Conservation Action Saved 16 Bird Species from Extinction in the Decade 1994-2004

A research group affiliated with BirdLife International (BI), an international bird conservation organization, found that conservation activities in various countries have saved 16 species of critically endangered birds from extinction between 1994 and 2004, the organization announced on August 24, 2006. In their paper "How many bird extinctions have we prevented?" (Oryx, Vol. 40, No. 3, July 2006), the researchers quantified the results of conservation activities in order to assess their effectiveness--the first attempt of this kind in the world.

Targeting about 240 bird species around the world, the research group examined population sizes and other information for the period 1994 to 2004, and estimated effects of conservation activities and probable changes in population numbers in the absence of such activities. Conservation activities undertaken by BI and other organizations include habitat protection and management, control of invasive species, and captive breeding and release. Such conservation activities have resulted in an increase in the population of Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) in China from 22 to 360 individuals, and of the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) in the United States from nine to 128 individuals.

The 16 species that experienced improvements, however, represent only 1.3 percent of all those threatened with extinction. Many other species slipped closer to extinction during the same period, including 164 species that deteriorated in status sufficiently to be uplisted to higher categories of extinction risk on the Red List kept by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The paper notes that even for the 16 species saved, increased conservation efforts will be needed to keep them from extinction.

The major causes for the declines in bird populations were habitat loss and degradation (88%), invasive species (50%), and exploitation (38%), with exploitation and invasive species posing relatively more urgent threats. Mr. Noritaka Ichida, Director of BirdLife Asia Division, says, "We should set numerical targets in implementing our conservation programs in Japan as well, and pay more attention to low-profile species, such as the Amami Woodcock (Scolopax mira Harrtert) and the Japanese Murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume)."

http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2006/08/prevented.html

Posted: 2007/01/27 07:08:51 PM
Japanese version