, TINA of implementation scale d irreversibly could 2000, Natura of implementation b other and birds for important are that sites many TINA Network on Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the is better integrated into current approaches to human development, they will continue beartosignificant responsibility fortheglobal biodiversity crisis. ).Unless an for biodiversity box 3 R protected Q Solutionsoftenare andshortterm unsustainable National governments are faced with the challenge of addressing the poverty and inequality that continuetoafflict millions of people world-wide. The usual strategyis to encourage centralisation,urbanisation and the development of infrastructure. Such responses can be effective, butat a long-term cost to society if poorlyplanned ( ethic that values and conserves biodiversity and the environment conservation.Migrant people are rarely able to adopt the local land- use practices that have been finely tuned over generations. They often also bring new technologies andimproved access to markets, leading to further resource degradation,biodiversity loss and conflict.social survival to use them unsustainably. They may have littlevoice in decision-making, and are all too often displaced or dispossessed by skewed power structures,politicalinstability or armed conflicts. Under such circumstances, they have no choice but to use what marginal resources remain, even if weakly claimed by others—including areas Economic pressures erode pressures Economic capacitythefor conservation biodiversity For many developing countries strugglingwitheconomic crises, short-term measures for rapid economic recovery are more expedient than long-term solutions.If structural adjustment programmes are imposed as a conditioninternationalof financial assistance,government budgets are usually reduced and this has often decreased the ability to enforceenvironmental laws. Despite developed-world protectionismand subsidies, many developing countries have also had to liberalise and deregulate their markets, increase the production of agriculturalcommodities for export, and allow increased foreign investment and control of natural resources. All of these trends have encouraged the rapid liquidation of natural capital and have eroded legislativethe basis,political will, managerialcapacity andfinancial resourcesfor biodiversity conservation. inequalityandPoverty biodiversityundermine conservation Poverty is a major driver of biodiversityloss. Poor people often depend directly on natural resources, but are forced for We fail to Biodiversity provides for countries alike continue to rely world, our ever-increasing We donRt recognise our needs heavily on the consumption and consumption and transformation biodiversityRs immense recognise The Earth’s living and non-living transformation of natural of natural resources are irreversibly value to humanity biodiversityRs natural resources provide us with resources to improve the lot of reducing the diversity of genes So why do we ignore or the raw materials and processes their citizens in the short term. and species on Earth, so altering undervalue biodiversity and the true value, that provide our food and shelter ecosystem processes and patterns. benefits that it provides, when we and therefore and that recycle our wastes. Our needs are beginning Our waste products are know that this attitude make poor Nature’s huge bounty and to threaten biodiversity accumulating faster than the undermines our prospects and powers of regeneration have Now, with the world’s human planet can absorb them and this is those of future generations? decisions encouraged us to take the population exceeding six billion setting in motion massive changes The answer is economically benefits of our environment for and still growing rapidly, our own in our physical environment— complex, but ultimately quite Ignoring or undervaluing granted, as if they were actions and their consequences climate change—even as we simple. It seems that we cannot biodiversity undermines something infinite and eternal, are beginning to rival in erode biodiversity, upon which we calculate exact values for things our own future. So long too large to measure or monitor. magnitude the dominant are ultimately dependent for our that are neither bought nor sold, as we do not account for Developed and developing processes of nature. Across the continuing existence. or whose benefits lie in the the true value of future. Indeed, a first attempt at biodiversity, we will valuing global biodiversity in 1 How much do we value wild nature? continue to destroy the monetary terms was only resources on which we Biodiversity, in the sense of ecosystems and attempted very recently. The their interaction with the non-living world, provides numerous services to humanity, such estimate—US$33 trillion per depend. Any short-term as climate regulation, soil fertility, crop gains are massively pollination and water purification year—is of the same magnitude as 1. These outweighed by long- processes nevertheless remain outside the the annual global gross national calculations of conventional market-based term losses. economics that have guided models of human product (see box 1). development up to now. Widespread degradation of ecosystems in recent decades has prompted concern among conservation scientists that enormously valuable assets to humanity are being lost in the pursuit of short- term private wealth, partly through such ecosystem services being undervalued or ignored. Hence a recent attempt to calculate the total annual value of natureRs services in gross monetary terms, which extrapolated from an assessment of 17 ecosystems spread over 16 biomes, to make a best estimate of $33 trillion (in year-1997 US$)

P. 52: Carving, Angkor, Cambodia' ELEANOR BRIGGS 2 P. 53: Clearcut lowland rainforest, Sumatra, .

Indonesia' MARCO LAMBERTINI/BIRDLIFE Although QnatureR is increasingly appreciated,ystem services ecos are not yet widely valuedcieties, in many especially so in highly urbanised regions and in industrialisedre nations people whe are no longer directly subsistenteir local upon ecosystem. th For example, a survey that monitors citizensR environmentaless in awarenthe USA has found that environmentalracyR remains Qillite widespread amongst the general public, despite good progresslast over30 years the in addressing national environmentalproblems at the levels of government, corporations and municipalities3. People are not yet widely aware thatheir the sumactions of tas individual consumers isding often a lea cause of ecosystem degradation, throughh processesdriving suc as climate change and biodiversity3. Improving loss knowledge of, and access to, information on ecosystem services grassroots at the level is a clear priority reif policiesto change a and the world is to shift

For further information visit towards more sustainable forms of development.

52 www.birdlife.org SOURCES1. Daily, ed. (1997)Nature’s services: societal dependence oncosystems natural. Washington,e DC: Island2 .Press. Costanza et al. (1997)Nature 387: 253-260.3. NEETF (2000) The national report card on environmental for readiness the 21st century. Washington, DC: National Environmentaland Education Training Foundation. State of the world’s birds 2004 PRESSURE What birds tell us about problems 53 re logging Plantation Conventional Shrimpfarming Intensivefarming Destructivefishing 2 g Mangrove, Thailand Coral reef, Philippines Inland wetland, Canada Tropical forest, Malaysia Tropical forest, Cameroon Intact Intact farming impactlogging Intact,withreduced Intact,withsmall-scale Intact,withsustainable fishing 0 0 0 0 0 500 500 -500

8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000

-1,000 -1,500

14,000 12,000 10,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 10,000 NPV NPV NPV NPV NPVNet= Present Value, inyear-2000 US$ per hecta NPV On average, c.50% of the total economic value of a relatively intact natural habitat is lost following its drastic conversion to a more intense human use, after currently unmarketed benefits are taken into account . al . 2 . A . 297: 950– 1,2

Science . Norwich, UK:

Valuing nature: lessons . Habitat. 2 . (2002) . . 2,3 1,2

et al . (2002) Figure kindly provided by Andrew

Human development report 2001 et al . . 1 2 . Balmford 2 . Even. fewer have attempted to . Turner . However,. evenwhen some of 1,2 2 1 The perverse economics of habitat conversion . UNDP (2001) 3 Indeed,theeconomic benefits of conservingworldRstheremaining natural habitatappear toexceed the costs byat least1001to Suchcase-studies highlight thesomeof reasonsdrasticwhy conversion and degradationtheEarthRsof remaining naturalhabitats havecontinued largely unabatedsincetheEarth Summit 1992, in andwhymany countries arenot ontrack tomeet the United NationsR goals for humandevelopment povertyand eradication2015by 953. Therehave been few studies ofthe economicsconvertingof relatively intact habitatshumantouses suchcrop as cultivation,aquacultureplantation or forestry SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT New York: United Nations Development Programme. conversiondoes notmake sense from the perspectiveglobalofsustainability takeintoaccount themultiple andinter- dependentnature theofgoods and servicesprovided byecosystems Inall five cases, however, once the wider, unmarketedcosts societyto hadbeen accountedfor, in terms of the loss of ecosystemservices, thepublic costs of habitatconversion werefound to outweightheprivate benefits c.50%by onaverage (see figure) Balmford (Conservation Biology Group, University of Cambridge, UK). Infour out ofthe five case-studies, habitatconversion madeeconomic sense tothe convertors, interms ofthe short- termprivate benefits accruing tothemN especiallywhensubsidies weretaken into account Centre for Social and Economic Research on the Glob Environment. theprivate benefits are accrued bythe localpopulation (which oftenis not the case),they frequently fail to filter down subsistenceto users(the poorest segment ofsociety), thereby increasing poverty inequalityand recentliterature survey found only five suchcase-studies, covering onlyfour biomes(seefigure) learned and future research directions 3 ). . Holmes (2000) 5 box 3 box ry Research.

international financial institutions

Daerah Penting bagi Burung: . Washington, DC: World Resources Institute. In the longtheterm,Init makessenseto remainingconserve biodiversity national our manage not do We wild the protect to as so economies value, instinctively we that nature generating for essential is that and the into far wealth economic future. Indeed, we often waste natural destroying by money profits. short-term for ecosystems from just not sense, no makes This a from but view, of point moral a (far-sighted) conventional ( perspective economic . Holmes & Rombang (2001) 2 . . Bogor, Indonesia: Centre for International Forest 2 . Concern. ).

g lowlandg Paper tiger, hidden dragons. The responsibility of 3,4

The state of the forest: Indonesia

valued more highly than ancient rainforest box 2 . 5 . London: Friends of the Earth. (IBAs) contain major tracts usepalm oiltomake such . Matthew & van Gelder (2001) 6 . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. s thataresthemajor buyers and ear-cutduring thepast 20 years,with eforestedland being turned over tothe eatenedorNear Threatened with global , crisps,, chocolates, cooking oil,soaps, andconversion Indonesiain theglobal value ofbiodiversity inthese nd rainforestsnd arebeing converted oil-to s on short-termons economic benefits has tateremains totally unprotected e richeste andmost spectacular ver75%ofSumatraRs 102 lowlandforest- tationrates continue havehelped fund totheindustryRs growth l industryl has been very slow todevelop commodity, andglobal demand continues in an era of economic crisis and political change Unsustainable resultsdevelopment under-valuationour from biodiversityof There is still a widespread lack of recognition,whetherpolitical, corporate or individual, of the high value of wild nature in the longer term.Government policies, markets andsocietal institutions often make mattersworse, by subsidising and funding activities, such as intensive farmingorwide-scale deforestation, that create private wealth in the short term, but accelerate the loss naturalof systems ( . 6 . Local. communities havebeen displaced and . Jakarta: World Bank. 3 . Forest Watch Indonesia/Global Forest Watch (2002) 3 . 6

in 1999

and the financial crisis of Asia Pulp & Paper

Threatened birds of the world 2004 . TheWorld. Bankhaswarned thatSumatraRs remainin 4

The hesitant boom: Indonesia’s oil palm sub-sector . Multinational. corporations aremajor buyers, and 4 . Twenty-seven. SumatraRsof 34 ImportantBirdAreas 1 . BirdLife International (2004) 1 . Bogor, Indonesia: PKA/BirdLife International. In current global markets, oil-palm plantations are . Casson (1999) 4 2 SOURCES everydayproducts margarine,as ice-cream, biscuits lipsticks,hand-creamssun-creams and PalmIndonesiaRsoilis mostlucrative agricultural toincrease forthe ecological and social impact ofthe palm-oi amongtheinternational financial institutions that world-wide,andamong the multinational corporation consumersofpalm oil asrawa commodity Thereremains noeffective mechanism for realising irreplaceableforests. nationalA governmental focu beenallowed drivetowidespread rainforest logging rainforestswillgonebe 2005by currentif defores SumatraIndonesiaRsis largest island andonethof biodiversityhotspots Earth.on YetSumatraRs lowla palmplantations massiveona scale. result,Asa o dependentbird species arenow considered tobethr extinction Over40,000 km(Sumatranof rainforest havebeen cl thelumber feeding thewood-pulp industry andthe d plantationindustry, primarily foroil palm socialconflict hasresulted of lowlandof rainforest, butmore than 60% thisof es Sumatera Deforestation in Indonesia: a view of the situation for Indonesian forest destruction, social conflict Effective Public and political World Summit in Johannesburg. We can easily afford understanding of Many nations have implemented global biodiversity conservation biodiversity issues is national action. In developed conservation if we requires increasing countries, an ever more urbanised want to The last two decades have seen population is, paradoxically, more Nevertheless, our global much larger real, though still inadequate, and more interested in nature— expenditure on conservation and better- advances in public and political a trend supported by accessible remains pitifully short of what is targeted understanding of biodiversity and materials across a wide range of required. Biodiversity its importance. The landmark media. Our data on the status of, conservation is an excellent investment conventions agreed in 1992 (see and threats to, biodiversity are also investment, but one that we are p. 66) were reinforced at the 2002 getting better by the year. still not making. The world’s Despite growing existing protected areas have an awareness of annual budgetary shortfall of 1 We must invest more in biodiversity conservation, biodiversity’s value, especially in developing countries around US$2.5 billion. global investment in Expanding the network to There are three main problems affectingor resources conservation f world-wide. Not conservation does not enough money is being spent, finance ised, not and sustain it is often applied in the wrongsafeguard biodiversity come close to what is way and in the wrong places. adequately would cost another Biodiversity is concentrated in the tropicsnomic but wealth eco is not. To conserve globally needed. Because important biodiversity, many internationaltion conserva NGOs invest in tropical countries,US$21.5 as billion per year. resources are still so does the Global Environment Facility (GEF),ding mechanism the fun for the Convention onCurrent global funding is only Biological Diversity. How far do these sources up any makeshortfall from cash-strapped scarce, immediate action developing-country governments? The figureows abelow relative sh measure of national US$7 billion per year, of which must focus on priorities. investment in conservation, adding up:s (a) of theestimate national protected areas less than US$1 billion is spent in budget1,2 3 , (b) average annual GEF QbiodiversityRsince investment 1990; and (c) country- the developing world, which specific investments by the eight largestonal internati conservation NGOs in the 4year 2002 (all adjusted to 1996 US$). Despite thethe efforts GEF and of the NGOs, average nationalholds most of the world’s conservation investment (scaled by therd number species of in bi the country, a simple index of biodiversity) is over 20 times lowerng in countries developi (as defined by5 )the than FAO biodiversity (see box 1). These in developed nations. This inequality isacute even when more scaled by the number of amounts seem huge, but they Globally Threatened Birds6, (GTBs)with almost US$15.5 million scaled investmenth year eac in developed countries, compared to c.US$0.5n in developing millio countries (see also p.are 50, entirely manageable if we re- box 1). Correcting this global imbalance focus our priorities. They requires much greater investmentRelative in annual conservation investment (scaled tropical conservation by developedby the number of bird species in the country)represent is a tiny proportion of countries, which benefit from the globalover 20 times lower in developing countries, goods and services that tropical which hold the bulk of global biodiversity, thanthe global economy and only a biodiversity provides. in developed countries small fraction of the $1–2 trillion P. 54: Northern Sierra Madre, Luzon, Philippines ' MICHAEL POULSEN/BIRDLIFE SOURCES1. Jameset al. (1999)Global review of Developing (n = 56) spent on ‘perverse’ subsidies P. 55: Pramo, Colombia' BIRDLIFE protected area budgets and. Cambridge, staff UK: 450 Developed (n = 24) WCMC–World Conservation2. A.Press. Balmford in litt . Spiny forest, Madagascar' MARCO LAMBERTINI 400 that both damage the (2003).3. http://www.gefonline.org/home.cfm. Sangihe, Indonesia' PHIL BENSTEAD 4. Unpublished data provided by BirdLifeal, Internation 350 environment and encourage Protea flower, South 'Africa CRAIG HILTON-TAYLOR Conservation International, Fauna & Floraonal, Internati 300 IUCN, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation economic inefficiency. We can Society, World Resources Institute and Worldfe Wildli 250 Fund.5. FAO (2001)FAOSTAT: FAO Statistical databases. 200 safeguard the bulk of global Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization.6. Analysis of 150 biodiversity for much less than is data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Database. 100 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Data kindly provided by Jerry For further information visit spent on soft drinks in the USA Harrison (United Nations Environment Programme: 50 scaled by number of bird species World Conservation Monitoring Centre, UK)w and Andre (thousands US$/year/bird species) 54 www.birdlife.org 0 each year.

Balmford (Conservation Biology Group, UniversityRelative national conservation investment, of Cambridge, UK). Columns show means with one standard error State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 5555 . . 1 1,2 Plants (10% sample) As identifed rate and Mammals Snakes )and at sub-SaharanAfrica(see figure) ofthe land area. EBAs are clearly M90%ofthe total species diversity of y historiesy whichonspecies vianspecies diversity inthis region diversity across widely differing itypatterns sub-Saharanin Africa, due se the EBA network to set priorities for priorities set to network EBA the se Amphibians rts of the world for which data are not yet not are data which for world the of rts box3 birds, usually the best-known group, as an initialbasisfor planning, being confident that the great bulk of other biodiversity willbe captured too,both at alarge scale ( sitelevel (see pp. 28–29). 1 Birds

0

80 60 40 20 100 captured species of % In sub-Saharan Africa, the great majority of verteb plant diversity is captured by the network of 22 EBin this region . (2003).

in litt. in Biol. Conserv Biol. ). Biogeographic). (2002) (2002)

et al. et Burgess & Lovett Lovett & Burgess box 2box 2. Burgess Burgess 1. Birds are valuable indicators of global patterns in biodiversity Inaddition, EBAs include noless than 96%ofthe a 107: 327–339. 327–339. 107: 3 EndemicBird Areas (EBAs) successfully capture c.85 Thisisachieved through 22EBAs covering just 7.9% u can we that meaning news, good is This available. biodiversityconservation in general.otherInwords, conservinghabitats basedon bird diversity will effectively captureapproximatelyan equivalentcomplement of totalterrestrial species diversity.This pattern is very usefulbecause databirdon distributionendemismand are oftenbetter than those forany othertaxa (see pp.6M7). SOURCES mammals,snakes, amphibians plantsandmainlandin excellentindicators vertebrateof andplant divers thecommonto ecological principles andevolutionar distributionsarebased. This congruence ofspecies pa other in similar be to likely is groups taxonomic patterns mean that we can use Prioritiestosetbemust resourcesscarcetarget Global investment in biodiversity conservation must be massively scaled up. Until that happens, it is essential to set priorities for where limited resources should be invested. Since BirdLife identified Endemic Bird Areas in 1992, many other conservation organisations have set large- scale geographical priorities. These overlap extensively, pointing a way forward to agreeing a common set of priorities( bird and 3 nternational) , Terrestrial Biodiversity Hotspots and to focus attention on the world’s most 2,3,4 flora)andwhere less than 30%of the emism(atleast 1,500 endemic plants, ions(200) areconsidered themost ndingexamples eachtheworldRsofof co-occur (seepp. 22M23). Hotspots (25)are 2 tRway 12: 516– . EBAs. (numbering 218) are areas where two ormore 4 ap extensively

Conserv. Biol. , Terrestrial, Biodiversity Hotspots (Conservation I . (1998) 2

et al

Endemic Bird Areas of the world: . (1998) Mittermeier

et al 3. Despite differences in approach, Endemic Bird AreasGlobal 200 Ecoregions overlap extensively, helping important places for biodiversity conservation assuringlevels ofagreement. nt,manyconservation organisations have restofBrazil, thePhilippines, large parts y-settingframeworks arevaluable for f scale.f When approaches ofsimilar grain, worldRsmostimportant places for etthey show considerable geographic BAs,Terrestrial Biodiversity Hotspots and esediffer extensively intheir targets, scale ferentapproaches andcriteria, including oachesare often trying toachieve different Stattersfield ndextent), andwhether they tackle questions 2. correspondingto0.5% ofthe global vascular plant biogeographicregions withhigh levels plantof end originalnatural habitat remains. Global 200Ecoreg habitattypes. biologicallyvaluable ecoregions, containing outsta theGlobal 200 Ecoregions (WWF) specieswith ranges ofless than 50,000 km Well-established,large-grain, globalpriority analysesthatQwhereRask conservation should bedone include Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) (BirdLifeInternational) . Given. these disparities, argument about theQrigh 1 12: 502–515. . 17: 116–131. . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.

Conserv. Biol Conserv. Biol. 3 . (2002)

et al 2 Redford 1. Different broad-scale conservation priorities overl Olson & Dinerstein (1998) 1 4. Number of priority-setting approaches that cover area Thesepriority areas have been identified using dif differenttaxonomic coverage atdifferent scales, y overlapand similarity (see figure). For example, E Global200Ecoregions allencompass theAtlantic Fo ofMadagascar andthe tropical Andes. These priorit focusingglobal-scale attention andfunding theon biodiversityconservation. 2 Respondingthetoneedfocusto effort andinvestme SOURCES carriedoutpriority-setting exercises. However, th (bothQgrainR, i.e. size ofthe unit ofanalysis, a ofwhere orhowto do conservation 520. toset priorities isnot surprising. Different appr things,orarenested within oneanother interms o extentandpurpose arecompared, there areoften re priorities for biodiversity conservation Actions Many species still need Actions at sites will help Some species need extra management of their remaining more research protect most species attention species. For example, 47% of GTBs in have been In 2000, an analysis was published The identification, protection and Beyond site conservation, some the USA (almost entirely in Hawaii) identified for that identified nearly 5,500 key management of sites is a key action actions address factors that directly and 44% in New Zealand require all Globally actions to help save the world’s for nearly 750 GTBs (more than 60% impact particular GTBs, such as such management. Globally Threatened Birds (GTBs). of the total). Selection of sites that control of hunting and trade or Threatened Many actions focused on research regularly hold significant eradication of alien invasive species. Many actions are Birds because threatened species are, by populations of GTBs, through For a smaller set of GTBs, including underway but there are their very nature, often rare and BirdLife’s Important Bird Area (IBA) more than 40 Critically Endangered still gaps poorly known. Thus, conducting programme, is already making a species, actions relate to the need The actions proposed for GTBs in The key actions required baseline surveys to map major contribution to addressing for intensive management, such as 2000 provide a baseline against to improve the status of distributions and estimate this need (see pp. 24–25). recovery plans, captive breeding which conservation responses can all Globally Threatened population sizes was a key action Recognition of IBAs is leading to and re-introductions. Countries be measured—the first time that Birds have been for over 900 GTBs (more than 70% improved safeguards for these sites, whose avifaunas have suffered such a global analysis has been identified. Many of these of the total). Good data are through a range of conservation heavily from widespread habitat loss possible for a complete class of actions are underway, essential to identify the highest approaches (see pp. 60–63) . and invasives require intensive animals. So far, some key actions but there are still crucial priority species, but also to gaps, and research must understand the reasons for their be followed up by more 1 Are we doing enough to save the worldRs birds? declines so that effective direct interventions. conservation action can be taken. Since 5,500 key actions were proposed ballyfor 1,186 Threatened Glo Birds (GTBs) in 2000, an impressive 67% of GTBs have had at leastese some actions of th implemented. This was determined from a review by a world-wide over network 100 species of experts (see figure a). However, the full set of proposed actionsundertaken has been for only 5% of GTBs. Furthermore, for at least 17% of GTBs noon conservati action has been carried outNand this proportion may be as high as 33%, becausehe species many of where t the action was classed as QunknownR implementation probably hadthe none.182 species For considered Critically Endangered in 2000, the proportions are% similar: have had 73 partial or complete implementation of actions, while 15M27% action have hadundertaken. no The latter group needs immediate intervention: these arethe species brink of on extinction. Some simply remain too poorly known, some sadly mayextinct, already and be others occur in places too currently insecure for conservation work. However, for the rest, such as Junn(a) Actions are underway for 67% of GTBs GrebePodiceps taczanowskii in Peru and 17% Black-chinned MonarchMonarcha 62% boanensis in Indonesia, urgent attention Partial implementation (732 species) can and should be given. 16% Complete implementation (57) The survey showed that actions for GTBs were implemented by a wide Unknown implementation (192) range of governmental and non- No implementation (205) P. 56: Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, 5% governmental organisations. The India' CHRIS BOWDEN BirdLife International Partnership P. 57: Hand-feeding a Kakapo, New Zealand contributed to actions for 42% of GTBs ' DAVE GANDY (and 41% of Critically Endangered(b) The BirdLife Partnership is contributing to the GTBs), with significant contributionsimplementation of actions for 42% of GTBs for 17% (and 21% of Critically Endangered GTBs; figure b). 25% 33% Some contribution (298 species)

Significant contribution (198) No contribution (293) For further information visit No/unknown action 5656 www.birdlife.org SOURCEAnalysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Database.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Information 17% implemented (397) kindly provided by 100+ species experts. 25% State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 57 .

et al et

Pheasants:

Partridges, Pheasants: status Pheasants: Analysis kindly . Fuller Fuller . . . Gland, 4 . . Gland, ng the 112: 343–349. 112: . (1995) (1995) .

et al et . Dekker & McGowan (1995) McGowan & Dekker . ms of the projects. the of ms 1 . Gland, Switzerland and Switzerland Gland, .

Biol. Biol. Conserv. . Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, and Switzerland Gland, . . McGowan & Garson (1995) (1995) Garson & McGowan . . Fuller & Garson (2000) (2000) Garson & Fuller . . McGowan McGowan . provided by Philip McGowan (World Pheasant Association, UK). (2003) Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. UK: Cambridge, and Switzerland 3 Cambridge, UK: IUCN. IUCN. UK: Cambridge, 5 Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. UK: Cambridge, and Switzerland 2 SOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Megapodes: an action plan for their for plan action an Megapodes: 1995–1999 conservation and snowcocks francolins, quails, conservation and survey status guineafowl: 1995–1999 plan action plan action conservation and survey status, 1995–1999 2000– plan action conservation and survey 2004 World and IUCN UK: Reading and UK, Association. Pheasant y baseliney research actions have erventionsplanned.beto Thenext themonitoring oftheir impact to measures(e.g. habitat andprotected- r onesr involve more applied ecological 1995–1999 2000–2004 baseline information (e.g. taxonomy, (e.g. information baseline (1995–1999 3 Interventions Monitoring . For . 5 Applied ecology ; and the pheasants the and ; 2 (Vulnerable) in (Vulnerable) studies (covering 2000M2004) shows a progression in the ai the in progression a shows 2000M2004) (covering 5 Surveys Ecological The proportion of species for which ; the partridges, quails, francolins, quails, partridges, the ; 1 and, as a result of this work, 35 further 35 work, this of result a as and, 4 research Taxonomic For globally threatened gamebirds, research is layi basis for strategic interventions 5 0

45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 actions have improved status (2000–2003) [Pie chart showing results of action review (either global or regional example) – divided between significant, some, none and unknown.] projects of % [figure caption] specific actions had been recommended been had actions specific snowcocks and guineafowls and snowcocks In 1995, IUCN Species Action Plans (for the period1995M1999) were compiled the by and the (WPA) Association Pheasant World three the for Groups Specialist WPA-IUCN relevant the namely, (QgamebirdsR): Galliformes of groups megapodes thier for actions priority recommend to revealed evaluation subsequent A conservation. the in identified projects priority 54 the of that, been had 61% impressive an Plans, Action initiated Eared-pheasant Brown on research example, mantchuricum Crossoptilon excessive that revealed China northern a was collectors mushroom by disturbance to leading success, breeding low of cause likely collection mushroom of management revised areas. protected in comparisonA ofpriority projects identified the1995inPheasant Action Planwiththose edition 2000 the in Actions proposed for globally threatened pheasants compared to 2000–2004) ensurelong-termconservation success. The earlier projects focused on the compilation of of compilation the on focused projects earlier The surveys,basic ecological research), while thelate research(e.g. assessing offtake levels) anddirect areamanagement). Thus, forgamebirds least,at man alreadybeenundertaken, allowing well-designed int stageistheimplementation ofthese solutions and 4 pe . 2 have 300 million 300 € 2 Somebenefit (229species) Significantbenefit (51) Unknownbenefit (204) Nobenefit (305) No/unknownaction implemented(397) Noor little work carried out (1,991actions) Someworkunderway, butsignificant workstill to be done (784) Actionwell advanced, butfurther actionneeded (668) Actionnearly/fully completed (557) proved status (2000–2003) 4% 17% 49% 20% mentcollaboration canstimulate extensiveconsultation process sedseveralby inter-governmental , overall,, onlyc.50% theof4,000 nd BonnConventions.nd 1996,Inthe SAPs showed that, five years after e effects are unknown (see figure). (see unknown are effects e ve had at least some action some least at had ve ng(see figure). Given that the ropeanCommission developto . All.the species covered were (and eatenedBirds (GTBs) occurring in espitebroad acceptance oftheSAPs, es,actions must beundertaken across 1 species, but it paves the way for effective for way the paves it but species, s hadbeens nearly fullyor completed igating threats or through inferred effects inferred through or threats igating s in the European Union (c. Union European the in s f thef speciesR requirements into sectoral ns have yet benefited the species directly. species the benefited yet have ns et, and for the remaining 17% of GTBs of 17% remaining the for and et, is the benefit judged to be QsignificantR. For QsignificantR. be to judged benefit the is stribution, population size or cause of cause or size population stribution, theLIFE-Nature programme which ve not necessarily been ineffective, because ineffective, been necessarily not ve gh not necessarily yet resulting in a change a in resulting yet necessarily not gh mprovesignificantly. Most ofthe actions global or regional example) – divided between 14% 26% 20% Actions have directly benefited 24% of GTBs About 50% of high priority actions for GTBs in Euro were undertaken between 1996–2001 33% 17%

Globally . . Gallo- 2 Information ., eds (1996)

et al . Wageningen, The The proportion of species for which actions have im

Saving Europe’s most threatened . Heredia 1 Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird World BirdLife’s in held data of Analysis ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Are our actions having any effect? In Europe, many essential nationally based actions been undertaken but many more need to be addressed [Pie chart showing results of action review (either significant, some, none and unknown.] [figure caption] Orsi, ed. (2001) Strasbourg: Council of Europe Publishing and http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/ directive/birdspriority_intro_en.htm. Netherlands: BirdLife International. Europe.Thesedocuments wereproduced following an involvingmanyexperts, andwere approved andendor SpeciesAction Plans (SAPs) forthe 23 GloballyThr committeesorganisations,and including Bernethea In 1993,In BirdLife International wasasked thebyEu SAPswere published asbooka and onthe internet SOURCES majorityofGTBs inEurope occur inseveral countri theirentire ranges iftheir overall status isto i This is an encouragingThisanis exampleNGOMgovern howanof highpriority oressential actions were underway, d stakeholderinvolvement andthe potential forfundi stilltobeimplemented relate tothe integration o conservationaction forthreatened species. However policiessuchthoseasagriculture,on fisheriesandforestry. theirpublication, over500 nationallybased action duringperiodthe2000M2004). In2001, reviewa ofprogress inimplementing these provides co-finance for nature conservation project conservation nature for co-finance provides stillare) considered prioritya forfunding under kindly provided by 100+ species experts. on population size, trends, or productivity (althou productivity or trends, size, population on species of 4% only For Category). List Red IUCN in y benefit direct no had has action the GTBs, of 26% For only 24% of GTBs has this been the case, by mit by case, the been this has GTBs of 24% only For th implemented, been have actions more or one where ha species benefited directly not have that Actions di example, for on, research essential involve many the benefit immediately not may Research declines. 2 ha (GTBs) Birds Threatened Globally of 67% Although actio these all not 1), (box 2000 since implemented 4). (box management conservation up follow to now is challenge The urgent with knowledge improved our direct of implementation or declines reduce to interventions populations. increase SOURCE 3 Database. threatened birds in Europe: action plans birds: progress in implementing European Species Action Plans ). For). ).There are still box 3 box 2 ). In the longer term, these ). For only 24% of GTBs has box 4 manyspecies, research actions are being tackled, but direct interventions are still needed ( manycrucial gaps, not least the 28 Critically Endangered bird species for which no actions are currently in place. For widespread species, actions are needed across entire ranges in order to improve theirglobal status ( have been started for 67% of GTBs, but for only 5% have all key actions been implemented (see box 1 conservationefforts will only be successful and sustainable if they are integrated with (and influence) global and regional agreements, nationallegislation andsectoral policiessuch as those on agriculture,fisheries, forestry and energy. this led to any improvements in theirstatus ( Even species on the With 1 Back from the brink: two Critically Endangeredies saved spec from extinction brink of extinction can appropriate Black RobinPetroica traversi is endemic to the Chatham Islands (Newhe Zealand). rescue of T thisIntensive management has led to the recovery be saved species from its tiny refuge on Little Mangerend is one Isla of the most remarkable successesof both in Black Robin and Rarotonga Monarch action, By definition, Globally Threatened species conservation1,2. Following human settlement of the islands,ecies declined the sp rapidly as its forest habitat was lost and degraded,e to predation and du by introduced rats and cats.300 Black Robin Rarotonga Monarch Birds face a high risk of In 1976, when the population had declinedeven to birds, just thes remaining individuals were 250 species can extinction in the wild, but this relocated to nearby Mangere Island, where of treesthousands had been planted to provide suitable habitat. Nevertheless, by 1980,d numbers fallen to fiveha (three males and two 200 Recovery plan initiated recover does not mean that their females)Nthe smallest population of anys for bird which specie precise figures were known. 150 Nest protection, supplementary feeding,-fostering and a cross programme (with the congeneric extinction is inevitable. Species Cross-fostering TomtitP. macrocephala) were then established, and the populationo recover began steadily. t 100 programme begun

Individuals were later introduced to Southand, andEast by Isl 1989 the population had toppedNumber of individuals Species can be saved with very small populations face 50 100 individuals2, at which point management ceased. Thecontinued population to rise until from extinction, but this certain particularly acute threats, carrying capacity was reached in the latence 1990s, when it si has been stable at around3. 2500 birds 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 requires sound research, including genetic and social Rarotonga Monarch (or Kakerori)Pomarea dimidiata is endemic to the Pacific island of Rarotongak Islands). (Coo Although common in the mid- careful co-ordination of complications and extreme 1800s, the species subsequently declinednd following rapidly, a the collection of a few specimenshe early 1900s, in t was not recorded again until 1973. In 1983, 21 birds were discovered,ey andin 1987 a surv estimated the population atls, 38 but individua declining4. A recovery plan was effort and, in some cases, environmental events. prepared in 1988, and implementation beganat year. later Intensive th control of predatorsly (particular black ratsRattus rattus) reduced adult Nevertheless, with sufficient mortality from 24%5 to, with 9% nesting success increasing from 415%. By 2000, to 63% the population on Rarotonga 221had reached intensive management. individuals (see figure), and between 2001M2003young birds 30 were transferred to the rat-free of Atiu island (200 km north-east of Rarotonga) resources, careful management in an apparently successful attempt tosecond establish QinsuranceR a population5.

and a sound SOURCES 1. Aikmanet al.(2001) Chatham Islands threatened birds: recoverygement and plansmana. Wellington, New Zealand: Department on.of Conservati2 . Butler & Merton (1992)The Black Robin: saving the world’s most endangered. Auckland, bird New Zealand: Oxford University3. D. Merton Press.in litt. (2004).4. Robertsonet al. (1994)Conserv. Biol.8: 1078–1086. 5.H. Robertson & E. in Saul litt. understanding (2004).ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSInformation kindly provided by Hilary Aikman,itchmough, Rod HDon Merton and Hugh Robertsonnd (NewDepartment Zeala of Conservation) and Ed Saul of their ecology (Takitumu Conservation Area, Cook Islands). and requirements, even Critically

Endangered species can be saved 2 Intensive habitat management has led to aar spectacul (see box 1), as shown by recent increase in KirtlandRs Warbler

examples such as the Crested Ibis, The recent recovery of KirtlandRsDendroica Warbler kirtlandii illustrates the potential of Mauritius Kestrel and Seychelles active habitat management in securing populationsf threatened o species. The warblerRs exacting requirements for breeding habitatNstandsf young (5M23 o year old) jackPinus pine Magpie-robin. banksiana growing on well-drained soilsNmean thatng range its breedi is confined to a small area in the Lower Peninsula region of Michigan,. Counts ofUSA singing males in 1951 and 1961 totalled 432 and 502 respectively,clined but this to 201 de in 1971. A suite of measures was then put in place to stabilise the population. These included control of Brown-headedMolothrus Cowbird ater (a brood parasite of the warbler), annual population censuses andagement active manof the speciesRs jack pine habitats. The population remained relatively between stable 1971 and 1987, with suitable habitat regenerating after wildfires or managementaction apparently offset by QlossesR due to the increasing over-maturity of many oldernds. However,pine sta following further management action and two large wildfires,nt of the suitably amou aged habitat doubled between 1987 and 1990, and the warbler P. 58: Crested Ibis' XI ZHINONG/BP population more than tripled between As a result of intensive habitat management, the Seychelles Magpie-robin' CATH MULLEN 1990 and 2000 in response (see breeding population of Kirtland’s Warbler more KirtlandRs Warbler' DOUG WECHSLER/VIREO figure). By 2000, the population than tripled between 1990 and 2000 had reached the maximum P. 59: Clipperton Island' BERNIE TERSHY projected carrying capacity within White-headed Duck' TONY MARTIN/BIRDLIFE 1,200 its core breeding range (in MichiganRs Lower Peninsula), with 1,000 the number of peripheral breeding records (in the Upper Peninsular 800 region and in Wisconsin) 600 increasing over the same period.

400 For further information visit www.birdlife.org 200 5856 Number of singing males 0 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995SOURCE 2000 Probst 2005et al. (2003)Oryx 37: 365–373. State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 5959 3 l) . nSpain . ), have), 1 Data kindly 3,4 extinction, . CD-ROM. Cambridge, CD-ROM. . ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ., eds (in press) Libro Rojo de las aves de aves las de Rojo Libro press) (in eds .,

et al et rds,andbreeding hadspread into t is extremelyist susceptible programmewasinitiated. Following ndalucanprovinces Sevilla,of Cdiz range and,consequently, isit

Globally threatened birds in Europe: action plans action Europe: in birds threatened Globally 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 it wasitintroduced 1996)in 0 confinedsingleato lagoon Crdobain , thepopulation, began recover,to and ividuals(seefigure), withbreeding

and a larger,anda mainly migratory, 2004 world the of birds Threatened . Madroño .

4

5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 The Spanish population of White-headed Duck has recovered spectacularly since the 1970s following targeted conservation action (recent fluctuations are linked to levels of spring rainfal . Destruction. anddegradation itsof individuals of Number ., eds. eds. ., 1

et al et 11: 5–43. 5–43. 11: has a fragmentedhasa distribution, small,witha . Despite. fluctuations linked tolevels ofspring e la Naturaleza and SEO/BirdLife. SEO/BirdLife. and Naturaleza la e 3,4

Oxyura Córdoba, Spain). . BirdLife International (2004) (2004) International BirdLife . 2 originating from originating . By the1970s,By. theSpanish population wascloseto 2 . However, control of control However, . . 4 1,3 . Currently, the most the Currently, . Oxyuraleucocephala 1 . Torres Esquivias (2003) (2003) Esquivias Torres . 3 ). However,). the O. jamaicensis O. . Green & Hughes (1996) Pp. 119–145 in Heredia Heredia in 119–145 Pp. (1996) Hughes .& Green 1 Huntingban reversed decline of White-headed Duck i . Effective protection from illegal hunting illegal from protection Effective . box 5 1 causedrapid population declines across muchitsof consideredEndangered in its Andalucan stronghold was undoubtedly was stronghold Andalucan its in habitat but factor, important most the introduced of removal measuresNincluding sedimentation, and pollution of control fish, vegetationN fringing of regeneration and significant also were España. Madrid: Dirección General de Conservación d Conservación de General Dirección Madrid: España. This striking recovery resulted from a from resulted recovery striking This co- actions, conservation of combination Action Species a in recently more ordinated Plan withcounts 1977inrecording justindividuals,22 province(Andaluca) important threat to the speciesRs long-term speciesRs the to threat important introduced with hybridisation is survival Duck Ruddy the feral UK population UK feral the wetlandhabitats, combined withhunting (towhich i White-headedDuck SOURCES Strasbourg: Council of Europe Publishing. Publishing. Europe of Council Strasbourg: residentpopulation Spain,in Algeria andTunisia, populationtheineastMediterranean andAsia provided by José A. Torres Esquivias (University of UK: BirdLife International. International. BirdLife UK: In 1979,Inhowever, highlya successful conservation theprohibition huntingof itsatstronghold lagoon thespecies gradually expanded intotheadjoining A andHuelva. By1988, thepopulation exceeded 400bi theprovinces ofAlmera and Toledo introduced Ruddy Ducks is now underway in underway now is Ducks Ruddy introduced countries. other of number a and UK the activityprovinces,13in including Mallorca (where rainfall,theSpanish population nowisc.2,500 ind 5 process does not end there. Recovery programmes are accompanied by monitoring schemes, to document the response of species and to ensure that the recovery is sustained in the longer term. of measures may be necessary— co-ordinated and implemented with the help of a Species Action Plan ( . R. L. 5 ), or), ), ). For). many 107: 259–267. box 3 box2 box 4

Nat. Can. , and it once again holds one of one holds again once it and , 4 d Conservation, USA). . 5 cks of longline shark-fishing boats in 1999 in boats shark-fishing longline of cks uding more than 4,000 Masked and 15,000 and Masked 4,000 than more uding controlling or eradicating invasive species ( If the causes of declines of causes the If treated, and identified are recoverspeciescan For many threatened species, the key step in their recovery is the correct identification, and subsequent treatment, of the causes of their decline.These oftenrelate to habitat loss, invasive species or over- exploitation, with incidental mortality a further significant threat for certain groups, such as seabirds.Treating declines may therefore involve creating suitablehabitat ( species, however, a combination reducing the impact of human exploitation ( ke the pigs before themNthey can be can themNthey before pigs the ke by researchers, ten years later. There was There later. years ten researchers, by

. Dodson & Fitzgerald (1980)

, 4 Number of fish per 100 hooks 100 per fish of Number 15 10 5 0 . 73: 476–480. 476–480. 73: off sland led to dramatic recovery of seabirds recovery to led dramatic sland

Condor Fish Gecarcinusplanatus 2 R caught No birds . These. factors reduced 1 campaign is working is campaign . 2 Information kindly provided by Bernie Tershy (Islan Birds . Ehrhardt (1971) (1971) Ehrhardt . 3 there are an estimated 11 million land crabs land million 11 estimated an are there . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife . More fish can be caught because caught be can fish More . Columnsshow means with one standard error 2 66: 357–371. 357–371. 66: S. leucogasterS. crab population caused dramatica tion benefits of mitigation measures. mitigation of benefits tion ndividuals,including morenothan150 No mitigation measure Advanced bird-scaring line fferent countries and cultures) that cultures) and countries fferent roduced,thepigs atethe eggs ofnesting Save the Albatross the Save

f breeding seabirds had increased to c.25,000, incl c.25,000, to increased had seabirds breeding f Seabird bycatch: trends, roadblocks and solutions world (with c.40,000 and 20,000 birds respectively) birds 20,000 and c.40,000 (with world lant-eatinglandcrabs huge task to communicate it effectively it communicate to task huge eabirdnesting sites res on a Norwegian longline fishing longline Norwegian a on res n Clipperton, probably introduced following shipwre following introduced probably Clipperton, n

Condor not does fishery longline one for igure) s. Indeed, fish catches actually increase in increase actually catches fish Indeed, s. Rs Rs eradicating introduced mammals from a small a from mammals introduced eradicating 0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT l pigs in 1897, Clipperton was a small, sparsely small, a was Clipperton 1897, in pigs l ineR, for instance, bird bycatch dropped to dropped bycatch bird instance, for ineR,

ds. advanced bird-scaring line ffects were evident on the next visit to the island the to visit next the on evident were ffects

y the best ways to reduce seabird bycatch seabird reduce to ways best the y ed c.1,000 km south-west of Manzanillo, Mexico, Manzanillo, of south-west km c.1,000 ed 1.5 1.0 0.5 abs and seabirds. Nevertheless, it is hoped thatNli hoped is it Nevertheless, seabirds. and abs Seabird bycatch drops to zero and fish catch increases by over 30% with the use of an Q Number of birds per 1,000 hooks 1,000 per birds of Number caught. being themselves before baits 18 o . (2003). . Stager (1964) (1964) . Stager

2 in litt

Threatened birds of the world 2004 , largely , . B. Tershy and500 Brown Booby 86: 1–115. 1–115. 86: 1 6 . 6

Atoll Res. Bull. Res. Atoll . Clipperton is now almost devoid of ground cover, cover, ground of devoid almost now is Clipperton . Suladactylatra 3 . Løkkeborg (2001) Pp. 33–41 in Melvin & Parrish, e 2 . BirdLife International (2004) . Sachet (1962) (1962) Sachet . 1 1 the hook Eradication of introduced mammals from Clipperton I Clipperton from mammals of introduced Eradication Simple changes to fishing methods can get seabirds and 2001. The rats are likely to feed heavily on cr on heavily feed to likely are rats The 2001. and island the from eradicated Pitman pers. comm. to B. Tershy (2003). Unfortunately, rats have recently been discovered o discovered been recently have rats Unfortunately, International. Fairbanks, USA: University of Alaska Sea Grant. andtens ofthousands ofnesting seabirds. Once int seabirdsandmost oftheland crabs. Thediminished increaseinplant cover, andhence reductiona ins thenumbers ground-nestingof seabirds c.1,000to i MaskedBooby In 1958, all 58 pigs on the island were shot. The e The shot. were island the on pigs 58 all 1958, In o number the and island the on vegetation less much Boobies Brown illustrates the dramatic ecosystem-wide effects of of effects ecosystem-wide dramatic the illustrates fera of introduction the Before island. uninhabited vegetatedatoll, withextremely highdensities p of The history of Clipperton Island (to France), locat France), (to Island Clipperton of history The SOURCES seabirdsNparticularly of Thousands when year every killed albatrossesNare being hooks baited snatch to attempt they fishing longline commercial from set hooks, the on caught are Birds vessels. has This drowned. and underwater dragged declines population long-term severe to led 11, p. (see species albatross several in of species 21 all Currently, 3). box globally either as classified are albatross Threatened Near or threatened SOURCES because of the effects of longline fishing. longline of effects the of because fishermen albatrosses, newsNfor good The simple that alikeNis conservationists and of bycatch the reduce can measures catche fish on effect negative any without seabirds measu mitigation of trial a by shown as cases, some l bird-scaring Qadvanced an of use the With vessel. f (see 30% over by increased catch fish while zero, fewer baits are lost to birds; birds can steal up t up steal can birds birds; to lost are baits fewer a is it enough, simple seems message this Although di many (from fishermen of community diverse the to works what Furthermore, fishing. longline practise BirdLife Nevertheless, others. for work necessarily the largest Masked and Brown Booby colonies in the the in colonies Booby Brown and Masked largest the with longline fisheries around the world to identif to world the around fisheries longline with conserva and economic the of fishermen convince and 3 4 Networks of protected national parks, community and Important Bird 1 What are key biodiversity areas? areas are essential, but indigenous conservation areas and Areas need Key biodiversity areas are places of internationalimportance for the conservation of biodiversity remain very incomplete private reserves (see pp. 62–63). through protected areas and other governanceisms. Theymechan are identified nationally Nations have already invested However, all need to be managed using simple, standard criteria, basedortance on their for imp maintaining populations of safeguard, as species. As the building blocks for designingcosystem the approach e and maintaining heavily in systems of protected in order to safeguard the important effective ecological networks, key biodiversityas are the are starting point for landscape-level a major part areas and this is one of the most biodiversity they shelter. conservation planning (see p. 64, box 2).ts, Governmen inter-governmental organisations, NGOs, the private sector and other stakeholders use key biodiversity can areas as a tool to of securing valuable mechanisms for identify national networks of internationallytant sites impor for conservation. Key biodiversity the key biodiversity conservation. Many Important Bird areas are now being identified in many world, parts ofby the a range of organisations. Unfortunately, and for many Areas need recognition Key biodiversity areas extend the Importantea (IBA) Bird concept Ar to other taxonomic groups. The aim of the key biodiversityach areas is to appro identify, document and protect biodiversity reasons, these systems are rarely Because of the extensive networks of sites that are critical for ationthe conserv of global biodiversity. Here a QsiteR means an area (whatever the size) thatited can and,be delim potentially, managed for designed so as to conserve information available about birds, area networks conservation. As with IBAs, key biodiversityare identified areas based on populations of biodiversity comprehensively. Important Bird Areas (IBAs) tend to species that are threatened or geographicallyntrated conce (see pp. 24M25). All IBAs are key biodiversity areas, but some key biodiversity are not areas IBAs (i.e. they are significant for Although more than 100,000 be identified sooner than other key Systematic ecological the conservation of other taxa, but notertheless, birds). Nev the IBA network has proved a protected areas have been biodiversity areas. Fortunately, the good approximation to the overall networkodiversity of key areas, bi as it includes the bulk of networks, built around other target species and the most significant (see pp. sites 28M29). Important Bird Areas are key biodiversity areas, established world-wide, analyses IBA network is effective at capturing thus an excellent starting point for immediateervation cons planning and actionNother sites show that many serious gaps in other biodiversity (see pp. 28–29), can be added to complete the network as available.data become are needed to conserve SOURCE Ekenet al. (2004) Protected areas design and systemsg: key plannin requirements for successful planning, site coverage remain. More systematic and thus itself forms an excellent selection and establishment of protectedSCBD, areas.Biodiversity In issues for consideration in ng,the establishmentplanni biodiversity. Important and management of protected area sites and. Montreal: networks Secretariat of the Conventionical on Diversity. Biolog Bird Areas already form ecological networks are needed to basis for planning and the backbone of such a ensure that globally important implementing conservation—right network but, at present, biodiversity is conserved. These away. However, a high proportion many lack any statutory should consist of key areas of the of IBAs are entirely unprotected, 2 Many African Important Bird Areas, includingholding those highest biodiversity value that are including many which hold Globally Globally Threatened Birds, have no legal nrecognitio or recognition or legal protection protection. Nevertheless, interconnected within a managed Threatened Birds (box 2). These their identification is landscape (see pp. 64–65). IBAs are priority sites for being stimulating effective Safeguarding these Qkey accorded appropriate forms of safeguard for sites under biodiversity areasR (see box 1) will statutory recognition and require a variety of governance protection. a range of governance Thirty-two IBAs in Africa hold one approaches, including, for example, or more GTBs that presently lack mechanisms. protection at any site

The majority of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Africa (57% of 1,230 sites) overlap to

P. 60: Sidi Bou Ghaba Environmental Education some extent with some kind of protected area. In principle at least, they are Centre opening ceremony, 'Morocco BIRDLIFE therefore partly or wholly covered by P. 61: Visiting dignitaries being shown birdlife conservation management provisions that

near an IBA in Uganda' NATURE UGANDA aim to protect the sitesR natural values and prevent unsustainable uses such as large-scale Lo Go Xa Mat, Vietnam' ROSS HUGHES deforestation, over-hunting and over-fishing. Nevertheless, 43% of IBAs in Africa (525 sites) Number of have no such protection or recognition of their unprotected GTBs at IBA natural values. This leaves 44 GloballyBirds Threatened (GTBs)N20% of the total number in 1 2–5 9 AfricaNlacking protection at any of the they sites regularly where #occur# (see figure).# Capturing the unprotected GTBs within AfricaRs protected-area networks is a high conservation priority.

For further information visit 6056 www.birdlife.org

SOURCEAnalysis of data held in BirdLife’s Worldbase. Bird Data State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 61 A wasA Area in rk ). . Hanoi: BirdLife box 5

ites for conservation a reconnaisancea trip. LoGoXaMat interest amonglocal leaders, who threatfrom conversion to ies,including GermainRs Peacock- pesalmost lost from elsewhere in eto the presence of anumber of aredNationala Park bythe prime mentapproved US$2 million of rtanceofthesite forconservation, and ttlementproject. The response from s werealreadys underconstruction. thesite. Immediately following the equestthat thesite bedesignated a halt the project temporarily, pending a survey of Lo Go Xa Mat. The site was rnationalCrane Foundation convened a example, the Lo Go Xa Mat IBA has now been designated a National Park, with the endorsement and involvement of the local communities, and substantial resources have been allocated to its development and protection( ). and Biological Resources. (Vulnerable). Thedesignation theofsite IBanas box 4 ). In Africa

Directory of Important Bird Areas in Vietnam: key s box 3 Polyplectrongermaini Tordoff, ed. (2002) Identification of Lo Go Xa Mat as an Important Bird Vietnam resulted in it being declared a National Pa 5 workshop,theprovincial leaders made anofficial r werehitherto unaware ofthe biodiversity value of NationalPark. Based onthis, LoGo Xa Mat was decl ministerJulyin2002. Subsequently, central govern announcedprovincialaat workshop, generating much fundingfor the site over a five-year period. International in Indochina and Institute of Ecology In responseIn theseto threats, BirdLife andtheInte meetingwith provincial leaders toexplain theimpo theprovincial leaders was positive: they agreed to moredetailed biodiversity assessment. Consequently,in October 2001, BirdLife led ajoint foundto qualify as an Important Bird Area (IBA) du GloballyThreatened Birdsandrestricted-range spec pheasant LoGo Xa Mat is an area of lowland forestandwetland inTyNinh province southernof Vietnam, located thein SouthernVietnameseLowlands EndemicBird Area. The site was declaredaprotected area by the governmentVietnamof 1986,in but thiswascommemorateto itshistorical importancerevolutionaryaas base duringSecondtheIndochina (Vietnam- America)War.JanuaryIn 2001, followingreports that thesite hadbeen designatedforvillage resettlement, the BirdLifeInternational Vietnam Programme undertook wasfound tosupport mosaica oflowland habitat ty agriculturalland.Indeed, drainage canals androad toraise awareness ofthe threats posed bythe rese SOURCE Vietnam,butthese were under severe andimmediate also, IBA designation is having an impact on the designation of new protected areas ( protection ( In Vietnam, the identification of IBAs has encouraged the government to gazette a number of new protected areas. For 65% list of R Special Q 2002 (n = 472) (SPAs) under shadow R Unprotected 3 Q 35% 55% Protected theten countries involvedNBurkina e, Southe,Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and GO-GovernmentPartnerships for ofthe project was toenhance , 55%, had some form oflegal protection 1998 (n = 472) ivelyBirdLifeby Partner organisations in Protection Areas Important Bird Areas BirdImportant influencingarethe identificationnew of areasprotected The situation is, however, improving in some parts of the world. In the European Union, where Member States are required to designate SPAs and inform the process of site designation in many countries. As a result, there has been a slow but significant increase in recent years in the number of IBAs granted legal the legal instrument of the Birds Directive, IBAs have been recognised as a nd nationalnd NGO-government partnerships One of the outcomes of a five-year project in Africa is that 50 IBAs across 10 countries have been given legal protection 45% 54% on the rd Areas is resulting in the designation of portant ca: NGO-Government 46% 30% have been declared reserves declared been have Partor all of designatedIBA as SPA Nodesignation ofIBA as Ramsar Sites in Kenya, Tanzania Kenya, in Sites Ramsar as project. Unpublished report. R es the creation and proper management proper and creation the es in Europe, as well as for all other all for as well as Europe, in Arinaitwe (2003) BirdLife Secretariat final report n. African NGO-Government Partnerships for Sustainable d the European Commission. This has This Commission. European the d rd Areas (IBAs) in Europe is directly is Europe in (IBAs) Areas rd Q 3. as-yetunprotected sites, andsimilar SPAs) for 181 bird species, subspecies or subspecies species, bird 181 for SPAs) ingthat thesuccesses ofthis project tion that applies to all Member States of States Member all to applies that tion ervation of wild birdsR), adopted in 1979, is 1979, in adopted birdsR), wild of ervation 1989 (n = 1,681) 1999 (n = 2,342) rnational importance (Ramsar Sites). (Ramsar importance rnational he IBA inventory as a Qshadow listR of SPAs has SPAs of listR Qshadow a as inventory IBA inthe Important Bird Area (IBA) programme. Across Faso,Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana,Kenya, Sierra Leon UgandaNatotal of472 IBAs was identified. Ofthese atthe time the project started. One of the projectRssuccesses wasthat, byitsend, an additional50IBAs from allproject countries protected-area of form some acquired had Between1998and2002,project a entitled QAfrican N SustainableBiodiversity ActionR wasruncollaborat Africa,with support inpart from GEF-UNDP. The aim biodiversityconservation Africainthrough locala for IBAs were deliberately aligned with SPA with aligned deliberately were IBAs for Designation of IBAs as SPAs in the European Union in 1989 and 1999 70% Biodiversity Action Anon. (2003) Together for birds and people in Afri npublished report. 2. . 1

Important Bird Areas in . Cambridge, UK: Project. Unpublished report. R while in Tunisia all 29 formerly unprotected IBAs IBAs unprotected formerly 29 all Tunisia in while 3 Coulthard (2002) Impacts and lessons learned from t (see figure). This includes five IBAs designated designated IBAs five includes This figure). (see 1. Heath & Evans, eds (2000) 1,2 new protected areas Within the European Union there has been slow but significant progress in the legal recognition of Im In Africa, recognition of the value of Important Bi Bird Areas as Special Protection Areas African NGO Government Partnerships for Sustainable and Uganda and Biodiversity Action Follow-upactivities inallten countries areensur arebuilt upon, including further lobbying forthe workexpandingis intoother countries theinregio an international legal instrument for bird conserva bird for instrument legal international an requir it measures, other Among Union. European the ( Areas Protection Special of network coherent a of threatened most the considered are that populations inte of wetlands all for and species bird migratory Bi Important identifies BirdLife which by means The criteria selection the as context, this in relevant the of value the Consequently, criteria. selection an Justice of Court European the by recognised been the in increase an about bring to helped as IBAs of entire) or (partial designation 1989M period the in 54% to 30% from SPAs, the in increase overall an despite 1999 period this over recognised IBAs of number over remain there However, figure). (see do which Union European the in IBAs 1,000 and SPA any with overlap presently not for considered be therefore should which SPAs. as designation The Birds Directive (QCouncil Directive on the cons the on Directive (QCouncil Directive Birds The SOURCE SOURCES Q status BirdLife International. by the Tunisian Government Tunisian the by Europe: priority sites for conservation Partnerships for Sustainable Biodiversity Action. U 3 4 Safeguarding Protected-area protected areas have effectively it disrupts existing traditional land- protection to community designation may not be failed in their conservation use practices responsible for management for sustainable use Important sufficientNnor, in some objectives for want of resources, creating or maintaining a site’s (see box 1). Unfortunately, legal Bird Areas cases, appropriate sound management and, in significance. It is increasingly regimes have often not caught up Incorporating Important Bird Areas particular, local community support. recognised that protected-area with this broader concept of requires (IBAs) into formal protected-area Unthinking designation under governance mechanisms can Qprotected areaR. Changes are diverse networks is often not sufficient to restrictive laws could even be range widely, depending on needed, especially since in many approaches maintain their biodiversity. Many counter-productive, if, for example, circumstances—from strict countries the scope for creating new protected areas under Qfenced-offR management is now very limited. All Important Bird Areas 1 Protected-area designation may not be thebest, full, solution or for conserving African need recognition as sites Important Bird Areas Site Support Groups can to safeguard. However, Three BirdLife Partner Organisations in (NatureKenya, East Africa NatureUganda and the(a) Many East African IBAs are highly threatened, Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural Historyently Society) carried rec out an exercise to set prioritiesincluding those covered by protected areashelp mobilise communities circumstances differ for action among their Important Bird Areas Biological (IBAs). value (based on bird importance 70 for conservation greatly from site to scores) and overall threat were each summariseda four-point on scale and combined to give 60 urgency[Species scores to(a bemeasure confirmed] of the likelyy lossbiodiversit if no action is taken soon). Whatever the governance model for site—and so do the 50 Of the 159 IBAs in the three countries,alf more (55%) than were h assessed as highly an IBA, community engagement best conservation threatened (scores of 3 or 4). Even amonggnised IUCN-reco protected areas, 45% of sites40 and involvement in its conservation were highly threatened. Other kinds ofeas, protected such as ar Forest Reserves, were approaches. Formal 30 substantially more threatened than sitesotection with no (see pr figure a). will usually be desirable—and often 20

protected-area % highly threatened For Uganda, the 30 IBAs were assignedses to three for conservation clas action based on essential. This is increasingly being 10 designation may not be their urgency scores: QcriticalR (the most), QurgentR pressing and QhighR (figure b). The 11 critical sites include four National Parkshest (the level hig of legal protection), showing 0 achieved through the actions of IUCN Protected Other Unprotected essential but local once again that legal designation is nof guarantee effective protection. o In three of these Area (n = 56) (n = 33) (n =70) local Site Support Groups (SSGs), community support National Parks, however, the most pressingnt issuesmanageme lie outside the site. Protection status For the unprotected IBAs, community-based See figure b for definition who raise awareness in site-adjacent often is. Site Support managementNrather than designation under current protected areas legislationNappears(b) Priorities to for conservation action amongn Uganda IBAs i communities and help protect and Groups can play a key be more appropriate for nearly all (figure c). SUDAN Protection status monitor IBAs (box 2). An SSG is a role in mobilising such IUCN: all or part is an IUCN- SOURCEAnalysis by NatureKenya, NatureUganda and the recognised Protected Area form of independent community- support. Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural Historyng Society, data held usi in (e.g. National Park) BirdLife’s World Bird Database and additionalmation oninfor based organisation, its members Other: all or part is an threats and potential responses. unclassified reserve (e.g. Forest Reserve) motivated by a shared desire to

Unprotected conserve QtheirR site. SSGs build on (c) The single most appropriate and important responses for the 30 IBAs in Uganda Priority for action local experience and existing Star = Critical organisational team spirit. Diamond = Urgent IUCN or other protected area (n = 21) Circle = High UGANDA Membership comes from the local Better Protected Area management within site

Better Protected Area management outside site P. 63: Berga floodplain, Ethiopia' BIRDLIFE community, who will often have Other measures (e.g. community management)DEMOCRATIC White-winged Flufftail' ALISTAIR CINNES M KENYA REPUBLIC been managing the natural Tree-planting, Kenya' BIRDLIFE Unprotected (n = 9) 47% OF CONGO resources of the site or surrounding Establishing or upgrading legal status 27% areas for generations, even if their Other measures (e.g. community L a k e primary purpose has not been management) V i c t o r i a 3% biodiversity conservation. For further information visit 3% 20% TANZANIA 6256 www.birdlife.org Harnessing this knowledge and State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 63 Study area Reserve 1984–1988 1995–2001 f deforestation Forestthroughout km Projectinitiated 1987 Forestgained during , has,revealed strong regeneration 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 0

gnificantlyexceeded the rate of theconservation ofnatural 80 40

200 160 120

) (km area Forest 2 toconserve their natural resources. It 0 12 In the last decade there has been a conspicuous Oku Mount on cover forest of amount the in increase Forestlost during periodindicated periodindicated periodindicated Mount Oku, Cameroon Mount Oku IBA is now regenerating, after decades o (bothEndangered). 1958–1984 1988–1995 a, Justin Moat and ghlandsnorth-westernof Cameroon, f thef forest. The remainder issoon to f biodiversityf atthelocal scale. ed forested project Mounton Oku1987.in st resourcesst upportedthebyGovernment of Platysteiralaticincta allyThreatened Birds, BannermanRs e Cameroone highlands, arethreatened by Oku,using satellite imagery andaerial photographs 95,the rate ofregeneration (2.3% per year) has si intheregion. Theproject atMount Okushows that ture.Inresponse tothecontinuing rapid utetothe success oflocal people intaking action Thanks to effective community action, the forest on and BandedandWattle-eye Data and photographs kindly provided by Susana Baen Tauracobannermani Community conservation action is showing success on establishagreedforest boundaries facilitateplanning forthesustainable useforeof improveagricultural practices identifyandpromote alternative sources ofincome. Localcommunities, enabled newbylegislation ands Cameroonand the project, now legally manage half o comeundersimilar management. recentA study ofchanges inforest cover onMount since1988, soon after the project started. From 19 deforestation(see figure). This reversal istriba clearlyalso benefits theunique biodiversity found resourcescanbecompatible with theconservation o 3 MountOku,Importantan BirdArea thein Bamenda Hi holdsthelargest remaining populations twoGlobof Turaco # # # # Thesetwospecies, along withothers confined thto theloss oftheir montane forest habitat toagricul deforestation,BirdLife initiated community-managa Theproject hasbeen working with local people to: Philip Forboseh. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT tiative Sarothruraayresi of land to the group for 2 e provide income forthe groupRs conservationactivities he he SSG at egetable growing are appropriate heflufftail breeding season, through eeds.Thestrong relationship between 3,000 m African associations,largea dairy farm and the ge collectors,ge individuals assistwho e facte that they are willing tocontribute Q udingthelocal decision-making agricultureoffice and the dairy farm. The n bythen SSG include: project. Unpublished R African NGO-Government TheBerga Floodplain Important Bird Area, north-westernthein highlands Ethiopia,of holdsseveral Globally Threatened Birds andis the worldRs premier breeding site for White-wingedFlufftail (Endangered).TheBerga Floodplain Site SupportGroup (SSG) grew out ofa conservationtask force setupin2000 throughfacilitation Ethiopiantheby WildlifeandNatural History Society (BirdLifeinEthiopia). The current members Q t on the the rsity Action Project. Unpublished report. R . 1,2 . Arinaitwe (2003) BirdLife Secretariat Final Repor 1 ). Coulthard (2002) Impacts and lessons learned from The Berga Floodplain Site Support GroupNa local ini for a globally important site 2. preventingunauthorised grasssedgeandcutting ensuringthat cattle donotenter thesite during t contactwithadjacent farmerassociations developingtree nurseries andvegetable growing, to conservationactivities. 2 nurseryactivities. The poorer members who take on voluntarily are finding that the nursery work andalternatives v for meeting their food requirements.Berga T is young but demonstrates the potential foremergence t of home-grown solutions appropriate to thcontext of the individual site report. # # # Alltheappropriate stakeholders areinvolved, incl SOURCES structures(thepeasant associations), guards, fora foragetraders from outside the area, the district SSGprovides foruma forsharing ideas, fears andn thelocal people and the site isdemonstrated byth to its protection. A local farmer donated a plot of Partnerships for Sustainable Biodiversity Action ofthe SSG include representatives offour peasant DistrictAgricultural Officer. Activities undertake NGO Government Partnerships for Sustainable Biodive box 3 box long-term commitment gives the gives commitment long-term genuinely for prospects best conservation local sustainable have SSGs 60 over Africa In action. and at action take to formed been The countries. ten in IBAs for local such of results to lead can involvement conservation significant in difficult even benefit, circumstances ( Biodiversity To conserve dispersed or nomadic to be To conserve the wider and on the detailed planning biodiversity, we must conserved adequately by a fixed environment, we need needed to connect sets of key in the wider conserve the wider system of sites that cover only a social, economic and biodiversity areas within landscape environment small part of their range and political solutions degraded or intensively used Complex and biodiverse natural population. The biodiversity in Recognising the real importance of landscapes, in ways that benefit must be habitats continue to undergo our productive landscapes is biodiversity in the wider nations and peoples (box 2). sustained too sweeping human itself important: when we create environment is a first step towards For instance, effective inter- transformation, into simplified sterile agricultural monocultures solving these problems. Solutions governmental agreements are The great majority of Qman-madeR ecosystems lacking in birds and insects, we will focus on broad-scale needed for the conservation lands and seas are designed for agriculture, forestry lose significant ecological approaches to maintaining or and management of shared outside the network of and aquaculture. Safeguarding a services, as well as much of restoring the biodiversity value of natural resources, against a sites that can be global network of key aesthetic and cultural value. transformed habitats (see box 1) background of increasing safeguarded. It is in this biodiversity areas (including wider environment— Important Bird Areas) will do    
                   where most people live much to protect biodiversity  R    and work—that (see pp. 60–61)—but we  %    & 
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 d Bird nd Saving Asia’s thr    eatene Data Book a     Thr ce, from:  LABORATORY, NASA, JOHNSON SPACE CENTER ia Book , at cost pri  a ble  of As Red Dat availa rmation on  national d, Totnes, more info  ife Inter 3 Wills Roa For  e BirdL ookstore, 2– Th NHBS Mailorder B ease contact:    fe International pl  5    ( *  (     Q9 5XN, UK. BirdLi 30 "! Devon T 80,    fax +44(0)1803 8652 ational "       ! " Tel. +44(0)1803 865913, BirdLife Intern  ! % ton Road, %       il [email protected] Wellbrook Court, Gir 
  (    Many species, whether ema l gdom s/birdlife.htm United Kin    www.nhbs.com/service Cambridge CB3 0NA,   +44 (0)1223 277318 birds of Asia: Tel. ounts from Threatened )1223 277200 The full species acc e Fax +44 (0 Red Data Book can also b life.org.uk the BirdLife International Email birdlife@bird www.rdb.or.id/ downloaded from: http:// ife Asia Division 04), BirdL ), Mike Crosby/BirdLife (F tes the nd Floor, 1), Takuki Hanashiro (F02 ). declining or not, have s. BirdLife demonstra injuku Building, 2 ain), Yasuyuki Makino (F0 d Curio/PESCP (F09 rie Sh (m har more than 100 count Toyo- ographs: Michael Poulsen post/BirdLife (F08), Eber ternational works in d people, birds can 12-15, Forest regions phot ini/BirdLife (F07), A. Com BirdLife In een birds, habitats an Shinjuku 1- ibut (F06), Marco Lambert 2), Asad Rahmani (G03). hrough the links betw e , Ishtiaq (F05), Smith Sut in, G01), Otto Pfister (G0 W08), e of birds and how, t n bird species, and th , Tokyo 160-0022 Farah tographs: Ute Bradter (ma mes (W06), Ron Saldino ( valu n earth. By focusing o Shinjuku-ku Grassland regions pho kle (W03, W20), John Hol to the quality of life o orld for dLife (W02), Jon Hornbuc make a difference help to improve the w Japan hs: Ray Tipper (main), Bir i Ono (S01). depend, BirdLife can etland regions photograp Eleanor Briggs (W18), Koj d habitats on which they W Tim Loseby (W12), sites an g Saving Asia’s e. www.birdlife.or his poster and printing of iodiversity and peopl Production of t F b ot imply the s kindly sponsored by CEP esignations employed do n threatened birds wa The geographical d rdLife populations that are simply too atsoever on the part of Bi inion wh PAKISTAN expression of any op SIA NEPAL of any country, APAN MALAY the legal status INDONESIA J ational concerning INDIA Intern n of its HONG KONG rning the delimitatio territory or area, or conce frontiers or boundaries. 1042125 UK registered charity no. BirdLife International is a

INDOCHINA AN THAILAND For further information visit SRI LANKA TAIW PORE RUSSIA SINGA PHILIPPINES 6456 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 65 Managinglandscapes meansinvolving the whole of society There are many ways that civil society can support these structural and technical changes in governance. An enabling and encouraging environment is needed to promote creative responses in the form of community-based and business- driven initiatives and partnerships. These could include, for example, NGO formation and development, co- operation in the management of privately owned land, shareholder activism, eco- labelling, elaboration of best practice, innovation and investment in green technology, eco-efficiency and greater adoption of sustainability within the corporate sector (see p. 69, box 3). ape programmes and projects tailored projects and programmes dsattheborders ofIsrael, the olicies, plans, programmes and programmes plans, olicies, and plans and stainable practices among land-use among practices stainable elypopulated andwildlife-rich dy identified, and to support scientific support to and identified, dy ration between different interest groups interest different between ration so as to generate employment and employment generate to as so y areas (see pp. 60M61) throughout the throughout 60M61) pp. (see areas y andscattered oases. Today, irrigation al issues and objectives, and to promote to and objectives, and issues al environment alley(one per country), and are co- ipalities in the valley the in ipalities site protection and management. and protection site d building new economic infrastructures economic new building d eoples of this war-torn region. war-torn this of eoples Life Partners are encouraging co- encouraging are Partners Life tes. Poverty and inequality affect many of many affect inequality and Poverty tes. ves,which are: f which is to transform the Jordan Valley Jordan the transform to is which f ed farmland.ed egrity of the valley, through urban and urban through valley, the of egrity is planned (three per country). By taking a taking By country). per (three planned is h a combination of nature-based socio- nature-based of combination a h quifers, salinisation of soils and waters, and waters, and soils of salinisation quifers, el, long-term approach to nature to approach long-term el, e Partners in these countries are now working now are countries these in Partners e million birds of more than 300 species that 38: 2–3.

Ali Notizie Lambertini (2003) approach For birds and people in the Jordan Valley: a landsc alternatives for local people local for alternatives to support an ecological network of key biodiversit key of network ecological an support to alrea Areas Bird Important 10 the including region, wider regionRs the of, monitoring and on, research su more and businesses in sustainability promote to eco-tourism), and agriculture organic (e.g. sectors awareness and information environmental provide to munic and businesses people, local for specifically p government countryRs each influence and inform to co-ope and resolution conflict dialogue, promote to environmentalists. and farmers developers, as such projects in the valley, with respect to environment to respect with valley, the in projects regulations environmental existing with compliance 2 In the longer term, a network of nine such centres centres such nine of network a term, longer the In Bird conservation, nature to approach transboundary ordinated environmental action between countries an countries between action environmental ordinated landscape-lev a thus is project The region. the for p the between coexistence peaceful and conservation Onehundred years agothe Jordan Valley wassparsa landscapesteppes,of savannas, floodplain wetlands andenergy networks have transformed these rangelan PalestinianAuthority Jordanandinto densely settl int ecological the threaten now uses land Intensive a and water surface of depletion sprawl, industrial was sewage and factory chemicals, farm by pollution BirdLif valley. the in communities agricultural the o vision the project, community-based a on together throug region, sustainable ecologically more a into planning, land-use better and development economic Threecentres have been established inthe Jordan V ordinatingtheir work towards theprojectRs objecti # # # # # SOURCE The Jordan Valley is a key flyway for at least 500 migrate between Africa and Eurasia each year . 3 ve . (2002) . Cambridge, , including, 1 ent and civil

et al

Endemic Bird Areas of . These measures These . 3

l Red Data Book . (1998)

et al . Wikramanayake 6 sustainability(seep. 68). . CD-ROM. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife . Stattersfield tionaleconomies grow,manyand 5

Hotspots: Earth’s biologically richest and most requirements.Bygrouping species of tionInternational) hasidentified three keygrassland regions inAsia e proposed conservation measures, conservation proposed e tundra totropical forests, and , a recenta, BirdLife analysis (funded by a long way towards conserving not just not conserving towards way long a and proposed development policies, development proposed and peciesindividually. Thishabitat-based toother broad geographical analyses vationissues land-useto planning he regionhe experiencingis rapid the underlying and indirect root causes root indirect and underlying the wildlife arenow under great pressure. orate sector is also necessary. Many of Many necessary. also is sector orate or this. or at regions (see figure) (see regions at ives into all socio-economic sectors, and sectors, socio-economic all into ives nd awareness activities. For many other many For activities. awareness nd f globalf conservation concern vationofthese 32 habitatregions than . Washington, DC: Island Press. immediate measures that need be taken by taken be need that measures immediate environment. . (1999) genuinely integrated into broad policies,plans andprogrammes, withsuitable targets and indicators concerning biodiversity and ackled. The guide outlines the fundamental the outlines guide The ackled.

et al

Saving Asia’s threatened birds: a guide for governm . 2

rvation assessment . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. . Mittermeier 4

Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife Internationa

Threatened birds of the world 2004 (see p.55,box 2). 4,5,6 . BirdLife International (2003) 3 . Mexico City: CEMEX & Conservation International. . BirdLife International (2001) 2 . BirdLife International (2004) 1 habitats for birds and other biodiversity in Asia A guide for governments and civil society to conser . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. 1 UK: BirdLife International. Asiahasmany diverse habitats, ranging from Arctic SOURCES includingthehighest mountains theinworld. Butt environmentalchangehumantheaspopulation naand ofAsiaRs natural habitats andtheir immensely rich Roughlyquartera ofall bird species inAsia areo Itisclearly more efficient toconsider theconser addressto theconservation needsthe324of birds approachalsomakes easierit relate to bird-conser processes,andthe key regions canalso berelated ofconservation priorities overlappingrange according totheir shared habitat theCritical Ecosystem Partnership FundConservaof 20 keywetland regions, nine keyforest regions and Manyofthese GTBs have similar ranges andhabitat include greater integration of environmental object environmental of integration greater include existing of assessment environmental stringent more term, longer the In projects. and programmes plans, t be to need also will Asia in loss biodiversity of f needed are that resource-use and land- in changes th of many implement can organisations Conservation a education studies, ecological and surveys as such corp the and governments of leadership the actions, go will recommended are that measures strategic the wider the in biodiversity of elements all but GTBs, 324Globally Threatened Birds (GTBs) civil society and governments to conserve the habit the conserve to governments and society civil This analysis has been published as a guide to the the to guide a as published been has analysis This International. society endangered ecosystems the world: priorities for biodiversity conservation Terrestrial ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: a conse competition in the global economy (see pp. 66–67). At both domestic and international levels, the reform of subsidies andtaxes is vital, particularlytheremoval offinancial incentives thatpromote environmental damage.Positive objectives for the environment need to be International Mechanisms exist for can co-operate to achieve common atmosphere, waters, lands, soils of these agreements. Taken co-ordinating goals. Eight such treaties are and life-forms, so as to conserve together, these mechanisms agreements environmental actions particularly important in the world’s genetic resources, should form a strong basis for have great across nations attempting to move the Earth’s species and ecosystems more international co-operation in Legally binding agreements nations forward in a fair and co- effectively (see box 1). conserving biodiversity and in potential between governments are one of ordinated fashion, towards more Most national governments are combating complex to help the main ways in which countries sustainable use of the planet’s Qcontracting partiesR to one or more environmental problems. biodiversity

1 Most countries have ratified key internationalties, trea 2 Lists of species form a key part of severalions, convent and International although significant gaps remain need to be reviewed and updated regularly

environmental treaties There are now more than 500 internationalthat concerntreaties the environment1. The The Convention on International Trade in Species Endangered (CITES) and the Convention on and initiatives recognise Qbig fiveR, in terms of global reach andtance core toimpor biodiversity conservation, are:Migratory Species (CMS) both incorporateelevant lists species of r (as Appendices) for which # the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) particular conservation actions need to tedbe implemen by contracting parties. For both CITES that conservation must # the World Heritage Convention (WHC) and CMS, Appendix I species are agreedbal to conservation be of glo concern, with governments be a collective, global # the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) agreeing to prohibit all international commercialrade in wild t birds of such species listed # the Convention on International Trade in Species Endangered (CITES) and under CITES and to adopt strict protection for measures those listed under CMS. Appendix II effort. Such agreements # the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention). species are agreed to have an unfavourabletion conservastatus (CMS) or otherwise to benefit significantly from international co-operationntrolling in their co international trade (CITES) or In addition, there are three other internationaleaties that tr are crucial in managing and have enormous in their conservation (CMS). Hence, governments obliged to are regulate and manage the reducing humanityRs impact on the planetRse: biospher import/export of Appendix II species listedITES, under and to C conclude Agreements with potential, of which only # the United Nations Framework ConventionChange on Climate (UNFCCC) and its other QRange StatesR to conserve Appendixs listed II specie under CMS. a part is currently being Kyoto Protocol # the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and (UNCCD) In an effort to protect groups vulnerablearvesting, to over-h such as parrots and raptors, the realised. # the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). number of bird species included in CITESI increased Appendix considerablyI up to the mid- 1980s (see figure). However, many countriesllow exports still a of species without knowing The three QRio conventionsR (CBD, UNFCCC rapidly and UNCCD) achieved almost universal whether this use of wild populations is. sustainableIt is therefore important for range countries acceptance, while the other conventionsgaps have in largetheir geographical coverage to review regularly the commercial trade listed in species in Appendix II and, in some cases, (see figure)2. Although the ratification rate of the eleratedCMS has inacc recent years, a prohibit the international trade throughxport national bans ore by moving species to Appendix I. stronger commitment to the conservationy birdsof migrator and other animals is needed, particularly in the Americas, Asia, the andMiddle the EastPacific. The Convention on As with CITES, the biggest changes in thees-lists CMS specihave taken place in Appendix II Wetlands needs more contracting partiesicas, in the Asia, Amer Africa and the Middle (see figure). A number of international haveAgreements been adopted under CMS for its East. A number of countries in Asia andEast, the whereMiddle significant international Appendix II bird species. For example,of the waterfowl listing in 1979 led eventually to the commercial trade in wild birds occurs,join have CITES. yet to Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasianigratory Waterbirds M (AEWA) in 1995, which entered into force in 1999 (see istingbox 4). of The albatrosses l in Appendix II in 1997 SOURCES1. http://www.ecolex.org.2. Data from websites of the Conventions. enabled the subsequent adoption of the Agreement the Conservation on of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), which entered into forceowever, in 2004. for H many of the species listed in In principle, the governments of most countriese agreed tohav work together to conserve the CMS Appendices, inter-governmental Agreementsnd action plans a have not yet been biodiversity and protect the 2biosphere planned or concluded.

WHC 200 As of November 2003, 191 countries are smember of the United state Nations SOURCEData from websites of the Conventions. CITES 180 Ramsar During the past 25 years, under CITES andrnments CMS, havegove agreed to take special 160 conservation measures for an increasingird number species of b UNCLOS 1400 140 CMS 120 CBD 1200 100 CITES Appendix I P. 67: Black-winged 'Stilt LUBOMIR ANDREEV/BSPB UNFCCC 1000 80 CITES Appendix II UNCCD 60 800 CMS Appendix I

40 CMS Appendix II 600 20

0 400 For further information visit Number of contracting parties to convention 1975 1980 19851990 1995 2000 6656 www.birdlife.org 200

0 Number of bird species listed on Appendices 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 67 tabase. . Nearly. . 2 NoneofIBA designated Allor part of IBA designated 2 onover the WHC)andthe 24% . New York: United Nations. , according to the R ve not yet been nominated for d thedBiosphere Programme. Europe (2,083 IBAs) al coherenceal within thewider . World Summit on Sustainable Development allminority arebenefiting from 1 76% nismsNrespectivelyasQWetlands of asandtoidentify those that are es:theConvention Wetlandson

Plan of implementation ofbiodiversity loss isto be 25% . Analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Da 40%ofthese sites arecurrently lacking eitherstatutory protection thenationalat levelinternationalor recognition Ramsaras Sites,natural World Heritage Sites or BiosphereReserves (seefigure) SOURCES 2 threateneddysfunctional.or Becausesuch judgementsinternationallyare agreed, nationsaremore likely toco-operate in helpingalleviateto theproblems. Likewise, Species Migratory on Convention the for seen are areas protected of networks (CMS), species. migratory conserving in pivotal as TheAgreement theonConservation of African-EurasianMigratoryWaterbirds (AEWA)isthe largest multilateral Agreementconcluded under theCMS sofar (seebox 2).AEWA aims toconserve 235 speciesofmigratory waterbird that useone oftheworldRs major flyways, spanning 117 countriesinAfrica, Europe, theMiddle East andparts ofAsia and Canada. There are at least2,252 ImportantBirdAreas (IBAs) withintheAEWA flyway thatsupport globallysignificant congregations oneorof moreofthe AEWA-listed species (2002) 3,4,5 Wetlands of International Importance Q 75% oundary ecological networks a reality, if al or regional conventions, but many more elpedtoincrease significantly that small proporti 14% RamsarConvention), theWorld Heritage Convention ( Africa (586 IBAs) Middle East (122 IBAs) Many IBAs qualify as criteria of the Convention on Wetlands, but many ha this designation by governments 86% criteriaforofficial recognition under these mecha (WHC)andthe Biosphere Reserves ofUNESCORs Manan conceptandcangive site networks moreinternation tesprocessa toreview thestatus ofprotected are itageSites andBiosphere ReservesNso faronly sma . r g theg rdLife countryboundaries, are needed urgently ifthe rate conservation andgood management particularof sit nglyuse . Cambridge, UK:

Important Bird Areas in

Africa . BirdLife International 4

Important Bird Areas and 2

Important Bird Areas in Africa and Important Bird Areas in Europe . Evans, ed. (1994) 3 . However,. thedocumentation ofsites asIBAs hash 1,2,3 . Wageningen, The Netherlands: BirdLife . At theAtglobal. level, theConvention Wetlandson ( 1 . BirdLife International (2001) 5 . Newbury & Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications & Bi (see also pp.60M61, boxes 2 and 3). and 2 (seealsopp.60M61, boxes 2 . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. . Heath & Evans, eds (2000) 2 . Fishpool & Evans, eds (2001) 1 Many Important Bird Areas are now listed under glob International agreements can be used to make transb governments give enough support qualify and are not yet listed Important Bird Areas and potential Ramsar Sites in 3 4 InternationalImportanceR (Ramsar Sites), World Her suchstatus (see figure) BirdLife International. International. (2002) Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Therearethree global initiatives thatpromote the SOURCES (RamsarConvention), theWorld Heritage Convention Althoughmany Important Bird Areas (IBAs) meet the International. last20 years,legislatorsas andplanners increasi nationalIBAinventories evaluatingin andimprovin effectivenessprotected-areaof networks under thei jurisdiction

associated islands the Middle East potential Ramsar Sites in Europe At least 871 sites of global importance for migratory waterbirds remain unprotected within the AEWA region IBAsinCentral Asia and west Siberia not yet documented(due by2005) Ecologicalnetworks ofprotected areas, that cross ManandtheBiosphere Programme allemphasize this landscape/seascape.Each ofthese systems incorpora significantlyreduced ). ). box 1 ), and it is notable that boxes and2 3 ). Many significant gaps in box 4 At the broader ecosystem box 1 an effective mechanism for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions has yet to be ratified under the UN Convention on Climate Change ( Gaps in coverageremainin Gaps significant Currently, there still exist some important gaps in geographical coverage that reduce the effectiveness of these treaties ( biologicalcoverage remain aswell, inthat conservation actions are still not being taken for species and sites that are of agreed relevance( level, only one international convention deals with the conservation of a large-scale ecologicalprocess (migration: see Weak obligationsWeakand implementationpoor reducedtreatiesRhave effectiveness In practice, contractual obligations on governments have tended to be vaguely or weakly formulated, so as to attractmaximum participation. Necessary measures are often not spelled out clearly, and so are not implemented well or quickly. In addition, direct inter- governmental monitoring or control of implementation is often difficult. Over time, however, obligations and targets can be improved, e.g. through the adoption of protocols or agreed work programmes. Paper commitments available Qnew and additionalR Agreements 1 National biodiversity legislation and planningfailing are must be turned into financial resources to developing biodiversity and need strengthening must be made action countries. These have failed to Few countries have yet QmainstreamedRconservation biodiversity into their legislation and to work, The negotiation and adoption of materialise, crippling policy, and made provision for raising theeded money for long-term ne investment. Many still retain a range of financial incentives tallythat incidenact to destroy biodiversity, rather than the Convention on Biological conservation efforts in the 1 through look after. itSo, for example, the European UnionRs Commoncultural Policy Agri soaks
45 up Diversity (CBD) represented a developing billion of taxpayersR money each year,side-effect yet has the of devastating countryside biodiversity, as shown by declines in farmland populations bird (see p. 8, box 1). There is political will realisation of the crucial world. experience of alternative approaches tor exampledraw on, info Costa Rica, where taxes importance of biodiversity to on fuel, hydrological services and provisiondiversity of bioand scenic beauty have been backed by used to invest in the retention and managementatural forests of2,3 .n national and global well-being. As part of implementing the Conventionl onDiversity Biologica (CBD), more than 80 real resources The evidence for this has countries have produced National Biodiversityegies and Strat Action Plans (NBSAPs), strengthened further in often with support from the Global Environmentlity. However, Faci these rarely demonstrate how biodiversity conservationntegrated will be into i broader land-use and Internationally agreed the last decade, but economic decisions. Their technical content patchy. is Aalso BirdLife analysis suggests that only a minority of NBSAPS adequatelyhe conservation address t of Globally commitments to while Parties to the CBD Threatened Birds (GTBs) and ImportantBAs). Bird Areas This study (I looked at 36 biodiversity conservation (see p. 66, box 1) make NBSAPs from around the world, focusingries on thewith count the highest importance for GTBs in Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe,East/Central Middle Asia and the Pacific and need to be enshrined in important commitments with completed and available NBSAPs (seenly 14%figure). of theO NBSAPs analysed national legislation and concerning the gave high priority to bird species conservation,rough the developmentth of Species Action Plans and recognition of internationalments (e.g.agree CITES and CMS: see pp. made effective in practice. conservation of 66M67) or regional treaties. In many cases,APs recognise the NBS the importance of There is need for a biodiversity, its sustainable the country concerned for threatened species not propose but do a clear strategy and effective actions for their conservation.28% However, of the NBSAPs analysed lend strong dramatic scaling-up, use, and access to its support to the conservation and sustainableIBAs, byuse developing of protected-area both nationally and benefits, these are only networks and identifying gaps in protected-areaerage. Often, cov the protected areas include Ramsar-listed wetland sites (see 3). p. 67, box patchily and inadequately internationally, of the In general, the better and more accessibleonal informationthe nati on species and sites, resources available for realised in national legislation the better the coverage in NBSAPs and elopedthe tools to devsafeguard a countryRs biodiversity. As an International Thematicint for Focal the PoClearing House Mechanism conservation, from a and planning (see box 1). Under of the CBD, BirdLife aims to make scientificallyund information so on bird much wider range of article 20(2) of the CBD, developed species and available for the better development and moreHow well is the conservation of GTBs andssed IBAs addre sources—including the countries promised to make effective implementation ofby 36 NBSAPs? NBSAPs. private sector. GTBs IBAs SOURCES1. Myers & Kent (2001)Perverse 14% 22% subsidies: how tax dollars can undercut the 28% environment and the economy. Washington DC: Weakly Island Press.2. Castro et al. (1998)The Costa Rican experience with market instruments to Moderately 25% mitigate climate change and conserve Effectively biodiversity. San José, Costa Rica: Fundecor & MINAE.3. Chomitzet al. (1999)Sci. Total Envt 61% 240: 157–169. 50%

P. 68: Italian Government minister' W. VERHEUGT

For further information visit 6856 www.birdlife.org State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 69 s anIBAs on to Rssingto UraniumRs d thedbreeding sites ofDamara local businesses, theMinistry of to achieveto sustainable BirdingRoute, managed by tionandbusiness skills. Thishasa pretationshorebirdofa IBAat constructivecommunity relations Programme.Under this individuals from the local ociety(BirdLife inthe USA) nescoastal dune sand, the thactivities that directly impact the enefitstobird conservation. The rmgains even ifthese come at ncorporatingbiodiversity values into a partnershipa withBirdLife erebiodiversity conservation is havestakea biodiversityin lopedregulation, hasitoften gainsforbiodiversity while achieving dressthecompanyRs sustainable utationalgains. Working in ectiveconservation andmanagement d Areasd (IBAs) that are close to avoidcostlyconfrontation, improve (Near Threatened). TheternsR main breeding site i Sternadamarensis Businesses need to take biodiversity on board InSouth Africa atRichards Bay, where RioTinto mi businesshelps support theRichards BayAvitourism BirdLifeSouth Africa. Notably, the programme helps communitiesdevelopto boththeir nature-interpreta multipliereffect inbuilding local support foreff theofIBAs. Thus, theprogramme helps communities Namibia,In Rssing Uranium hasworked closely with EnvironmentandTourism andlocala NGOto safeguar Inthe USA, projecta run bythe National Audubon S addressesvisitor access, site management andinter GreatSalt Lake inUtah. This project buildstheonmanagement anof adjacentshorebird reservepurchased (asmitigation formine a development) Kennecottby UtahCopper, another Rio business.Tinto programme,IBAsarehighlights within theZululand livelihoodsthatdependconservationNandon builds Tern forRio Tinto. thecoast between Swakopmund andWalvis Bay,close operations. Thesepartnerships achievingare benefits thatare locally relevant, yet aligned with regionalglobalandconservation frameworksandwithwider business objectives. Thecorporate sector often haspoora reputation wh concerned.Especially countriesin withweakly deve appearedthat businesses arehappy totake short-te tremendousenvironmental cost. However,some more far-sighted businesses, often wi environment,areincreasingly recognising thatthey conservation.Thismakes sound business sense:i by operationalstrategicand planning, businesses can theirlicence operateto andachieve meaningful rep partnershipwithconservation a NGOcan bring real businessgoals. RioTinto,multinational a mining company, hassuch International.Thisworks number ain ways ofadto developmentobjectives while achieving rangea ofb partnershiphasparticular a focus onImportant Bir individualRioTintobusinesses. Forexample: # # # 3 fits of conserving Activecosts e.g.establishing andmanaging Nationala Park Passivecosts e.g.loss ofpotential farmland Consumptiveuses plants medicinal of provision e.g. Nature-basedtourism e.g.visits birdwatchersby Localisedecosystemservices e.g.dry-season waterflows Dispersedecosystemservices e.g.carbon storage Option,existence bequestandvalues e.g.genetic reservoir rea) at the local, relative size ofthe benefit orcost Global , andthe,scale whichat these apply. roughlost opportunities for onalpark. Butalthough these substantial.They areonereason whyit 1 carbon credits. However, the However, credits. carbon is of needed amount the resources be must source major the that such governments. by raised revenue, tax who those globally, and Nationally biodiversity from benefit dispersed its including conservation, existence and services ecosystem for pay to prepared be must values, vanish. it watch than rather it, National . Indeveloping. countries, local communities 1 Local vation should pay the costs

Thesize ofthe circles illustrates theapproximate COSTS BENEFITS Rough representation of the relative costs and bene biodiversity (e.g. at a particular Important Bird A national and global scales 298:

Science ), and developing new developing and ), ralheritage; andas and threatened.and f thefQpassiveR costs, such asbenefits foregone th globalscales. These e thereeare bly-harvestedforest national and global and national e peoplee than s beensinadequate information costson andbenefits ues).These services terms. They include gicalservices) are thisproblem, atleast conceptualata level rsion. s,although rarely taken into account, canbevery eoplebecome more apply where the local s throughs newincome- elopmentRprojects climateregulation. They these appear to be to appear these l Diversity, developed Diversity, l is a worthwhile, indeed worthwhile, a is box 3 box l payment for global goods global for payment l enenjoyed atdistances optionvalues), thevalue alues)andthe chance to rsity goods and services. and goods rsity rvationNforexample, thebudget formanaging natia markets for conservation-friendly for markets and services ecosystem products, increase of the resources available resources the of increase pp. (see conservation in invest to are There many innovative 54–55). this, about go to how about ideas donors, private involving including sector commercial encouraging partnerships and investments ( e costs of conservation to conservation of costs e commitments. ly and globally, that globally, and ly Ferraro & Kiss (2002) 2. . By far the biggest obstacle is the is obstacle biggest the far By . 2 ). 37: 238–250.

Oryx box 2 box Balmford & Whitten (2003) 1. Those who enjoy the benefits of biodiversity conser 2 1718–1719. biodiversity conservation needs to be paid for and and for paid be to needs conservation biodiversity globa of principle the While investment. essential, Biologica on Convention the in enshrined already is their to up live to failed dismally have countries lack of political or societal recognition, national recognition, societal or political of lack generallypaylittle ofthe QactiveR costs ofconse communitiesareoften impoverished, they paymost o conversionorexploitation (see figure). These cost isoften sodifficult tomake Qconservation and dev work.Such projects usually trytooffset such cost generatingschemes,instance for marketing sustaina products,bee-keeping nature-basedor tourism. Whil successfulexamples ofthis approach, itishard to benefits(even including those from localised ecolo substantiallylessthan those offered landbyconve Thedifficulty isthat the biggest benefits are oft remotefromthe conserved areaNat thenational and benefitsare also very hard toquantify inmonetary therole ofnatural habitats incarbon storage and alsoinclude thepossibility ofuse in the future ( habitatofa orspecies still existing (existence v passbenefitson futureto generations (bequest val andvalues accrue atlargera scale and tomany mor localisedservices. Their importance will grow asp numerous,more wealthy andmore aware oftheir natu naturalhabitats becomemore diminished, fragmented th of more that is analysis this of implication The the from payments by met be must communities local biodive of delivery continued the for beneficiaries difficulties, of number a raise payments such While practice in and principle in both soluble Recentanalyses arebeginning togettogrips with A perennialA problem biodiversityin conservation ha SOURCES The mismatchbetweenThe conservationandcosts addressing needs benefits biodiversity of benefits and costs The at skewed very still are conservation the large, and By scales. different the while locally borne are costs scale— wider a on accrue benefits ( globally and nationally Covering the costs requires a major a requires costs the Covering We need a Are we on track to sustainabilityR (Millennium Bird data will be key for thus make a major contribution to achieve our targets? Development Goal 7) and to a global biodiversity a global monitoring scheme (see better way Is the world making progress Qreverse the loss of environmental monitoring system box 1). A suite of bird indicators of tracking towards the goal, agreed at the resourcesR (Millennium The challenges of setting up a for sustainable development is 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development Target 9)? global system for monitoring now taking shape—indicators progressN Development, to achieve Qa Unfortunately, it is difficult to biodiversity are big. Such a that should eventually become and birds significant reduction in the current tell. There is presently no system will have to rely on as familiar as economic ones. In can help rate of loss of biological diversityR systematic global framework for sampling, since we can’t measure this report, we have already by the year 2010? Are we on track generating and interpreting data everything everywhere. Bird given some examples of national to Qensure environmental on the loss of biodiversity. populations are much easier to and regional indicators based on Birds can provide a key monitor than many other bird populations (box 2; also part of a global components of biodiversity, and p. 8, box 1), and shown for the monitoring system, 1 Towards a global monitoring system for biodiversity there is already much bird first time a practical and using data from the How can we measure progress towards the 2010 target to reduce the rate of monitoring taking place across the meaningful Red List index based rapidly growing number biodiversity loss? After much discussion on this topic during 2003, the 9th meetingworld, of co-ordinated by a whole on the threat status of all the of people who enjoy the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to therange of organisations. Birds can world’s birds (see pp. 16–17). birdwatching. Convention on Biological Diversity recommended that the following indicators should be tested immediately

1:

1. Trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems habitats and 2. Trends in abundance and distribution ofecies selected sp 3. Change in status of threatened species 4. Trends in genetic diversity of domesticated, cultivated animals plants and fish species of major socio-economic importance 5. Coverage of protected areas

and that indicators for the following shouldeloped: be dev

6. Threats to biodiversity 7. Ecosystem goods and services 8. Equitable sharing of benefits arising fromof genetic the use resources.

All these indicators need to be scaleablel to from national, loca regional and global levels.

Conservation NGOs are already collectingnts large of data amou that could be used to construct this small set of high-level versityglobal biodiindicators. Five of these eight proposed indicators (nos. 1, 2, 3, 5 andready 7) have been al suggested by a grouping of around a dozen NGOs (including BirdLifeal) Internation as a coherent set that can build on existing efforts with minimal extra2. cost P. 70: Bird monitoring, Indonesia' A. COMPOST/BIRDLIFE

Birdwatchers, Saudi Arabia' BIRDLIFE More work is needed to make these ideasHowever, a reality. monitoring of bird species

P. 71: Corn Bunting' DENNIS BRIGHT and Important Bird Areas (IBAs) can potentiallytribute substantially con to many of these Grassland monitoring, Kinangop, Kenya indicators. Examples in this report showators that for indic trends in abundance and ' NATURE KENYA distribution of selected species (see box. 8, box2; also 1) andp change in status of threatened species (pp. 16M17) are alreadye for availablbirds. Monitoring of IBAs (box 3) will help in tracking the extent (and electedquality) biomes, of s ecosystems and habitats, as well as the coverage and status of protectedas, threats are to biodiversity, and (potentially) ecosystem goods and services.ually eachIndivid of these datasets has its strengths and weaknesses; but taken as bird a suite, indicators the we already have, or For further information visit soon will have, can make a major contributionasuring to progress. me 7056 www.birdlife.org SOURCES1. http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meetings/cop/cop-07/official/cop-07-04-en.pdf2. Kennedy, ed. (2003) Reducing the rate of biodiversity loss: towards a setle ofindicators. scaleab Unpublished report. State of the world’s birds 2004 RESPONSE What birds tell us about solutions 71 ). box3 nderdevelopment inEurope. tinuinginvestment isneeded in For the indicators under indicators the For atesfullya participatory approach, so now being expanded strategically elsewhere in the world, as BirdLife Partnercapacity permits ( development in Europe, birds offer birds in Europe, development wide a across coverage continental long relatively habitats; of range annual and data of time-series sound scientifically monitoring; high extensive, providing methods standardised internationally quality, national at analysis and datasets; basis The levels. international and cost-effective a is collection data for co- professionally of network and the volunteers, ordinated and scientific of collaboration organisations. management nature . Dakar: Wetlands International. ),and (for erage box 2 Astrategy for birds

African Waterbird Census 1998 (see p. 1). For each kind . (1998) untriesacross Africa, and similara framework isu

et al rtGroups (SSGs), project ntfeedback ontheinformation they provide, socon theyareover-ambitious. e datae required are verallrating for each site. ginvolves regular , arelinked, closely into ringdesign varies but is Yetdata must becollected 2 onlyoccasional helpand supervision. Thisnecessit e, right). e, s of the Kinangop Grasslands Kinangop the of s pensiveaspossible. Existing law (Endangered), assess (Endangered), law of monitoring,of appropriate indicators of change can be calculated.alreadyapproachThisis being implemented in Europe, where it relies on the national bird and IBA monitoring schemes of BirdLife Partners ( BirdLife takes a three-BirdLifeatakes approachpronged BirdLife’smonitoring framework encompassesGlobally Threatened Birds,Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and common birds, corresponding tothe objectives for species, sites andhabitats in and people common birds) the European Bird Census Council. Bird monitoring is . Dodman . This means that organisations that means This . 2 ivities. For example, members of members example, For ivities. evere oodland oodland species uses atwo-tier system to obtain both breadth (cov 1 . Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. . Data.for theindex come 1

al framework edbythe BirdLife Partnership inaround dozena co t astone ofits fifteen headline trained personnel areoften difficult tosustain. eeffort at asample of sites). Basic IBA monitorin e withepolicy-makers, politicians and instindicators ofstate, pressure and response. Th d Censusd co-ordinated Wetlandsby International olunteers.Qualitative data are scored to give an o ta.Those ontheground also need toreceive releva meworkfor Africa m grassland to cropland (or vice versa) (see pictur (see versa) vice (or cropland to grassland m priority sites, where capacity permits. The monito d onsited bymanagement authority staff, Site Suppo ctive, it is important to institutionalise the work the institutionalise to important is it ctive, tries,manymonitoring systems havefailed because beworthless. analysis an SSG in Kenya, are monitoring three separate area separate three monitoring are Kenya, in SSG an nvolvedshould ablebecontinueto monitoring with , carry out monitoring as part of their routine act routine their of part as monitoring out carry , isalways designed tobeassimple, robust andinex simplifying,user-driven, policy-relevant, he monitoring teams count numbers of SharpeRs Longc SharpeRs of numbers count teams monitoring he Woodlandspecies (33) Farmlandspecies (19) Allspecies (106) 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002

80 60 40

Trends since 1970 for common birds in the UK show s declines in both farmland and, less dramatically, w 120 100 Population index (1970 = 100) = (1970 index Population d Kingdom

Monitoring Important Bird Areas in Africa: a region . Bennun (2003) 1 Monitoring Important Bird Areas in Africa d byc.12d national observers. Over 32 species. However, ationdoes notrelate to decline isdue to lectsseverea largely stable d birdd species has been adopted bythe UKgovernmen (both ofwhich are 5, 3 nationalco-ordination. TheIBA monitoring framework isnow being implement based at the site, such as a parks authority or SSG or authority parks a as such site, the at based Plateau, Kinangop of Friends the of branches three t fields sample of set selected carefully a In IBA. thatthemonitors QownR both theprocess andthe da theIBAmonitoring programme. cost-effe methods monitoring the keeping as well As Systemsthat rely onexpensive equipment andhighly systematicallyandhighto a standard, orthey will BirdLifeRsImportant Bird Area (IBA) monitoring fra Monitoringcostly.is Especially developingin coun SOURCES Oncegiven someinitial training, theindividuals i grassland condition and measure areas converted fro converted areas measure and condition grassland DetailedIBA monitoring takes place atsub-seta of tightlylinked tosite conservation objectives. It birdcounting schemes, suchtheasAfrican Waterbir ofthe entire IBA network) and depth (more intensiv assessment,usually once per year, ofevery IBA aga workers,members of the BirdLife Partner or other v simpleandmainly qualitative. They canbe collecte affectingboth birds and lyunderstood, realistic tocollect andamenable to ofaneffective bio-indicator, being quantitative, sustainabledevelopment. Suchindexan hasresonanc testo biodiversity in the

Proceedings of the European Bird Figure kindly provided by Richard Gregory (Royal . (in press)

et al Gregory Birds as a QQuality of LifeR indicator in the Unite fromwidea range ofsources inschemes co-ordinate organisationsandare mainly collected byvolunteer years,theindex (see figure) shows fluctuating but populationsover thewhole setof106 breeding bird farmlandbirds have declined dramatically. This ref deteriorationinthequality offarmland habitats, otherelements ofbiodiversity. Such habitat degrad therarest species, norto Special Protection Areas criticalelements of biodiversity); rather, it rela widercountryside. There isgood evidence that this widespreadintensification agricultureof (see3 p. box2).Woodland birds alsoshowsubstantial, a thoughlessprecipitous, decline, suggesting that woodlandhabitats arealso trouble.in similarA compositeindex forfarmland birds hasnow been developedfor Europe as awhole (see p. 8, box 1). Society for the Protection of Birds, UK). indicators,setout150ofaofcore indicators of thepublic alike. Italso meets thekey attributes scientificallycredible, responsive tochange, easi Anindex based onpopulation trends inseta ofwil SOURCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

2 Census Council Conference, Hungary 2001. Birds make Biodiversity conservation painting over the cracks. The Birds provide a focus birds, grow local pride in special requires social and major challenges are not scientific, for positive change wildlife. They help to develop us aware of political changes but social and political. Until Birds are an excellent gateway democratic structures, the vital The state of the world’s birds is enough people are aware of the to understanding the empowering individuals and deteriorating. This signifies issues and can directly influence environment. Appreciating birds communities to take control and choices that deeper problems in our their elected leaders, progress and their conservation problems ensure wise use of their own we face environment and in the way we towards a sustainable world will leads to a deeper understanding resources. The millions of look after our world. There is remain slow. What is clear is that of our relationship with the members of BirdLife Partners We need a fundamental much we can do right away to the choices we make will have a Earth—and why humanity around the world are a sign of shift in the way we look save birds and other biodiversity, real impact on the diversity of life needs to change its values and growing public awareness and after our world—and but lasting solutions require with which we share the Earth, behaviour. Important Bird Area activism, the beginning of real this is a political lasting changes—we need and which forms our own life- Site Support Groups (see pp. societal changes. It is challenge. More than fundamental rebuilding, not just support system (see box 1). 62–63), building from a focus on encouraging that bird- and any other wildlife, birds

are a gateway to 1 Security or sustainability first? The fate icof Bird Endem Areas depends on the choices we make environmental It is hard to foresee the future. To help, understanding, and a we can use scenariosNdescriptions of possible futures based on a variety of focal point to empower assumptions, uncertainties and anticipated new factors. Scenarios do people for change. not predict the future, but they sketch out what might happen under different assumptions. For the Global Environment Outlook 3

1, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) outlined four plausible scenarios:

1. QMarkets FirstR: a world in which market-driven developments converge on the values and expectations that prevail in industrialised (i)QSecurity FirstR countries. 2000

2030 2. QPolicy FirstR: a world where strong actions are 2050 taken by governments to reach specific social and environmental goals.

3. QSecurity FirstR: a world of great disparities, where inequality and conflict prevail, brought about by socio-economic and environmental stresses. P. 72: London traffic' ANDREW HAY/RSPB-IMAGES P. 73: Mural painting, Mount Kupe, Cameroon 4. QSustainability FirstR:a world in ' MARK EDWARDS/BIRDLIFE which a new development paradigm Save the Bustard campaign march,' BNHS India emerges in response to the challenge of Children from Chureka School, Zimbabwe sustainability, supported by new, more ' BIRDLIFE ZIMBABWE equitable values and institutions.

2 (a) Predicted expansion of agricultural0 land under to two205 (ii)QSustainability R First Q R Q R GEO3 scenarios:Security (i) First and (ii)Sustainability First 2000 For further information visit 2030 7256 www.birdlife.org Colours indicate the period in which habitatshave been that little modified by human activity will be converted to agricultural land 2050 State of the world’s birds 2004 nature-focused membership people and A strategy for birds 2 Membership of bird conservation organisationsowing is world-wide gr organisations are going from and people, describe in more strength to strength in detail what the BirdLife The BirdLife Partnership of more than 100non-governmental national organisations(a) hasThe membership of Ligue pour la Protection grown from an estimated 1.7 million members to well in over 1994 2.3 million membersdes Oiseaux, the BirdLife Partner in France, has developing, as well as Partnership is doing and world-wide. In many countries, this membershiplready a significant is a voice for thegrown 10-fold in the last 20 years environment (see figure a). Many more elongindividuals to local b conservation 40,000 developed, countries (box 2). planning to bring about real, organisations. The largest BirdLife Partnersill found are in st developed countries, where But we do not have much time. positive change. Birds, people tend to have substantial 35,000 disposable income and the tradition30,000 of (b) Recent growth in membership of leisure birdwatching is often strong. Our options are narrowing fast, seemingly among the most NatureUganda, the BirdLife Partner in UgandaHowever, Partners are growing fast25,000 in many developing countries. The BirdLife20,000 giving us perhaps just a decade fragile of animals, may yet help 700 Partner in Uganda still has few members compared to the countryRs population15,000 600 or two to prevent our planet form the foundation for (c.22 million people) but the

Number of members 10,000 RESPONSE 500 membership is increasing at a rapid rate being irretrievably building a better world. (figure b) and has influence out of 5,000 400 proportion to its size. Like other BirdLifes, NatureUganda Partner also engages many 0 impoverished. This report’s other people in rural areas around IBAs, expanding through an set of local Site Support 300 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 companion publications, Groups and many school and college students. 200

Working together for birds and Number of members 100

0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Data kindly provided by Karen Mounierla (Ligue Protection pour des Oiseaux, France) and Achilles 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 Byaruhanga (NatureUganda).

Under each scenario, the spatial extentgricultural of future landa has been modelled by What birds tell us about solutions about us tell birds What the Netherlands National Institute of Public and the Health Environment (RIVM)2. solutions about us tell birds What Distributions of cropland and pasture are to half-degreeallocated squares, taking into account current ecosystems, soil suitabilityrigation and potential ir (see figure a).

What are the implications for birds? Byulture 1995, was agric estimated to cover 37% of the worldRs land surface. The model predictshis would that rise t to 43% by 2050 under the QSecurity FirstR scenario, comparede to under no chang QSustainability FirstR. Endemic Bird Areas (see pp.3 already22M23) have a much higher proportion of land , under agriculture, c.42%, than the world (see as ap. whole 32, box 1). Under the QSecurity FirstR scenario, 56% of theirely area to be is usedlik for agriculture by 2050. In contrast, under the QSustainability FirstR scenario this figure might rise only to 45%, not much greater than todayRs (b)level Differences in the future expansion of (figure b). This difference is very sizeable.agricultural land under four global The impacts of the choices we make willdevelopment scenarios are much greater be amplified in some of the worldRs mostwithin EBAs than for the world as a whole important places for birds and other biodiversity. Which world will people inhabit five 60 decades from nowNand what wild birds will Endemic Bird Areas it retain? The choices are ours.

50

40

SOURCES1. UNEP (2002)Global Environment Outlook 3: Rest of world 30 past, present and future perspectives. London: Earthscan.2. Alcamoet al., eds (1998)Global change scenarios ofst the 21 century: results from the IMAGE 2.1 Oxford: model. Pergamon. 3. Stattersfieldet al. (1998)Endemic Bird Areas of the world: 20 % land under agriculture priorities for biodiversity conservation.Cambridge, UK: BirdLife Security First International.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Figures and text kindly Policy First provided by Jörn Scharlemann, Rhys Greenl Society (both Roya10 Markets First for the Protection of Birds and Conservationy Group, Biolog Sustainability First University of Cambridge, UK) and Andrew Balmford (Conservation Biology Group, Universitye, of UK). Cambridg 0 73 Data kindly provided by Bas Eickhout (RIVM,herlands). The Net 1990 2010 2030 2050 THE BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

Andorra Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Belarus Belgium Belize Bolivia Botswana Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Canada Canada Cook Islands

Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Finland FranceFrench Polynesia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar

Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kenya Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Liechtenstein Lithuania

Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Paraguay Philippines Poland Portugal

Romania Russia Rwanda Samoa Saudi Arabia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Suriname Sweden Switzerland Taiwan

Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Uganda Ukraine UK Uruguay USA Venezuela Zambia Zimbabwe

Together, these publications present the state of the world’s birds, and the actions and future directions of the BirdLife Partnership www.birdlife.org