1250 bird species may be extinct by 2100

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.

Researchers at Stanford University, Duke University and the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis examined the extinction record for birds and found that scientists have likely underestimated the number of extinctions. Until now, scientists has documented the extinction of about 130 bird species since 1500 but the new research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, argues that the actual number is closer to 500, indicating an extinction rate of about a bird species per year. The scientists warn that this rate could climb to five species per year before the century ends, impoverishing earth of some 1250 species of birds.

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.

The Shoebill is found in wetland areas in tropical east Africa and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List for 2006. Photo taken in Uganda by Rhett A. Butler.

The researchers, who looked at data from Scandinavia and Italy dating back to 1980, found that long-haul migratory birds have modified their migration habits to arrive earlier in northern Europe in time for the start of spring. The scientists believe that the birds have shifted their arrival time to coincide with more advantageous conditions for their offspring.

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.

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