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1250 bird species may be extinct by 2100 mongabay.com July 4, 2006 Two new studies paint a mixed future for the world's bird populations, one suggesting that 12 percent of existing species could be extinct by 2100 and the other finding shifts in migration patterns among birds that migrate long distances. The discrepancy between the extinction estimates stems from the inclusion of previously unknown bird species only recently discovered as fossilized remains in addition to bird species that haven't been seen in decades but were never officially declared extinct. Birds are declining primarily due to habitat loss -- especially deforestation and destruction of breeding and nesting grounds. Disease, the introduction of alien species, over-hunting, and over-collection for the pet trade has also affected some species. Scientists are concerned over the impact of climate change of bird populations but a study published in the current issue of Science says that some birds appear to be adjusting to warmer temperatures by changing their migration patterns.
In other parts of the world, evidence suggests that birds are having trouble adjusting to climate change. Research published last year found that some seabirds are having trouble finding food in warmer oceans, while other birds are migrating out-of-step with food supplies. The growing body of research suggest that bird populations will likely face upheaval in coming years, with some species benefiting from climatic shifts while other flirt with extinction. About 10,000 species of birds are known to exist on Earth. About one-eighth of these are currently listed as at risk of going extinct on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Related articles appearing on mongabay.com Climate change to affect migratory birds and animals Climate change could affect and disrupt breeding, hamper migrations, and increase disease transmission in migratory birds and animals, a new report has warned. The report, Climate Change and Migratory Species, was commissioned by Defra and prepared by a group led by the British Trust for Ornithology, and draws together broad research on the effects of climate change migratory wildlife. Recommend this article? Comments? >Digg this article | >Hugg this article | Contact News options
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