The subject of global bird conservation has recently drawn considerable attention following the publication of ‘State of the World’s Birds,’ an annual review that provides insights into the environmental health as indicated by avian population trends. Nearly half of all known bird species are reported to be showing declining population numbers. This article delves into key findings of the report and discusses recommendations to address the identified issues.
‘State of the World’s Birds’ Report Key Findings
The review, which indicates a worrying trend in avian biodiversity worldwide, attributes the threat to around 48% of the 10,994 recognised extant species of birds to factors such as increasing human intrusion into the natural world and climate change. While 39% (4,295 species) showed stable population trends, only about 7% or 778 species demonstrated an upward trajectory in their population count. The population trend of 37 species remains undetermined.
Data for this study was drawn from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, offering a comprehensive overview of the changing fortunes of global bird species.
The Indian Scenario
Similar unsettling trends can be observed in India, with declining bird diversity noted among 146 species studied. Roughly 80% of these species show dwindling numbers, with almost half facing a steep population decline. Only a meagre 6% of the species had stable populations while 14% showed a growth in their numbers. Species most under threat were indigenous bird species, raptors, and those inhabiting forests and grasslands.
Predominant Causes of Decline
The review cites habitat degradation, loss of natural habitats, and direct overexploitation of many species as the primary threats to avian biodiversity. For example, a substantial 37% of the remaining bird species are kept as common or exotic pets, while 14% are used as a food source, exemplifying overexploitation. Interestingly, humans consume 14% of the world’s existing bird species. The threat to natural grasslands is particularly severe, affecting regions in North America, Europe, and India apart from tropical forests.
Recommended Conservation Measures
To effectively combat the decline in avian biodiversity, several strategic actions are recommended. These include deriving reliable estimates of population abundance and change, devising novel and efficient solutions for reducing the demand for over-harvested wild birds, and monitoring green energy transitions which can have negative impacts on bird populations if improperly implemented.
Furthermore, active eradication of invasive alien species and shifting human societies towards sustainable development pathways economically are also suggested.