Latest news with #BirdLifeInternational
Forbes
12-07-2025
- Science
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights 4 Birds Of Earth's Most Remote Island. Hint: The Island Belongs To Norway, But It's In The Opposite Hemisphere
What's your guess for Earth's most isolated island? It's not Hawaii. It's not Fiji. In fact, if ... More you're thinking beaches, palm trees and turquoise water, you'd be dead wrong. The most isolated island in the world isn't exactly your vacation paradise. For one, it's 93% glaciated. The average water temperature is just slightly above freezing. And you won't find a single tree, or even any vascular plants, on the island. I'm speaking of Bouvet Island in the south Atlantic Ocean. Bouvet Island (or Bouvetøya in Norwegian) is a subantarctic volcanic island that lies about halfway between South Africa and Antarctica. Nearly all of the island's 19 square miles are covered in glaciers, punctuated by rugged cliffs, lava fields, and just a few ice-free stretches along the coast. The island is uninhabited by humans, battered by constant wind, and often hidden beneath fog and cloud cover. Hand-colored photo of Bouvet Island, taken during the German Valdivia expedition in 1898. Despite its desolate appearance, Bouvet is surprisingly rich in bird life. The island is surrounded by nutrient-rich waters, making it an ideal nesting ground for hardy seabird species. In fact, it's so biologically significant that BirdLife International has designated it an 'Important Bird Area.' From rockhopper penguins to elusive petrels, here are four of the most incredible birds you can find on Earth's loneliest island. 1. Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea) A snow petrel rests on the ice, its white plumage nearly indistinguishable from the frozen ... More landscape. Among the birds of Bouvet Island is the snow petrel, a dove-sized seabird with pure white plumage that blends seamlessly into the island's glacier-covered landscape. Snow petrels are the southernmost breeding vertebrate, found across Antarctica and the subantarctic islands. They have even been recorded at the South Pole. On Bouvet, snow petrels build their nests in rocky crevices on cliff faces, scree slopes and beneath boulders, which offer shelter from the fierce winds. In these nests, they lay a single egg that both parents incubate. They are expert fliers, capable of traveling hundreds of miles in search of food. Their diet includes fish, krill and squid, but they will also occasionally consume carrion from seal or penguin carcasses. Snow petrels are highly associated with pack ice, among the most ice-dependent of Antarctic seabirds. At sea, they tend to stay within the Marginal Ice Zone, the transition zone between open ocean and dense sea ice. They prefer foraging areas with moderate ice cover (12.5–50%), according to research published in Polar Biology. Despite their delicate appearance, snow petrels are survivors, well-adapted to one of the harshest climates on Earth. 2. Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) Macaroni penguins gather in dense breeding colonies along Bouvet Island's rocky shores, sporting ... More their distinctive yellow crests. Named for their unique yellow head crests, macaroni penguins are among the most colorful characters in the otherwise bleak landscape of Bouvet Island. These medium-sized penguins breed in noisy, densely packed colonies on rocky shores. Though they're not exclusive to Bouvet, the island provides crucial nesting grounds from December to March for thousands of breeding pairs. Macaroni penguins are natural swimmers, spending much of the year at sea and returning to land only to breed and molt. Their diet consists mainly of krill and small fish, which they catch during deep dives (sometimes reaching depths of over 200 feet). Despite being one of the most numerous penguin species globally, their population is in decline due to climate change and fluctuations in food availability. 3. Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Southern giant petrels soar over the frigid waters surrounding Bouvet Island, riding wind currents ... More in search of carrion or prey at sea. With a wingspan of over six and a half feet, the southern giant petrel rules the skies of Bouvet Island. These formidable seabirds are scavengers and predators, often called the "vultures of the sea." They feed on everything from squid and fish to the carcasses of seals and penguins. Giant petrels are one of the few bird species capable of traveling thousands of miles across the Southern Ocean, using soaring to ride wind currents for days without flapping their wings. On Bouvet Island, they nest on the sparse, ice-free cliffs. Like the snow petrel, they lay a single egg. Though they may look menacing, giant petrels are sensitive to disturbance and are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, longline fishing and plastic pollution. 4. Antarctic Prion (Pachyptila desolata) Antarctic prion flying low over the Southern Ocean. Last but not least is the Antarctic prion. The Antarctic prion is a small seabird that thrives in the cold, wind-swept reaches of Bouvet Island. Often mistaken for gulls at a distance, prions are members of the petrel family and are superb oceanic flyers. Their unique name comes from the Greek word prion, meaning "saw," referring to the ridged structure of their beaks, which helps them filter plankton from seawater. Antarctic prions breed in large colonies on sub-Antarctic islands, where they nest in burrows or under rocks. Bouvet's approximately 7% ice-free ground offers limited nesting sites, but prions make the most of it. Their soft, flute-like calls fill the air during breeding season. At night, thousands can be seen wheeling over the waves. Though small and unobtrusive, these birds play a vital role in the marine food web and are a key indicator of ocean health in the southern hemisphere. 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Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Saving the endangered Blue-naped Parrot at Tanjung Aru Beach
The population of the Blue-naped Parrot at Tanjung Aru Beach is maintained but small. TANJUNG Aru Beach, located on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu city, Sabah, is very popular both with locals and visitors. A visit to Tanjung Aru Beach will show you why it is much loved. It is an idyllic beach with tall old Casuarina trees, lovely sand, and some of the most magnificent sunsets in the world. Its proximity to Kota Kinabalu city makes Tanjung Aru Beach a great place to bring the family and have a peaceful day out. Many tourists visit the site daily. Equally important is that Tanjung Aru Beach is home to an endangered parrot, the Blue-naped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis). These uncommon parrots can be easily found around Tanjung Aru Beach and regularly draw many local and international bird watchers. Bird Life International lists this species as Near Threatened. Estimates of the population size of this narrow range parrot are very old and probably inaccurate but could be as low as 1,500 worldwide. Bird Life International states that population numbers are decreasing due to trapping and forest loss. The population of the Blue-naped Parrot at Tanjung Aru Beach is maintained but small at around 30 to 50, due to competition with other birds for the nesting holes in the old, beach-side Casuarina trees. Many other birds also use the location including hornbills and imperial pigeons. Tanjung Aru Beach also serves as a safe harbour and first point of land for many bird species, some rare ones, during the annual bird migration from Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. There have been a number of attempts to develop the location with plans for many hotels, a golf retreat, and a marina. Local conservation groups have frequently raised concerns about the project, its environmental impact and being unfriendly to the public. The Environment Protection Department, Sabah has an Environmental Impact Assessment document for the Tanjung Aru Beach development. The report acknowledges that development at the site will significantly and irreversibly impact birds and other wildlife during construction. The suggestion has been to relocate the parrots and hornbills, transplant the old trees and offer nesting boxes at an alternate site. It is uncertain if this will succeed and at the very least will require years of work and considerable expertise. We call on the local authorities and Sabah government to cancel all projects in the Tanjung Aru Beach area. We can always get a new site for hotels, a golf course, and a marina, but cannot afford to lose both this rare parrot species and a wonderful location for families to have a day out. It would be good for Malaysia to be recognised as a country that saves endangered species rather than one that destroys the environment. Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS is editor of Malaysian Bird Report. Ron Pudin is president of the Sabah Bird Watchers Association. Blue-naped Parrot lead Tanjung Aru Beach
RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Crucial areas for conserving Irish seabirds identified by BirdWatch Ireland
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland. The wildlife NGO used the international criteria outlined by BirdLife International to identify the most crucial areas used by seabirds in Ireland. Areas designated using this criteria, for Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), are recognised by the European Court of Justice and the European Commission as sites that should be designated by Special Protection Areas by EU member states. The map identifies 73 important areas for Ireland's sea birds, 49 of which are colony/breeding areas and 24 of which are marine areas used by birds for feeding and wintering. A total of 41 of the colony areas are already designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs). While two areas of the marine have been identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as potential SPAs. These are in the northwest Irish Sea and in the sea off Wexford. Jim Wilson has been observing the birds on the Old Head of Kinsale in Cork for more than 50 years. Mr Wilson described the location as a noisy place due to being in the middle of breeding season, with the sounds of Kittiwakes and other birds including guillemots and razorbills. However, he has noticed that the numbers of Kittiwakes are dwindling at the Old Head of Kinsale at "an alarming rate". The numbers of auk, guillemot and razorbill are also decreasing. He said protecting the sea areas for birds where they hunt is "something we need to do fast". IBAs are not a legal protection mechanism but are used to inform the designation of SPAs for birds under the EU Birds Directive. These Irish sites now form part of a global network of IBAs across 243 countries. Ireland is legally obliged to designate areas that protect the lifecycle of birds as SPAs under Article 4 of the Birds Directive, which is an EU legislation. Ireland has had designated areas for the protection of birds since 1998. A total of 24 species of breeding seabirds are hosted by Ireland's marine area, with 23 of them under a red or amber conservation status. Ireland has committed to designate 30% of its seawaters as marine protected areas by 2030. Around 9.8% have this designation. If all IBAs identified by BirdWatch Ireland on this list were designated as SPAs, that would bring the total are covered up to 17.5%. BirdWatch Ireland said it is conservative in its designation and the areas identified are the most crucial ones for Irish seabirds. Ireland's marine waters represent 8% of the total marine area of the European Union's marine area. Issues impacting the birds include a lack of protection at breeding and colony sites, bird flu, overfishing, predation by invasive species, marine pollution and climate change. Ireland began designating marine SPAs three years ago. Less than 2% of Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone, the offshore area it has jurisdiction over living and non-living resources, is designated for seabirds. The expansion of human activities at sea, including the development of offshore wind projects, pose potential future threats to the birds. BirdWatch Ireland is calling on the Irish Government to designate the areas identified by the NGO as crucial for seabirds as SPAs. They are also calling for management plans to be developed for all SPAs so that conservation efforts can be measured and for funding to measure the potential impact of offshore renewable energy projects on Irish seabirds.
Khaleej Times
30-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
Dubai unveils Dh650-million project to develop Ras Al Khor sanctuary
Dubai Municipality unveiled the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project on Monday, aiming to increase visitor numbers six-fold to range between 250,000 and 300,00 each year. The contract for the first phase of the Dh650 million project was awarded, and the initial phase will be completed by the end of next year, it announced. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve located near Dubai's city centre, featuring a rich blend of salt flats, mangroves, and lagoons. Recognised as a globally important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, it is home to over 450 species of flora and fauna, playing a vital role in regional biodiversity. The sanctuary includes several bird hides along its perimeter, where visitors can observe a wide range of birds in their natural habitat. The Flamingo Hide offers views of iconic greater flamingos, while the Mangrove Hide provides sightings of species such as grey herons, spoonbills, kingfishers, and even osprey. The municipality announced that the new development project includes, in its first phase, a 144% increase in water bodies within the place, expanding their total area to 74 hectares. The initiative will not only enhance the reserve's natural beauty but is also expected to deliver major environmental benefits, including a 60% increase in carbon dioxide absorption. Additionally, 10 hectares of mudflats (salt flats) will be added, contributing significantly to the sanctuary's ecosystem and biodiversity. These mudflats provide crucial feeding grounds for migratory birds and support a variety of marine and plant life. The second phase of the development will focus on expanding green spaces, planting native vegetation, and improving the natural habitat to attract more wildlife. This is expected to further strengthen the sanctuary's role as a key environmental and educational site within the city. Furthermore, visitor facilities will be enhanced with upgraded walkways, bird hides, and educational signage, ensuring that the public can explore the sanctuary in an engaging and sustainable manner.
India.com
29-05-2025
- India.com
Enjoy Best Saltwater Lakes Near Coimbatore For Amazing Birdwatching Experience
Coimbatore exists in the foothills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu where it maintains recognition for industrial success along with beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant biodiversity. Various saltwater lakes located near Coimbatore provide essential dwelling places for migratory as well as native birds. The lakes provide exceptional locations for birdwatchers to conduct observations of scarce and remarkable bird species in their natural environment. The following inquiry investigates seven major saltwater lakes situated near Coimbatore which establish perfect birdwatching platforms. 1. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary ranks as one of the major wetlands of Tamil Nadu positioned about 100 kilometers from Coimbatore. The 450-hectares of freshwater-to-brackish lake draws many bird species to its expanse. BirdLife International has declared this site as an Important Bird Area. Throughout the winter many species of birds from flamingos to pelicans to herons choose to stop at this sanctuary. Several native bird species such as the Indian moorhen, purple swamphen and cormorants live at this location. Birdwatchers from both professional and amateur levels find a perfect paradise within the sanctuary because of its varied ecosystems. 2. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Located at 160 kilometers distance from Coimbatore yet earning global acclaim for being one of India's oldest bird sanctuaries is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. The brackish waterbody at Vedanthangal established in 1798 draws thousands of migratory birds each year who are seen with species such as pintails and garganeys and grey herons. Waterfowl use the shallow waters as their perfect breeding environment. The visitors who come to observe birds at Vedanthangal can delight in pleasing aerial events and the colorful appearance of migratory flocks. 3. Oussudu Lake The Puducherry district contains Oussudu Lake which lies about 180 kilometers southeast of Coimbatore as an essential sanctuary for migrating birds. The 350 hectares of brackish lagoon environment hosts a population of spot-billed ducks and northern shovelers as well as black-winged stilts. The saline mix of freshwater and saltwater environments enables Oussudu Lake to become a habitat that hosts plenty of bird species. The Ramsar Convention has added the site to its prestigious list because of its vital ecological role. 4. Calimere Wildlife The Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary exists about 200 kilometers due south of Coimbatore near the town of Nagapattinam. The sanctuary keeps natural fame from its mangrove forests and sea inhabitants yet presents vast coastal wetlands and saline areas which draw diverse bird species. During winter months numerous migratory birds such as greater flamingos, Eurasian spoonbills, painted storks gather at this location. Bird enthusiasts should include this wildlife sanctuary as a necessary stop due to its exceptional position near the Bay of Bengal. 5. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Discovering abundant bird species in Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary remains one of the many bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu located about 150 kilometers east of Coimbatore. Waterbirds from different species find their home in this brackish water body which reaches only 48 hectares in size. The sanctuary draws attention for its main population of painted storks and Asian openbill. Located within a restricted area Chitrangudi provides visitors plenty of opportunities to experience nature up close. 6. Samanar Hills Salt Pans In the vicinity of Coimbatore numerous small salt pans have emerged from natural mineral deposits at Samanar Hills. The unofficial bird sanctuaries at these pans provide both habitat and temporary homes for local bird species and some migrating species. Watching waders including sandpipers and plovers and raptors including kestrels and harriers is common at this location. Birdwatchers who want a solitary experience during their activities will find satisfaction at this challenging destination spread across rough land that features minimal human presence. 7. Periyanaickenpalayam Lake Positioned within easy traveling distance from Coimbatore city's boundaries lies Periyanaickenpalayam Lake which serves as an unknown yet birds-watching friendly habitat. Seasonal variations in this mainly freshwater lake bring about minor saltwater increases that trigger the appearance of uncommon bird species needing brackish water environments. Several people who visited this location have seen both kingfishers and bee-eaters together with occasional osprey sightings. People who want to enjoy nature can easily reach this lake through its convenient location. Conclusion Visitors can experience the blend of natural beauty, calm and diverse wild species found at the saltwater lakes that surround Coimbatore for exceptional birdwatching. Both experienced ornithologists together with casual nature enthusiasts can look forward to riveting birdwatching moments in these venues. Your visit allows you to increase knowledge about the importance of protecting these vulnerable ecosystems. Make preparations for your gear and visit these incredible wetlands to witness incredible bird species in their natural habitat.
