Study warns 500 bird species face extinction within 100 years

By Stephen Beech

More than 500 bird species face extinction within 100 years, warns new research

Climate change and habitat loss could cause dozens of breeds to disappear forever within the next century, according to the University of Reading study.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, reveals the number is three times higher than all bird extinctions recorded over the last 500 years since the year 1500.

Scientists say that the extinction of vulnerable birds - such as the helmeted hornbill, the bare-necked umbrella bird and the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity - would "greatly reduce" the variety of bird shapes and sizes worldwide, harming ecosystems that depend on unique birds for vital functions.

The research team found that, even with complete protection from human-caused threats such as habitat loss, hunting and climate change - about 250 bird species could still die out.

Study lead author Kerry Stewart, from the University of Reading, said: “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."

PhD researcher Stewart added: "We face a bird extinction crisis unprecedented in modern times.

"We need immediate action to reduce human threats across habitats and targeted rescue programs for the most unique and endangered species."

The research team examined nearly 10,000 bird species using data from the IUCN Red List.

They predicted extinction risk based on the threats each species faces.

The researchers found that large-bodied birds are more vulnerable to hunting and climate change, while birds with broad wings suffer more from habitat loss.

The study also identified which conservation actions will best preserve both the number of bird species and their ecological functions.

Study senior author Professor Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez, also from the University of Reading, said: “Stopping threats is not enough, as many as 250 to 350 species will require complementary conservation measures, such as breeding programs and habitat restoration, if they are to survive the next century.

"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.”

Stopping the destruction of habitats would save the most birds overall, according to the study.

But the researchers said that reducing hunting and preventing accidental deaths would save birds with more unusual features, which are especially important for ecosystem health.