Report: 500 bird species could face extinction in next century

Researchers from the University of Reading examined IUCN Red List data for nearly 10,000 bird species – that’s nearly all known species. The Guardian reports:

More than 500 bird species could vanish within the next century, researchers have found, calling for urgent “special recovery programmes” such as captive breeding and habitat restoration to rescue unique species.

And

The paper, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, examined data from nearly 10,000 birds (almost all of those known to exist) and used IUCN data to predict extinction risk. Habitat loss – driven mainly by the expansion and intensification of agriculture – emerged as the most significant driver of species extinction.

Oceanographic notes that sea birds are most impacted.

Kerry Stewart, lead author of the research from the University of Reading has told Oceanographic Magazine that around 12% (plus or minus 1%) are predicted to become extinct within the next 100 years should human impact continue to impact natural populations. This is compared to the 5% of bird species predicted to go extinct across all habitats. 

“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, just to survive,” said Stewart. 

“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.”

Aquatic predators are among the most under threat of extinction, an eventuality that will have sweeping negative implications for marine ecosystems the world over. Marine birds are an essential component of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems due to their role in transporting nutrients between the land and the sea.