IUCN RED LIST UPDATE
...as reported by Bird Studies Canada, Dec. 8, 2016
Photo by Singing Wing Aviary
Java Sparrow
Photo: Wikipedia
Azores Bullfinch
This year, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species has been updated to recognize 742 new species of birds. This brings the overall count to 11,121, exceeding 11,000 for the first time. The new total is the product of a comprehensive taxonomic review, and suggests that avian diversity at the species level was previously under-estimated by more than 10%. Unfortunately, over 11% of the newly-recognized species have been list as threatened.
The need for conservation is especially urgent in Asia and Africa, where habitat loss and capture for the pet trade are depleting populations of the Java Sparrow, Grey Parrot, and other species.
On a positive note, some species have been down-listed to lower threat categories. Populations of Azore Bullfinch, St. Helena Plover and Seychelles White-eye have sprung back from the edge of extinction, setting a hopeful example of what dedicated conservation efforts can achieve.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
The need for conservation is especially urgent in Asia and Africa, where habitat loss and capture for the pet trade are depleting populations of the Java Sparrow, Grey Parrot, and other species.
On a positive note, some species have been down-listed to lower threat categories. Populations of Azore Bullfinch, St. Helena Plover and Seychelles White-eye have sprung back from the edge of extinction, setting a hopeful example of what dedicated conservation efforts can achieve.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
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