Why hundreds of birds may go extinct in the next coming years
The potential loss of unique species like the bare-necked umbrellabird and helmeted hornbill could severely impact ecosystems. Projections suggest that up to 250 bird species may disappear, even with conservation efforts, with some being too vulnerable to survive without direct intervention.
How climate and hunting threaten global bird diversity
According to Earth.com, a recent study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution analysing nearly 10,000 bird species found that birds are particularly vulnerable due to hunting pressure and climate stress.
Birds with broad wings, often found in forests, are especially threatened by habitat destruction.
The expected loss of these species could lead to a 3.2% decline in global bird functional diversity over the next century, which may seem small but would have significant ecosystem impacts. Large, unique birds often play irreplaceable roles, and their disappearance would leave gaps that other birds cannot fill, ultimately damaging the ecosystem balance.
Why do hundreds of birds need more than just a safer habitat
Researchers found that even in the best-case scenario, where all human threats are eliminated, around 250 species would still face extinction. This accounts for nearly half of the projected losses, highlighting that some species are too vulnerable to survive without targeted conservation efforts.
Birds like the Cebu flowerpecker, with fewer than 70 individuals remaining, may require specific interventions like habitat restoration or captive breeding to prevent their disappearance.
The study emphasizes that reducing threats alone is insufficient, as past damage and small, isolated populations continue to pose significant risks.
Addressing specific threats to the unique birds
Habitat loss affects over 1,600 bird species, but other threats like hunting and accidental deaths have a greater impact on preserving unique bird traits. Reducing these specific threats can be more effective in conserving rare bird features, even if it doesn't save as many species overall.
Certain birds, such as those with long tails and short beaks, are more vulnerable to hunting, and those with broad wings are more affected by habitat destruction. This insight can inform targeted conservation efforts.
Protecting birds that shape our ecosystem
With 100 functionally unique species protected, over two-thirds of the global functional diversity of birds could be protected. These species, like nectar-feeders or seed dispersers, serve vital ecological roles with unique characteristics. Certainly, by saving around 37 of those, we could achieve this - since 1993, 21-32 have already been protected. This might be successful with a few years of dedicated conservation.
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