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India Today
a day ago
- Science
- India Today
More than 500 bird species could go extinct due to climate change
Climate change and habitat loss are poised to drive over 500 bird species to extinction within the next century, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the study points to the severity of the threat, revealing that this number is three times greater than all recorded bird extinctions since 1500 species such as the bare-necked umbrellabird and the helmeted hornbill are among those at risk, with their loss expected to significantly impact ecosystems reliant on these birds for essential functions. Stopping the destruction of habitats would save the most birds overall. (Photo: Getty) The study found that even eliminating human-induced threats like habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change would not fully prevent bird extinctions."Many birds are already so threatened that reducing human impacts alone won't save them. These species need special recovery programmes, like breeding projects and habitat restoration, to survive," said Kerry Stewart, the study's lead research, which examined nearly 10,000 bird species using IUCN Red List data, identified that larger birds are particularly vulnerable to hunting and climate change, while those with wider wings are more affected by habitat Stewart further elaborated on the urgency of the situation, stating, "We face a bird extinction crisis unprecedented in modern times. We need immediate action to reduce human threats across habitats and targeted rescue programmes for the most unique and endangered species."Professor Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez, senior author of the study, emphasised the need for additional conservation efforts: "Stopping threats is not enough, as many as 250-350 species will require complementary conservation measures, such as breeding programmes and habitat restoration, if they are to survive the next century." She added that prioritising conservation for the most unusual birds could preserve a significant diversity of bird shapes and sizes, which is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health. The findings indicate that stopping habitat destruction would save the greatest number of birds overall. However, reducing hunting and preventing accidental deaths would be pivotal in preserving birds with more unique features, which play significant roles in ecosystem study concludes that a combination of protective and proactive conservation strategies is essential to mitigate the looming extinction crisis and to maintain the ecological balance these bird species support.- EndsMust Watch
Forbes
5 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
500 Bird Species Face Extinction Within The Next Century
The loss of these birds will lead to the unraveling or to the complete collapse of entire ecosystems. An adult male yellow-bellied sunbird-asity (Neodrepanis hypoxantha) in Ranomafana National Park, ... More Madagascar. This tiny songbird lives in montane forests where it feeds on feeds on nectar. (Credit: Dubi Shapiro / CC BY-SA 3.0) A recent international study warns that more than 500 bird species could go extinct in the next 100 years due to climate change and human persecution. The species that are most vulnerable to extinction include the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity, the helmeted hornbill and the bare-necked umbrellabird. The loss of these vulnerable birds would greatly reduce the variety of avian sizes and shapes and would harm ecosystems as well as humans that depend on unique birds for vital ecosystem functions. 'The rate of extinction in modern times is unprecedented,' the study's lead author, ornithologist and conservation biologist Kerry Stewart, a PhD student at the University of Reading, told me in email 'We predict three times as many bird extinctions in the next 100 years as have been recorded since 1500 AD (164 recorded avian extinctions). Extinctions on this scale are expected to fundamentally alter avian communities worldwide, potentially undermining ecosystem stability and resilience.' Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is a very large bird in the hornbill family. It is found on the ... More Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Thailand and Myanmar. It is critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. (Credit: Doug Janson / CC BY-SA 3.0) Many of these threatened birds will require targeted interventions if they are to survive at all. 'We need immediate action to reduce human threats across habitats and targeted rescue programs for the most unique and endangered species,' Ms Stewart explained. 'Many birds are already so threatened that reducing human impacts alone won't save them. These species need special recovery programs, like breeding projects and habitat restoration, to survive.' Tragically, Ms Stewart and collaborators found that even with complete protection from hunting, habitat loss, and climate change, roughly 250 bird species will probably go extinct anyway. Ms Stewart and collaborators came to this conclusion after examining IUCN Red List data for nearly 10,000 bird species. They predicted extinction risk based on the types of threats that each species faces. 'Birds differ in their vulnerability to different human threats, so large-bodied species are particularly likely to be vulnerable to hunting and climate change, while birds with broad wings suffer more from habitat loss,' Ms Stewart told me in email. 'We also found that many of the world's most unique species in terms of their size and shape are threatened with extinction.' Why should people care about these bird species, many of which live in faraway places? 'Bird declines have serious implications for ecosystems and human societies,' Ms Stewart replied in email. 'Declines alter species interaction networks which undermines ecosystem stability and has knock-on effects for other species including plants, mammals and insects. The impact of bird declines are expected to be particularly serious when they reduce the diversity of the roles that species play within an ecosystem.' The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is an Old World scavenger native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. ... More They are usually found in savannas and other open habitats around villages, cities, and near cultivated areas. They are critically endangered after their populations crashed in 2002 and afterwards. (Credit: Mike Prince via / CC BY) 'Birds provide many services that humans depend upon. For example, pollination, pest control and seed dispersal are necessary for agricultural production, and some birds are important scavengers – the vulture decline in India was estimated to have killed more than half a million people between 2000 and 2005 (ref) following the spread of disease-carrying pathogens due to an excess of dead animals,' Ms Stewart elaborated in email. 'Birds also have immense cultural value, with over $14.5 billion being spent on birdwatching trips every year in the US alone (PDF).' Considering this is not the first warning that scientists have delivered regarding the conservation status of the world's birds, what makes this study unique? 'One of the novel aspects of this paper is that we estimated biodiversity loss in more than one way, looking at species extinctions and functional diversity decline,' Ms Stewart explained in email. 'Functional diversity describes the diversity of size and shape of species within a community, and can be useful for understanding the range of ecological roles present in an ecosystem which is important for understanding ecosystem function and integrity. We found that functional diversity will decline as much as species richness in response to species extinctions, and that threats like hunting and collection have a particularly large impact on functional diversity per the number of species affected.' In addition to sounding yet another warning regarding these birds' extinction risks, Ms Stewart and collaborators also identified which conservation actions will best preserve both the number of bird species and their ecological functions. The study found that stopping the destruction of habitats would save the most bird species overall. However, reducing hunting and preventing accidental deaths would save birds with more unusual functions, which are especially important for ecosystem health. But as many as 250–350 species will require more intensive conservation measures, such as captive breeding programs and habitat restoration, if they are to survive into the next century. For example, prioritizing conservation programs for just 100 of the most unusual threatened birds could save 68% of the variety in bird shapes and sizes. This approach could help to keep ecosystems healthy. One particularly inspirational conservation triumph that illustrates successful intensive conservation efforts is the California condor, Gymnogyps californianus. With a 9½-foot wingspan, this species is amongst the largest birds in North America. When in flight, this spectacular bird is hard to miss. But poaching for feathers and eggs, poisoning from consuming lead ammunition in carcasses, and habitat destruction caused the condors' population to crash. By 1987, the entire species – numbering just 22 individuals – was removed from the wild and placed into captive breeding programs at a number of zoos throughout the United States. Meanwhile, lead ammunition for hunting has been either banned or severely restricted, thereby protecting condors as well as other large birds, particularly eagles. These targeted intensive conservation efforts are paying off: there are more than 350 condors currently living in the wild, with more than 200 individuals in the state of California alone, and over 180 birds (including chicks) living in captivity. A fledgling California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) spreads her wings to absorb the sun's rays. ... More (Credit: NPS / Gavin Emmons / public domain.) What is this study's most important take-home message? 'The take-home message of this study is that immediate and ambitious actions to reduce threats to natural populations are essential to prevent avian diversity loss, but threat reduction alone is not enough. Many species will require additional measures such as captive breeding efforts for their survival.' Source: Kerry Stewart, Chris Venditti, Carlos P. Carmona, Joanna Baker, Chris Clements, Joseph A. Tobias & Manuela González-Suárez (2025). Threat reduction must be coupled with targeted recovery programmes to conserve global bird diversity, Nature Ecology & Evolution | doi:10.1038/s41559-025-02746-z © Copyright by GrrlScientist | hosted by Forbes | Socials: Bluesky | CounterSocial | LinkedIn | Mastodon Science | MeWe | Spoutible | SubStack | Threads | Tumblr | Twitter
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- General
- TimesLIVE
Pretoria Zoo celebrates World Giraffe Day by welcoming newborn calf Enzo
When the global community came together to celebrate World Giraffe Day on June 21, the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) in Pretoria had its own reason to celebrate with the arrival of a giraffe calf earlier this month. Born on June 8, the young giraffe is the fifth addition to the NZG's giraffe herd. The birth coincided with World Giraffe Day, an initiative by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) to honour the world's tallest land animal on the year's longest day. The calf was born at the zoo to Momo, an 11-year-old matriarch known for her calm and independent nature. According to Carol Thobela, curator of carnivores, pachyderms, and farm yard at NZG, the calf has begun to show a strong personality. 'We named the calf Enzo, meaning 'ruler of the estate'. It's a strong, bold name that suits the energy we have seen. Even though we don't yet know if Enzo is male or female, the name reflects the confidence and spirit of this little one,' said Thobela. NZG director of animal conservation Tracy Rehse highlighted the importance of understanding giraffe subspecies in supporting global conservation science. 'According to new genetic classifications, the NZG giraffes are assumed to belong to the South African giraffe subspecies Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa, though genetic testing has not yet been conducted to confirm this,' said Rehse. 'Understanding subspecies has helped us align our animal management practices with conservation science and ensures we're contributing meaningful data to global conservation efforts' The giraffes at NZG live in an environment tailored to their natural behaviour and health needs. Elevated feeders mimic tree-top browsing, while night shelters and a surrounding wet moat provide safety and comfort, accounting for giraffes' natural reluctance to cross water. The NZG herd includes a mix of distinctive personalities, including: Tiago, who was born in 2020 and hand-reared by staff, is known for his playful and affectionate nature. Azuri, who was born in 2022, is confident and observant and is often found surveying the zoo from his favourite lookout mound. Bonito, the nine-year-old breeding bull, is food-driven and dominant, approaching staff only when browse is on offer. South African National Biodiversity Institute director of marketing, communications and commercialisation Nontsikelelo Mpulo stressed the broader significance of World Giraffe Day. 'World Giraffe Day is not only about admiring Africa's gentle giants. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and support for the conservation of giraffes, who are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, poaching and deteriorating ecological infrastructure,' said Mpulo. 'While promoting animal welfare and public education, the zoo also plays an important role in national conservation efforts. Though giraffes are locally classified as Least Concern, the species is globally listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with some subspecies facing a higher risk of extinction.'
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Call to declare Samanatham tank in Madurai as bird sanctuary
Madurai: Researchers and birdwatchers have stressed the need to declare Samanatham tank in Madurai as a bird sanctuary, citing its rich biodiversity and critical role as a habitat for both resident and migratory birds. They also noted that Madurai district does not yet have any officially declared bird sanctuaries or biodiversity reserves. They participated in an awareness seminar on the bird diversity of Samanatham tank organised on Sunday by the Samanatham Biodiversity Management Committee and the Madurai Nature-Culture Foundation (MNCF). Participants highlighted that Samanatham tank, spread over 203 acres under the Gundar sub-basin, hosts more than 165 bird species based on surveys conducted between 2015 and 2022. Of these, 37 species are migratory, arriving during winter from the Himalayas and other countries, while 84 are local residents that breed in the area. Tamil Dasan, convener of MNCF, said that the tank is home to around 2,000–3,000 birds throughout the year, and this number can swell to 12,000 during peak migratory seasons. "Notably, 23 of the recorded species are considered rare, with 10 species listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened birds, including the Indian spotted eagle, greater spotted eagle, painted stork, and black-headed ibis," he said. M Ravindran, a bird researcher who addressed the seminar, said the lack of biodiversity reserves in Madurai limits opportunities for students and the public to engage with nature and conservation. Local residents and conservationists also urged the authorities to ensure regular irrigation supply to the tank from the Vaigai river, to help sustain the habitat and support birdlife year-round. More than 20 local residents and several biodiversity experts took part in the seminar.
Indianapolis Star
22-06-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
World Giraffe Day: Animal under threat despite population growth
World Giraffe Day is June 21, and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation released its 2025 State of Giraffe report ahead of the celebration. The report points to better data collection and conservation efforts for an increase in the population in some giraffe species. "Not only are our conservation efforts paying off, but with the support of our partners, we are getting better at monitoring and protecting these iconic creatures," Stephanie Fennessy, the Foundation's Executive Director, said in a press release accompanying the report. Giraffes were moved up on the IUCN Red List from Least Concern to Vulnerable in 2016. Despite the improvements, the Foundation pointed to the report as evidence that the species should be moved higher, saying, "there is now a strong case for listing three of the four species as Endangered or Vulnerable." The Foundation added, "These new trends provide hope – but the threat of silent extinction remains." Here's what to know about the state of giraffes on World Giraffe Day. The report states that following species of giraffe have seen either improvement or stability in their population:
