1/5 of Bird Species on Planet Face Extinction (moved from ATSNN), page 1

One fifth of all bird species on this planet face extinction as humans and other predatory species become more prevelant in bird habitats. While there has been some success in sustaining and recovering some bird species by breeding programs and moving birds to other habitats the overall situation is alarming according to Birdlife International. The number of bird species facing extinction is 1212 and species facing near threatening extinction brings that total to 2000 species of birds out of the planets 9775 bird species.

www.abc.net.au
But news has been bad elsewhere. BirdLife said two of New Zealand's species have moved closer to joining five others that are extinct there, largely because of introduced rat population explosions in 1999 and 2000.

Habitat destruction and the introduction of alien predators are among the biggest threats to bird populations globally.

"Despite the recent rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker, overall more species are currently sliding towards oblivion," BirdLife communication officer Ed Parnell said.

"One in five bird species on the planet now faces a risk in the short or medium-term of joining the dodo, great auk and 129 other species that we know have become extinct since 1500."

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Coming with the alarming news is some heartening information including the sighting of the previously thought to be extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker in the USA and the relocation in the Seychelles of the magpie robin, which had dwindled down to just 10 to 15 birds.

It is sad that the future of the planets wildlife is now at risk from humans and development but there are no easy answers for mankind today to protect these species and other animals from extinction.