The State of the Birds 2009 - calls attention to the crisis in
Hawaii
I just came back today from a hike to plan a
feral animal control fence that we're building in Kipahulu.
The State of the
Birds2009 News
Release March 19,
2009Key
Findings Summary Secretary
Salazar Releases Study Showing Widespread Declines in Bird Populations,
Highlights Role of Partnerships in
ConservationWashington, D.C. –
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today released the first ever
comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States, showing that
nearly a third of the nation’s 800 bird species are endangered, threatened
or in significant decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other
threats.[...]The
report, The U.S. State of the Birds, synthesizes data from three long-running
bird censuses conducted by thousands of citizen scientists and professional
biologists.In particular, it calls
attention to the crisis in Hawaii, where more birds are in danger of extinction
than anywhere else in the United States.
[...]“Habitats
such as those in Hawaii are on the verge of losing entire suites of unique bird
species,” said Dr. David Pashley, American Bird Conservancy’s
Vice President for Conservation
Programs.You
can download the full report here
(PDF)Read page 26-27 for the feature on
Hawaiian birds.Saving Hawaii’s
Birds• Restoration and protection
of mid-elevation forest is essential for the recovery of endangered species such
as `Akiapola`au, Hawai`i and Maui `Akepas, and Hawai`i
Creeper.
• A highest priority action with the
greatest potential benefits for native birds is the fencing of habitats to
exclude feral ungulates.
Posted: Fri - March 20, 2009 at 10:53 PM