Group seeks salvation for 189 endangered bird species

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Group seeks salvation for 189 endangered bird species
mongabay.com
August 16, 2007

BirdLife International has launched an appeal to save 189 endangered bird species over the next 5 years. The U.K.-based conservation group is seeking to raise tens of millions of dollars through its Species Champions initiative, by finding "Species Champions" among individuals, private foundations, and companies who will fund the work of identified "Species Guardians" for each bird.

"Critically Endangered birds can be saved from extinction through this innovative approach," said Dr Mike Rands, Chief Executive of BirdLife International. "This is an enormous challenge, but one we are fully committed to achieving in our efforts to save the world's birds from extinction."

"One hundred and eighty-nine wonderful and fascinating bird species are on the brink of disappearing forever. Any such extinction diminishes us, and narrows our world," said Dr Leon Bennun, Birdlife's Director of Science, Policy & Information. "But these birds can be saved -- the support of Species Champions will make this possible."

Species Champions: Funds from the British Birdwatching Fair will support ongoing conservation efforts to save Bengal Florican in Cambodia. Picture by Allan Michaud

Researchers have estimated that one-eighth of the world's 10,000 bird species could be threatened with extinction by 2100 due to climate change and habitat destruction. Humans have already caused the extinction of around 1,000 bird species over the past millennium, especially in the South Pacific. Places like Hawaii and modern-day French Polynesia lost more than 80 percent of their endemic species.

Conservationists say best to minimize extinctions is to significantly expand protected areas while aggressively cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing destruction of bird habitat.

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mongabay.com (August 15, 2007). Group seeks salvation for 189 endangered bird species. http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0816-birds.html

Tags:
birds conservation saving species from extinction in-situ conservation endangered species animals wildlife biodiversity environment green

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