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12 Aug Biofuel threat to Kenyan IBA continues [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Jul Conservation and the Cook Islands [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Jul Guadeloupe gets first national IBA directory [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 Jul Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis [Jeremy Taylor ] 3 Jul Fw: Awesome Birding Safari - Dusti [1 Attachment] [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Jun World first for vultures facing extinction [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Jun Fate of weird wader on knife edge [Jeremy Taylor ] 21 Jun NatureKenya oppose the destruction of Dakatcha Woodland IBA [Jeremy Taylor ] 17 Jun BBC fund helps to keep albatrosses off the hook [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Jun New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Jun Brazilian Important Bird Areas get protection [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jun Two million EU seabirds killed in a decade [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Jun Water Hour [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Jun Water Hour [1 Attachment] [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Jun No birds in the bush [Jeremy Taylor ] 26 May Wetland aliens cause bird extinction [Jeremy Taylor ] 23 May Urban trees 'help migrating birds' [Jeremy Taylor ] 19 May Binoculars and Bodyguards - Looking for Iraq's Birds [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 May Audubon Magazine Oil Spill Blog [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 May Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 May Hawaiian Resort Sued Over Seabird Deaths [Jeremy Taylor ] 7 May Migratory birds in crisis [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 May Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 May Oil Reaches First Important Bird Area [Jeremy Taylor ] 4 May A cartography of hope for biodiversity in the Americas [Jeremy Taylor ] 30 Apr As Oil Slick Hits Shore and Coats Birds, Groups Take Action [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Apr World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Apr Audubon fears birds will become next victims of Gulf oil spill [Jeremy Taylor ] 22 Apr BirdLife Partner staff wins world’s top environmental prize [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Apr South Atlantic becomes more seabird-friendly [Jeremy Taylor ] 13 Apr Western Siem Pang - Land of the Giants [Jeremy Taylor ] 9 Apr A Ruddy Long Way to Fly [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Apr White Stork wait for FIFA World Cup [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Mar Thai local group urges Ramsar designation for Spoon-billed Sandpiper site [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Mar BirdLife Partners call to save the Wadden Sea [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Mar 'State of the birds 2010' highlights threats to migrants [Jeremy Taylor ] 13 Mar Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Mar Caribbean's first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve designated [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Mar The World's Rarest Birds through the lens [Jeremy Taylor ] 10 Mar Brazil's mightiest biomes get mapped the IBA way [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 Mar Black-faced Spoonbill numbers up again as Action Plans are launched [Jeremy Taylor ] 3 Mar BirdLife seabird conservationist awarded 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Mar Saving rockhopper penguins [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Feb BirdLife protects biodiversity in the French overseas departments [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Feb Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action [Jeremy Taylor ] 17 Feb WeLoveBirds.org [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Feb Radar station in Madeira threatens Zino's Petrel [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Feb Industrial windfarm development in Puerto Rican IBA rejected by government [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 Feb New website for Canadian Important Bird Areas programme [Jeremy Taylor ] 3 Feb African grey parrots, the illegal trade continues [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Feb BirdLife cares for wetlands [Jeremy Taylor ] 28 Jan Biodiversity on the Brink [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Jan Impact of nature's invading aliens measured for the first time [Jeremy Taylor ] 23 Jan It's time to protect Europe's seabirds [Jeremy Taylor ] 20 Jan Music & Migration - music for the birds [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Jan Breeding ground of rare bird discovered [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Jan Photos: new bird discovered in well-known rainforest in Borneo [Jeremy Taylor ] 10 Jan Nature authority succeeds in breeding rare bird of prey [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jan Birds Fight Alien Parasites [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jan Wading bird population soars in 2009 [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jan Record number of cahows seen in Christmas bird count [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jan Northwest Miami-Dade gunslingers shoot endangered wood storks for target practice [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jan A model for wildlife-friendly energy development [Jeremy Taylor ] 30 Dec New warbler found in South-East Asia [Jeremy Taylor ] 28 Dec Migratory behaviour of the Red Kites as revealed by Satellite Telemetry [] 22 Dec BirdLife and Audubon's conservation work gets Royal support [Jeremy Taylor ] 21 Dec Kenya's Tana River Delta under siege [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Dec Partnerships strengthen migratory bird conservation in West Africa [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Dec Forests of Hope [Jeremy Taylor ] 13 Dec latest from BirdLife International [Jeremy Taylor ] 4 Dec Birds and climate change: indicators of a changing world [Jeremy Taylor ] 28 Nov Romanian Parliament puts Danube Delta at risk [Jeremy Taylor ] 28 Nov ICCAT leaves albatross conservation dead in the water [Jeremy Taylor ] 28 Nov 'No-shooting' shorebird refuge established in Barbados [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Nov New study sheds light on nightjar [Jeremy Taylor ] 17 Nov Newly evolved finch appears on the Galapagos Islands [Jeremy Taylor ] Subject: Biofuel threat to Kenyan IBA continues From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:51:07 -0700 (PDT) Biofuel threat to Kenyan IBA continues 11-08-2010 Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has refused a licence for a 50,000 hectare biofuel plantation at the Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area (IBA). However, they advise the proponent to 'redesign and scale down the project to pilot level to prove sustainability before an EIA license can be issued for the entire proposed area of 50,000 hectares'. "This appears to indicate that the full 50,000 hectare project is still under consideration for conversion to biofuel plantations", remarked Paul Matiku - Executive Director NatureKenya (BirdLife Partner). Dakatcha Woodland IBA, which has no formal protection status, holds significant populations of Endangered Sokoke Pipit Anthus sokokensis, and is one of only two known sites for Endangered Clarke's Weaver Ploceus golandi. It's a biodiversity hotspot and the communities around the forest depend on it for their livelihoods and cultural practices. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/08/Biofuel-threat-to-Kenyan-IBA-continues.htmlSubject: Conservation and the Cook Islands From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:21:09 -0700 (PDT) Conservation and the Cook Islands 20-07-2010 BirdLife International has received a grant from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) to produce an inventory of priority conservation sites for biodiversity in the Cook Islands. BirdLife has been working in the Pacific to identify Important Bird Area (IBAs) for ten years. "Important Bird Areas are islands, forests, and wetlands that are of critical importance for the survival of the region's native birds", said Don Stewart - BirdLife's Regional Director in the Pacific. "If we want to protect the birds, we will need to protect their habitat, those areas where they live". To determine an IBA requires extensive research to identify bird species diversity and abundance within a specific area. This research then results in an inventory of sites that are wildlife conservation priorities. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/07/cook-islands-conservation.htmlSubject: Guadeloupe gets first national IBA directory From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:21:44 -0700 (PDT) Guadeloupe gets first national IBA directory 22-07-2010 AMAZONA (Association des Mateurs Amicaux des Z'Oiseaux et de la Nature aux Antilles) has published the Caribbean's first national language Important Bird Area (IBA) directory. Les Zones Importantes pour la Conservation des Oiseaux en Guadeloupe represents the culmination of a collaborative effort by the island's biologists and birders to gather all available knowledge about their birds, habitats and biodiversity to determine international priority sites for conservation. Guadeloupe, a dpartement d'outre-mer (DOM, overseas department) of France, is in the Lesser Antilles between Montserrat and Antigua and Barbuda to the north and Dominica to the south. Nine IBAs have been identified covering 505 km (including marine areas) and about 19% of Guadeloupe's land area. Most of the IBAs lack any formal protection. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/07/guadeloupe-ibas-directory.htmlSubject: Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 20:07:40 -0700 (PDT) Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis Tue, Jul 6, 2010 Put together, the UK’s 16 overseas territories are fifth in the world league table of bird extinctions, with at least ten species from the territories going to oblivion since 1500AD, partially or wholly because of the impact of non-native mammals, such as rats, feral cats, mice and pigs. Today 33 species of bird are facing extinction on the UK overseas territories and a new report shows that many of these are under threat because of the continued impact of introduced mammals. The report, published in the journal Ibis, shows that one third of the species facing extinction could be helped by the removal of non-native mammals from just seven island groups in the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Pacific. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/07/rats-cats-pigs-and-mice-fuelling-bird-extinction-crisis/Subject: Fw: Awesome Birding Safari - Dusti [1 Attachment] From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2010 19:12:50 -0700 (PDT) --- On Sat, 7/3/10, Dr. Dusti BeckerSubject: World first for vultures facing extinction From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:10:39 -0700 (PDT) World first for vultures facing extinction 29-06-2010 Globally extinct within 10 years: that has been the worst prediction for three species of vulture which have disappeared from huge swathes of southern Asia. But the latest exciting news from a conservation partnership in India reveals that all three species have now successfully reared young in a captive breeding centre, providing some long-term hope for these three Critically Endangered species, especially as the ultimate aspiration will be to return birds to the wild. Reportedly, before their population crash, Asia's vulture population extended to tens of millions of birds, but now the combined population of all three species numbers is believed to be well below 60,000 individuals. And with the population of at least one species almost halving each year, the success of captive breeding may give some hope that these magnificent birds will be prevented from reaching oblivion. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/vulture-breeding-success.htmlSubject: Fate of weird wader on knife edge From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:09:49 -0700 (PDT) Fate of weird wader on knife edge 29-06-2010 Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus has undergone a rapid recent population decline and faces imminent extinction unless conservation measures are taken. These are the findings of a new paper published in BirdLife International's journal Bird Conservation International. Data from across the entire breeding range in the Russian far north-east confirm a continuing strong decline. The species appears to suffer from poor survival at the crucial juvenile stage and habitat loss and hunting are highlighted as major threats. Because of these recent declines, the species was uplisted to Critically Endangered by BirdLife on behalf of the IUCN in 2008. There are now thought to be less than a thousand individuals remaining. "Concerted international conservation action is essential if this species is to avoid extinction", said Christophe Zckler, the paper's lead author. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/spoon-billed-sandpiper-paper-BCI.htmlSubject: NatureKenya oppose the destruction of Dakatcha Woodland IBA From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:19:42 -0700 (PDT) NatureKenya oppose the destruction of Dakatcha Woodland IBA 21-06-2010 NatureKenya (BirdLife Partner) is working alongside local community members to oppose the destruction of a vitally important woodland for biodiversity and people at the Kenya's coast. In total 50,000 ha have been identified for conversion to grow Jatropha - a plant used for biodiesel production which is largely untested and potentially destructive. The area identified poses a threat to Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area (IBA) which lies within the proposed development. Dakatcha is an extensive tract of relatively intact coastal woodland, north of the Sabaki River and between 25 and 50 km inland from the Kenyan coast. It is an IBA and Key Biodiversity Area for many Globally Threatened species such as Endangered Clarke's Weaver Ploceus golandi. Dakatcha is also the ancestral land for the indigenous minority Watha community. The Watha gain invaluable ecosystem services from the forest such as clean stream water for drinking, and a sustainable supply of firewood for cooking and lighting. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/Nature-Kenya-oppose-destruction-of-Dakatcha-Woodland.htmlSubject: BBC fund helps to keep albatrosses off the hook From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:13:27 -0700 (PDT) BBC fund helps to keep albatrosses off the hook 17-06-2010 BirdLife seabird conservationists in Brazil have made a breakthrough with the protection of several species of imperiled albatross. Their efforts have shown that with simple measures around nine out of the ten albatrosses caught on longline fishing hooks three years ago can now be saved. According to figures collated by the Albatross Task Force (ATF) in Brazil, in 2007, approximately one albatross was being caught for every 1000 longline hooks set but - with the help of the specially-trained instructors funded by the BBC Wildlife Fund through its broadcast appeal - this figure can be reduced to just one bird for every 10,000 hooks. The ATF is co-ordinated by BirdLife International and funded by the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK). Tatiana Neves, Director of Projeto Albatroz, the local organisation running the Brazilian ATF, said: "During winter Brazilian waters teem with albatrosses, including several species facing the threat of extinction. We recognize the importance of Brazilian waters for the birds and with the support of Brazilian fishermen we are showing the potential for reducing the slaughter by using the right techniques. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/BBC-fund-helps-to-keep-albatrosses-off-the-hook.htmlSubject: New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:13:53 -0700 (PDT) New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection 14-06-2010 A new website launched today by Wetlands International, BirdLife International and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) reveals major gaps in the protection of many critical sites used by migratory waterbirds across Africa the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia. A staggering one-third of the critical sites (representing over 1,000 individual sites within the network) are entirely unprotected, putting the future of many migratory waterbirds at risk. Migratory waterbirds - such as waders, terns and geese - need an unbroken chain of wetlands to complete their annual life-cycles. These same wetlands benefit people by providing clean water and opportunities for fishing, agriculture, recreation and tourism. However, wetlands are amongst the world's most vulnerable ecosystems and, consequently, an alarming 42% of the migratory waterbird species across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia are in decline. The new 'Critical Site Network (CSN)' Tool provides comprehensive information on 294 waterbird species from 3,020 sites. It is designed to make information easily available on the most important sites for migratory waterbirds, both at the national and international level. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/migratory-waterbird-sites-need-urgent-protection.htmlSubject: Brazilian Important Bird Areas get protection From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:08:53 -0700 (PDT) Brazilian Important Bird Areas get protection 11-06-2010 Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has signed the creation of the Boa Nova National Park and the Boa Nova Wildlife Refuge, safeguarding this biodiverse Important Bird Area (IBA) and creating 27,000 hectares of new protected area. Boa Nova IBA, located in south-west Bahia state, has a unique flora and fauna due to the overlap of two biomes: lush montane Atlantic Forest, and semi-arid caatinga. The dry deciduous forest of the transitional area, known as mata-de-cip, is the habitat of two restricted range species, the Endangered Slender Antbird Rhopornis ardesiacus and Near Threatened Narrow-billed Antwren Formicivora iheringi. Three hundred and ninety six bird species have been recorded to date at Boa Nova, 14 of which are globally threatened and 17 Near Threatened. During the event, President Lula also signed the creation of the Serra das Lontras National Park, another IBA where 16 globally threatened bird species occur, and the creation of the Alto Cariri National Park, in addition to the expansion of the Pau Brasil National Park. Together, these areas will protect about 60,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/Brazilian-important-bird-areas-get-protection.htmlSubject: Two million EU seabirds killed in a decade From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 17:06:36 -0700 (PDT) Two million EU seabirds killed in a decade 08-06-2010 Fishing gear in EU waters is estimated by BirdLife International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) to have killed two million seabirds in the past ten years, more than the toll recorded from all the European oil tanker disasters put together as far back as the Torrey Canyon in 1967. Today, World Oceans Day, this bleak statistic injects new urgency into a 23,000-strong petition being presented in Brussels by the RSPB and BirdLife International to Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime affairs and fisheries. The petition calls for the urgent delivery of the EU's disastrously overdue Seabird Action Plan to protect Europe's seabirds from their fatal attraction to baited hooks and fishing nets. The Commissioner is also being alerted to the situation in her native Greece where seabirds are being killed in fishing gear. It is estimated that 90,000 birds drown annually through entanglement in gill-nets in the Baltic and North Seas but the actual mortality is feared to be twice this high. In a single Spanish longline fishery off western Ireland, another 50,000 seabirds die every year in a lethal cat’s cradle of longline hooks. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/seabird-petition.htmlSubject: Water Hour From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 17:33:30 -0700 (PDT) Just passing this along at the request of the organization putting on the event..... Spread the word!! With all the bad news lately about the Gulf oil spill and the like, this is something we can all take part in which will help make a difference to our planet! Water Hour is coming at 8 pm on June 11! Wonderfully, it is taking off - especially at http://www.waterhour.org; on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=289743054301 and on Twitter http:/www.twitter.com/WaterHour. This is amazing given that the first inkling was such a short time ago. Water Hour aspires to be a global happening to protect water. The global launch will take place in June a year from now. Tangible, incremental steps will be taken starting with the all-important pilot test on June 11. Don't be fooled by the word 'pilot'. For everybody who participates, it will be the real thing. But at the same time we will be testing every dimension of the program needed for global uptake over the coming year. Here's how you can help: Before June 11 - Start participating yourself at the links above. http://www.waterhour.org, for example, has several ways to get involved. The site will guide you. Relay this note to everybody in your networks. This is so important. Our power for change is in our combined networks. Send the attached media release to all the media you can. During Water Hour - Celebrate water . in big or small ways. Lots of ideas for celebrating are at http://www.waterhour.org. However you celebrate, post it on one of the Water Hour social media. After Water Hour - Return the questionnaire we will send you. Your feedback will transform the pilot into an amazing global happening to protect water.Subject: Water Hour [1 Attachment] From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 17:33:30 -0700 (PDT) Just passing this along at the request of the organization putting on the event..... Spread the word!! With all the bad news lately about the Gulf oil spill and the like, this is something we can all take part in which will help make a difference to our planet! Water Hour is coming at 8 pm on June 11! Wonderfully, it is taking off - especially at http://www.waterhour.org; on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=289743054301 and on Twitter http:/www.twitter.com/WaterHour. This is amazing given that the first inkling was such a short time ago. Water Hour aspires to be a global happening to protect water. The global launch will take place in June a year from now. Tangible, incremental steps will be taken starting with the all-important pilot test on June 11. Don't be fooled by the word 'pilot'. For everybody who participates, it will be the real thing. But at the same time we will be testing every dimension of the program needed for global uptake over the coming year. Here's how you can help: Before June 11 - Start participating yourself at the links above. http://www.waterhour.org, for example, has several ways to get involved. The site will guide you. Relay this note to everybody in your networks. This is so important. Our power for change is in our combined networks. Send the attached media release to all the media you can. During Water Hour - Celebrate water . in big or small ways. Lots of ideas for celebrating are at http://www.waterhour.org. However you celebrate, post it on one of the Water Hour social media. After Water Hour - Return the questionnaire we will send you. Your feedback will transform the pilot into an amazing global happening to protect water.Subject: No birds in the bush From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2010 10:12:26 -0700 (PDT) No birds in the bush 01-06-2010 Australia's woodland birds, including many species generally regarded as common and widespread, are declining at an alarming rate according to Birds Australia (BirdLife Partner). This is a result of historic and current habitat losses, making Australia's woodlands among the most threatened and degraded habitats on the continent. These striking results are highlighted in the report entitled: 'State of Australia's Birds 2009'. The report is aimed at informing Australians of the status of their birds, and to help bring about improved understanding and better management of the land for birds and other wildlife. "Birds Australia is committed to the conservation of Australia's native avifauna", said James O'Connor, Birds Australia's research manager and the report's co-editor. "As part of this commitment we produce The State of Australia's Birds report each year which outlines the status of our birds, the threats they face, and the measures that have been taken to protect them". Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/no-birds-in-the-bush.htmlSubject: Wetland aliens cause bird extinction From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 16:19:17 -0700 (PDT) Wetland aliens cause bird extinction 26-05-2010 BirdLife International has announced, in the 2010 IUCN Red List update for birds, the extinction of Alaotra Grebe Tachybaptus rufolavatus. Restricted to a tiny area of east Madagascar, this species declined rapidly after carnivorous fish were introduced to the lakes in which it lived. This, along with the use of nylon gill-nets by fisherman which caught and drowned birds, has driven this species into the abyss. "No hope now remains for this species. It is another example of how human actions can have unforeseen consequences", said Dr Leon Bennun, BirdLife International's Director of Science, Policy and Information. "Invasive alien species have caused extinctions around the globe and remain one of the major threats to birds and other biodiversity." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/red-list-for-birds-2010.htmlSubject: Urban trees 'help migrating birds' From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 23 May 2010 07:34:22 -0700 (PDT) Urban trees 'help migrating birds' Page last updated at 16:23 GMT, Friday, 21 May 2010 17:23 UK By Mark Kinver Science and environment reporter, BBC News Even a small urban forest can help migrating birds, a study has said. US researchers found that birds used the patches of greenery to rest and refuel in the middle of their journey between winter and breeding sites. The scientists gathered the data by fitting tiny tags to thrushes, which recorded the birds' movements. Writing in the journal Landscape Ecology, they added the findings were important because the world was becoming increasingly urbanised. Full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10130458.stmSubject: Binoculars and Bodyguards - Looking for Iraq's Birds From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 11:13:25 -0700 (PDT) Binoculars and Bodyguards - Looking for Iraq's Birds 19-05-2010 In recent years, many people have been struggling to survive in Iraq. Even now the country's far from safe. However, since 2005 Nature Iraq (BirdLife Partner) staff have been doggedly surveying the rich biodiversity found within their country, taking them to some of the most dangerous spots in search of elusive species like Critically Endangered Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius. "We received fresh sightings and GPS co-ordinates which indicated a Sociable Lapwing was sitting in an area near Haditha which is an extremely dangerous place", said Nature Iraq's Omar Fadil. Omar is part of a team from Nature Iraq who conduct annual winter surveys of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) across the country. "It took us about 6 hours to drive from our base in Tikrit to where the bird was sitting". Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/Binoculars-Bodyguards-Looking-Iraqs-Birds.htmlSubject: Audubon Magazine Oil Spill Blog From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 09:45:49 -0700 (PDT) For those of you who are interested, all the latest information from Audubon on the Gulf oil spill can be found at http://magblog.audubon.org/oil-spillSubject: Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 09:42:22 -0700 (PDT) Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
What is the Likely Impact on Birds?
The concern for birds are three-fold.
* The first is the immediate threat to individual birds from oil
contamination. The first oiled birds are now being collected and sent to
rehabilitators in the region. Many birds could be killed but never collected,
particularly 'plunge-diving' birds such as pelicans, gannets and terns.
* The second is from reduced food availability due to contamination of seafood
stocks. Many of these are the same stocks that are the foundation of much of
the regional coastal economy.
* The third concern is from oil impacts to bird habitat. There are a number of
Globally Important Bird Areas directly in the path of the advancing spill that
are under immediate threat.The long-term effects on birds will be decreased
breeding success as nests fail due to contamination of eggs that come into
contact with oil and due to birds being forced from contaminated areas to
marginal breeding sites or sites that are already at maximum capacity.
More information at http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/oilspill.html
Subject: Hawaiian Resort Sued Over Seabird DeathsFrom: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 09:36:52 -0700 (PDT) Hawaiian Resort Sued Over Seabird Deaths - Starwood Hotel responsible for over one-quarter of downed Newell’s Shearwaters on Kaua‘i For Immediate Release Contact: David Henkin, Earthjustice, 808-599-2436 Maka‘ala Ka‘aumoana, Hui Ho‘omalu i Ka ‘Äina, 808-346-5458 Don Heacock, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, 808-645-0532 Peter Galvin, Center for Biological Diversity, 707-986-2600 George Wallace, American Bird Conservancy, 540-253-5780 Lïhu‘e, Kaua‘i – Four citizen groups, represented by Earthjustice, filed suit today against the St. Regis Princeville Resort over the luxury resort’s failure to prevent the ongoing deaths of rare native seabirds, in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act. The St. Regis is a property of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, which also owns the Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, and Le Meridien brands. Hui Ho‘omalu i Ka ‘Äina, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, the Center for Biological Diversity, and American Bird Conservancy filed a similar suit against Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative in March. The groups are trying to protect the threatened Newell’s shearwater (‘A‘o), whose population on Kaua‘i declined by an alarming 75% in only 15 years (1993 to 2008), as well as the endangered Hawaiian petrel (‘Ua‘u). The resort is responsible for the greatest number of deaths and injuries of imperiled seabirds on Kaua‘i due to artificial lights, while birds hitting KIUC’s power lines is another significant cause of harm. Full release at http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/100511.htmlSubject: Migratory birds in crisis From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 16:34:26 -0700 (PDT) Migratory birds in crisis 07-05-2010 This coming weekend, thousands of people are attending World Migratory Bird Day events which highlight migratory birds in crisis. BirdLife Partners around the world are celebrating bird migration, whilst also stressing the plight of some the world's most threatened species. World Migratory Bird Day is a global initiative to raise awareness for the need to conserve all migratory birds. Events range from bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching trips to watch bird migration in action. Every year it focuses on a different topic. This year's theme 'Save migratory birds in crisis - every species counts!' - is raising awareness about Globally Threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction - the Critically Endangered. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/Migratory-birds-in-crisis.htmlSubject: Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 6 May 2010 19:43:50 -0700 (PDT) Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets 06-05-2010 Searches at sea off the eastern coasts of Jamaica in November 2009 have revealed the presence of significant numbers of Pterodroma petrels. The pelagic expedition was part of the global Tubenoses Project coordinated by Hadoram Shirihai and Vincent Bretagnolle and was supported by BirdLife International’s Preventing Extinctions Programme with funds from the British Birdwatching Fair. Its primary aim was to look for the Critically Endangered (and possibly extinct) Jamaica Petrel Pterodroma caribbaea. This mythical seabird – known locally as the 'Blue Mountain Duck' – has not been recorded since 1879 when the last specimens were collected in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/jamaica-petrel-search.htmlSubject: Oil Reaches First Important Bird Area From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 16:22:22 -0700 (PDT) Oil Reaches First Important Bird Area By Julie Leibach 05/05/2010 Oil from the recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached the shores of the Chandeleur Islands, marking the first assault on a network of Important Bird Areas that line the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to south Florida. “Rusty streaks of crude could be seen closing in on the Chandeleur Islands and small, dark patches of oily sheen lapped ashore,” reported the Telegraph earlier today. A fleet of 22 boats, comprising 10 official vessels and 12 shrimp trawlers, was dispatched to skim the surface of the slick near the islands, put down protective booms, and drop dispersant chemicals into the oil, according to the report. Full story at http://magblog.audubon.org/oil-reaches-first-important-bird-areaSubject: A cartography of hope for biodiversity in the Americas From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 17:15:55 -0700 (PDT) A cartography of hope for biodiversity in the Americas 04-05-2010 Bird species in the Americas are getting a helping hand at sites across the Western Hemisphere, with the launch today by BirdLife International's Important Bird Area (IBA) programme of a roadmap for conservation, the Americas IBA Directory. This publication identifies 2,345 top-priority conservation sites in all 57 countries and territories. The IBA program not only provides a blueprint for policy makers to make informed decisions on habitat protection and restoration but is already helping the conservation of both threatened and common species as well as a wealth of wider biodiversity. The launch has been generously hosted by Inter-American Development Bank in Washington D.C. "IBAs are becoming a formidable tool to help governments, the private sector, investment banks and donor organisations to direct conservation funding towards clearly defined priorities", said Dr Marco Lambertini, Chief Executive of BirdLife International. "Many of the people that live in and around IBAs also depend on them for natural resources and ecosystem services such as protection of water sources and driving sustainable economic development." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/amercias-ibas-directory-launched.htmlSubject: As Oil Slick Hits Shore and Coats Birds, Groups Take Action From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:23:05 -0700 (PDT) As Oil Slick Hits Shore and Coats Birds, Groups Take Action By Susan Cosier 04/30/2010 As petroleum oozed onto the Gulf coast and oil spill rescue crews found the first greased birds, conservation groups shifted their response efforts into high gear while the White House announced a moratorium on new offshore drilling leases. “No domestic drilling in new areas is going to go forward until there’s an adequate review of what’s happened here and of what is being proposed elsewhere,” White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod told Good Morning America earlier today. The New York Times reported that the freeze, however, most likely wouldn’t have an effect right away “since the increased offshore drilling announced last month wasn’t scheduled to take effect until 2012 at the earliest.” Full story at http://magblog.audubon.org/oil-slick-hits-shore-and-coats-birds-groups-take-actionSubject: World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:51:05 -0700 (PDT) World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target 29-04-2010 World leaders have failed to deliver commitments made in 2002 to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, and have instead overseen alarming biodiversity declines. These findings are the result of a new paper published in the leading journal Science and represent the first assessment of how the targets made through the 2002 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have not been met. Compiling over 30 indicators – measures of different aspects of biodiversity, including changes in species’ populations and risk of extinction, habitat extent and community composition – the study found no evidence for a significant reduction in the rate of decline of biodiversity, and that the pressures facing biodiversity continue to increase. The synthesis provides overwhelming evidence that the 2010 target has not been achieved. "Our analysis shows that governments have failed to deliver on the commitments they made in 2002: biodiversity is still being lost as fast as ever, and we have made little headway in reducing the pressures on species, habitats and ecosystems", said Dr Stuart Butchart, of the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre and BirdLife International, and the paper’s lead author. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/pr/2010/04/2010-CBD-biodiversity-target-fails.htmlSubject: Audubon fears birds will become next victims of Gulf oil spill From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:09:15 -0700 (PDT) Audubon fears birds will become next victims of Gulf oil spill 29-04-2010 Audubon experts across the Gulf Coast are monitoring the spread of thousands of litres of oil that threaten to turn last week's drilling platform explosion into a growing environmental disaster. "The terrible loss of 11 workers may be just the beginning of this tragedy as the oil slick spreads toward sensitive coastal areas vital to birds and marine life and to all the communities that depend on them", said Melanie Driscoll an Audubon bird conservation director, who is monitoring the situation from her base in Louisiana. "For birds, the timing could not be worse; they are breeding, nesting and especially vulnerable in many of the places where the oil could come ashore." Sensitive coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are all potential targets of the growing spill. "The efforts to stop the oil before it reaches shore are heroic, but may not be enough", added Driscoll. "We have to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, including a true catastrophe for birds." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/gulf-oil-spill.htmlSubject: BirdLife Partner staff wins world’s top environmental prize From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:15:28 -0700 (PDT) BirdLife Partner staff wins world’s top environmental prize 22-04-2010 Malgorzata Górska from OTOP (BirdLife in Poland) has been awarded the world’s top prize for grassroots activists having led a successful campaign which stopped a road being built through Poland’s precious Rospuda Valley. “Górska led the first successful environmental campaign where the EU has sued a member country to protect Natura 2000 sites”, commented David Hammerstein, former Member of the European Parliament. “This was a big deal with the new countries coming into the EU regarding the environment . [..] and the President of Poland finally had to give in to the pressure and stop the Expressway”. The Goldman Environmental Prize – often called the Nobel Prize for the environment – is awarded to men and women around the world who take great personal risks to safeguard the environment. Throughout the campaign, Górska and her colleagues were intimidated by local authorities and radical right-wing groups, and even labelled as Russian spies. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/goldman-prize.htmlSubject: South Atlantic becomes more seabird-friendly From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:41:33 -0700 (PDT) South Atlantic becomes more seabird-friendly 16-04-2010 BirdLife International and WWF South Africa recently achieved a major conservation success by improving the methods used by commercial fishermen in the south-east Atlantic Ocean to avoid killing seabirds. Seabirds, particularly albatrosses, are becoming threatened and at a faster rate than all other groups of birds. By far the biggest threat faced is death on longline fishing hooks. "A single demersal [seabed] vessel may use a line extending for 10 km, from which can hang as many as 20,000 hooks", said Dr Ross Wanless - Southern Africa Coordinator for BirdLife's Global Seabird Programme. "Globally we estimate that around 300,000 seabirds grab baited-hooks and drown each year". Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/South-Atlantic-becomes-more-seabird-friendly.htmlSubject: Western Siem Pang - Land of the Giants From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:28:24 -0700 (PDT) Western Siem Pang - Land of the Giants 13-04-2010 Western Siem Pang in Cambodia is one of the few sites in the world that supports five Critically Endangered bird species. It is perhaps best known as the home of the world's largest population of White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davidsoni. However, its importance for another species of ibis is now becoming clear. A recent BirdLife survey team recorded an astonishing 16 Giant Ibis Thaumatibis gigantea over a ten day period during a rapid survey of the western sector of the site. "At the height of the dry season one would expect a greater encounter rate as Giant Ibis along with other wildlife become concentrated at seasonal wetlands (trapeangs) in the forest and grasslands, but to record so many birds in such a short period from such a small area suggests the population at Western Siem Pang is much larger than we previously thought", said Jonathan Eames, Programme Manager for BirdLife International in Indochina. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/giant-ibis.htmlSubject: A Ruddy Long Way to Fly From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 15:08:43 -0700 (PDT) A Ruddy Long Way to Fly 09-04-2010 A technological breakthrough has enabled researchers from the Australasian Wader Studies Group - a special interest group of Birds Australia [BirdLife Partner] - to study the amazing migratory routes of Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Four birds fitted with ultra-light geolocators took just six days to fly from Australia to Taiwan before continuing on to northern Siberia. One bird then completed its return trip back to Australia via the Central Pacific - a total round-trip of 27,000 km! Ruddy Turnstone is a small, highly-migratory wading bird with a large global range. It breeds in northern latitudes in open tundra habitat often close to water. Outside the breeding season it is found along coastlines, particularly on rocky or stony shores. It is the only species of turnstone in much of its range and is often called Turnstone. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/ruddy-turnstone-migration.htmlSubject: White Stork wait for FIFA World Cup From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:07:34 -0700 (PDT) White Stork wait for FIFA World Cup 01-04-2010 BirdLife South Africa (BirdLife Partner) have received numerous reports of White Stork Ciconia ciconia nesting on top of newly-built football stadiums in the country. This is seen as an omen of good luck and is fuelling hopes that an African country is destined to win this year's 2010 FIFA World Cup. "White Stork are usually arriving in their European breeding grounds at this time", said Mark Anderson - Executive Director of BirdLife South Africa. "However, we've received dozens of reports of White Stork failing to migrate; instead they've been observed nest-building on the top of football stadiums up on down the country". According to mythology, the White Stork is responsible for delivering babies to new parents. This story probably came about because White Storks have a habit of nesting on buildings in urban areas. "We're hoping the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be our 'new arrival' in Africa!", added Anderson. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/white-stork-football.htmlSubject: Thai local group urges Ramsar designation for Spoon-billed Sandpiper site From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:29:23 -0700 (PDT) Thai local group urges Ramsar designation for Spoon-billed Sandpiper site 25-03-2010 One of the most important non-breeding sites for Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, Khok Kham, has taken a major step towards Ramsar designation, thanks to an appeal by Local Conservation Groups. "It is rather surprising that good sites still exist there, as it lies just at the outskirts of the mega-city of Bangkok", said Simba Chan, Senior Conservation Officer at BirdLife's Asia Division. Between 1979 and 1996, up to 90% of the mangroves were converted to shrimp ponds. But after ten years, the shrimp industry crashed. "The decline in catch made many fishermen understand the importance of mangroves, and that a balanced ecosystem is vital to their fishery", Simba Chan added. As a result, a local grassroots environmental movement started in the late 1990s. Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST, BirdLife Partner) supported this movement from the beginning. To date, there are four Local Conservation Groups (LCGs), working in coordination with BCST on the conservation of the Inner Gulf. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/thai_ramsar.htmlSubject: BirdLife Partners call to save the Wadden Sea From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:43:55 -0700 (PDT) BirdLife Partners call to save the Wadden Sea 17-03-2010 The Wadden Sea is one of the last true wilderness areas in Northwest Europe. Characterised by vast mudflats, it stretches over three countries: Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands and is a complex of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) which are threatened by human activities. In response, three BirdLife Partners - DOF, NABU and Vogelbescherming Nederland (BirdLife Partners in Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands respectively) - have joined forces to fight for the conservation of this area and have published an ambitious report entitled the: ‘Wadden Sea Vision - A vision for the conservation of a Natural Heritage'. The Wadden Sea is important for millions of birds. Species such as Red Knot Calidris canutus and Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica stop in the Wadden Sea to rest and refuel on their migrations between the Arctic and West Africa. The site is also important for species like Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta which breed on the salt marshes, beaches and islands found around the Wadden Sea. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/wadden_sea.htmlSubject: 'State of the birds 2010' highlights threats to migrants From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:51:26 -0700 (PDT) 'State of the birds 2010' highlights threats to migrants 15-03-2010 Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive species and other environmental threats, concludes a new report released by United States' Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. "For well over a century, migratory birds have faced stresses such as commercial hunting, loss of forests, the use of DDT and other pesticides, a loss of wetlands and other key habitat, the introduction of invasive species, and other impacts of human development", Salazar said. "Now they are facing a new threat - climate change - that could dramatically alter their habitat and food supply and push many species towards extinction." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/state_of_the_birds.htmlSubject: Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:50:44 -0800 (PST) Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America By Matt Walker Editor, Earth News Songbirds in the US are getting smaller, and climate change is suspected as the cause. A study of almost half a million birds, belonging to over 100 species, shows that many are gradually becoming lighter and growing shorter wings. This shrinkage has occurred within just half a century, with the birds thought to be evolving into a smaller size in response to warmer temperatures. However, there is little evidence that the change is harmful to the birds. Details of the discovery are published in the journal Oikos. Full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8560000/8560694.stmSubject: Caribbean's first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve designated From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:21:16 -0800 (PST) Caribbean's first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve designated 12-03-2010 The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats – within Puerto Rico's Suroeste Important Bird Area – have been designated as the Caribbean's first site of regional importance for shorebirds by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN, an international shorebird conservation strategy). The nomination was submitted by Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña (SOPI, BirdLife in Puerto Rico) and supported by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), North Carolina State University and the BirdLife Caribbean Program. "This designation represents a significant step for the conservation of shorebirds in the Caribbean as it helps demonstrate the importance of wetlands on islands throughout the region for the conservation of both migratory and resident shorebirds", said Xicoténcatl Vega, subdirector of the WHSRN and Shorebird Recovery Program, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/puerto_rico_iba.htmlSubject: The World's Rarest Birds through the lens From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:04:54 -0800 (PST) The World's Rarest Birds through the lens 08-03-2010 A new international photo competition covering the world's 623 most threatened birds has just been launched. This is a follow-up to the photo competitions that led to the production of the highly acclaimed Rare Birds Yearbooks 2008 and 2009. The photos submitted for the new competition will feature in a landmark publication – The World's Rarest Birds – which will be produced by the not-for-profit publisher WILDGuides next year. The proceeds will be donated to BirdLife International's Preventing Extinctions Programme, as was the case with the Rare Birds Yearbooks. The World's Rarest Birds will be a lavishly illustrated hardback book, covering the 362 species categorised as Endangered and 65 that are Data Deficient, as well as the 192 Critically Endangered species and the four species that are Extinct in the Wild and only now exist in captivity. It will be a comprehensive directory of the world's most threatened bird species and include specially written feature articles on the key bird conservation issues in each of the world’s regions. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/worlds_rarest.htmlSubject: Brazil's mightiest biomes get mapped the IBA way From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:37:49 -0800 (PST) Brazil's mightiest biomes get mapped the IBA way 10-03-2010 Brazil is a country of superlatives: big and biodiverse. Three of the most extensive biomes in the entire world — the Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal Wetlands and the Cerrado savannas occur in Brazil. The Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of these three unique areas are now covered in a new publication Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part II – Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal. In 2004, SAVE Brasil (BirdLife Partner) was established with the mission of conserving birds, their habitats and biodiversity, and working with people towards the sustainable use of natural resources. One of the first tasks was to identify IBAs for Brazil. Not an easy task by any means. Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world at over 8.5 million square kilometres and also has the fifth largest population, mainly concentrated around the coastal strip. The first part of the study was completed in 2006, with the publication of Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part I – the Atlantic Forest Region. This book described 163 IBAs in the Atlantic Forest, the Caatinga, the Pampa, and portions of the Cerrado. The process has now been completed with the publication of the second volume that describes 74 IBAs. Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part II represents the first mapping of priority areas for bird conservation in the Amazon, the Cerrado, and the Pantanal. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/brazil_ibas.htmlSubject: Black-faced Spoonbill numbers up again as Action Plans are launched From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:11:33 -0800 (PST) Black-faced Spoonbill numbers up again as Action Plans are launched 05-03-2010 BirdLife International has compiled International Action Plans for three globally Endangered and Critically Endangered migratory waterbirds in Asia, under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species. The action plans for Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus and Chinese Crested Tern Sterna bernsteini were launched recently at the fourth meeting of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). On 5th March, the action plan for Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor was launched at the International Symposium on Ecology, Migratory and Conservation of the Black-faced Spoonbill. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/new_action_plans.htmlSubject: BirdLife seabird conservationist awarded 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:54:35 -0800 (PST) BirdLife seabird conservationist awarded 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation 03-03-2010 One man's quest to prevent one of the world's most threatened families of birds from slipping ever closer towards oblivion has been recognised with the award of a major international honour. Dr Ben Sullivan, the Tasmanian-based coordinator for BirdLife International's Global Seabird Program, has been awarded a 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation for his project to reduce seabird 'bycatch'. or the catching and killing of non-target species, in open-ocean longline and trawl fisheries. The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation is a prestigious program that gives recipients US$150,000 for a three-year scientific research or conservation project designed to address critical challenges facing our oceans. Dr Sullivan's fellowship will utilize the existing Albatross Task Force to conduct research and develop best practices for reducing the killing of seabirds in many of the bycatch 'hot spots' around the world. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/Ben_Sullivan_Pew_fellowship.htmlSubject: Saving rockhopper penguins From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:57:09 -0800 (PST) Saving rockhopper penguins 02-03-2010 Rockhopper penguin populations are in serious decline worldwide, and the causes have been largely unknown. BirdLife is launching a new report which identifies the key threats, and outlines the steps which must be taken to help save rockhopper penguins. "At last, in this new report we have an international action plan to address the catastrophic declines of rockhopper penguins", said Professor John Croxall - Chairman of BirdLife's Global Seabird Programme. Rockhopper penguins live in the Indian, South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. There are two distinct species: Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi (Endangered) and Southern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes chrysocome (Vulnerable). Both these species have been disappearing from the southern oceans. In the past 37 years alone, Northern Rockhopper Penguin has decline by 57% and Southern Rockhopper Penguin by 34%. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/rockhopper_report.htmlSubject: BirdLife protects biodiversity in the French overseas departments From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:33:02 -0800 (PST) BirdLife protects biodiversity in the French overseas departments 24-01-2010 BirdLife International and LPO (BirdLife in France), in cooperation with local conservation organisations, have just published Un patrimoine, un atout – Oiseaux des departements d’outre-mer, presenting the status of birds and biodiversity in the French overseas departments, and focusing on their added values and the threats they are facing. "More than ever it is now urgent to mobilise all the available legal, technical and financial tools at our disposal to halt the biodiversity decline both in Europe and in France", commented Angelo Caserta, Regional Director of BirdLife International European Division. Birds represent a unique asset to develop eco-tourism activities and boost local economies. Within the publication, some concrete financial and economic measures are also proposed in order to better preserve the biodiversity in those territories. For instance, including their species and habitats in the EU Birds and Habitats Directive will be essential to be in line with the European goals of halting the biodiversity loss and fighting against climate change. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/lpo_patrimoine.htmlSubject: Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:56:24 -0800 (PST) Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action 18-02-2010 The 2010 World Wetlands Day celebrations in Tanzania focussed on a meeting to support the conservation of Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor (Near Threatened) through the completion of a National Single Species Action Plan. "This is an important step in ensuring the protection of this important species not only for Tanzania but also for the world", said Lota Melamari - CEO of Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST, BirdLife Partner). "This action plan provides Tanzania with an opportunity to ensure that threats facing Lesser Flamingo are thoroughly addressed", he added. Tanzania is home to the most important breeding site in the world for Lesser Flamingo – Lake Natron. Of the world's global population of Lesser Flamingo, 75% breed at Lake Natron. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/flamingo_species_action_plan.htmlSubject: WeLoveBirds.org From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:16:10 -0800 (PST) Thought some of you might be interested in a new social site sponsored by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the NRDC, http://www.welovebirds.org/ Regards, JeremySubject: Radar station in Madeira threatens Zino's Petrel From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:55:07 -0800 (PST) Radar station in Madeira threatens Zino's Petrel 16-02-2010 After many years of uncertainty and inaction, the Portuguese Government has finally started building a military radar on top of Pico do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s most popular tourist destinations and the only home of Zino’s Petrel Pterodroma madeira, a rare endemic seabird. The Pico do Areeiro lies within a Natura 2000 site designated as a Special Protection Area, and therefore has the highest level of protection under European Union law. “It is the only known breeding site in the world of Zino's Petrel, a globally Endangered species whose total population of 65-80 pairs makes it the rarest seabird in Europe and one of the rarest birds in the world”, said Dr Ian Burfield – European Research and Database Manager at BirdLife International. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/madeira.htmlSubject: Industrial windfarm development in Puerto Rican IBA rejected by government From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:04:13 -0800 (PST) Industrial windfarm development in Puerto Rican IBA rejected by government 15-02-2010 The Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc. (SOPI, BirdLife in Puerto Rico) and other organisations have applauded the decision made by the Planning Board of Puerto Rico to reject and suspend the siting permit for an industrial windfarm development in Karso del Sur Important Bird Area (IBA). At the same time, the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development is being legally disputed. The windfarm was proposed for construction on forested land that is both ecologically fragile and exceptionally important for biodiversity. This karst limestone area has been designated by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as a 'High Conservation Priority' and borders the Guánica Biosphere Reserve. The forests and shrubland in this IBA are home to 19 (of the 23) restricted-range species found on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including the largest known population (c.20% of the total) of the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus. The IBA also supports a regionally significant breeding population of Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Small numbers of Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis nest on Don Luis Cay—one of the few nesting locations for the species in Puerto Rico. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/pr_windfarm.htmlSubject: New website for Canadian Important Bird Areas programme From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 11:30:27 -0800 (PST) New website for Canadian Important Bird Areas programme 04-02-2010 BirdLife International's Canadian co-partners Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada have launched a new website for the Canadian Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme. The main goals of the IBA Canada website (www.ibacanada.ca) are to raise awareness of the IBA Programme, to share information about Canada’s IBAs, and to empower more Canadians to reconnect with nature as volunteers for the IBA Caretaker Network. The website offers refined mapping features and data management and analysis functions, including a search engine that enables users to identify bird populations, habitat types, and land use activities at Important Bird Areas across Canada. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/canada_ibas.htmlSubject: African grey parrots, the illegal trade continues From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:06:22 -0800 (PST) African grey parrots, the illegal trade continues Date: February 2nd 2010 By: limbewildlifecentre Yesterday more then 1000 African grey parrots were confiscated at Douala Airport and brought to the Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon. Again! We have not even released all the birds from the last seized parrot shipment, but the illegal trade continues. This is the largest group of parrots ever confiscated in Cameroon. Unfortunately, also the amount of dead birds was incredibly high. Upon arrival we found 47 dead parrots on the bottoms of the crates. Another 30 parrots did not survive the first day, as a result of thirst and stress. It makes you sick to see how the parrots are packed in the boxes, the weaker ones trampeled by the strongest. Full story and photos at http://limbewildlifecentre.wildlifedirect.org/2010/02/02/african-grey-parrots-the-illegal-trade-continues/Subject: BirdLife cares for wetlands From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 20:52:04 -0800 (PST) BirdLife cares for wetlands 02-02-2010 Today is World Wetlands Day and this year’s theme – Caring for wetlands: an answer to climate change – highlights the bonds between wetlands, biodiversity and climate change. “Caring for wetlands is part of the solution to climate change”, said Melanie Heath – Senior Advisor on Climate Change at BirdLife. “If we manage them well, wetland ecosystems and their biodiversity have a vital role to play in mitigating against, and adapting to, climate change”. Freshwater ecosystems are vital to life on earth, despite occupying less than 1% of the earth’s surface. They provide ecosystem services – such as water, fish, water purification and flood control. “The functions provided by wetlands are essential for human survival and aid our resilience to climate change”, added Melanie. “For example, due to their ability to store and slowly release water, wetlands can be a vital lifeline in periods of extreme drought”. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/world_wetlands_day.htmlSubject: Biodiversity on the Brink From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:38:56 -0800 (PST) Biodiversity on the Brink 26-01-2010 A photo exhibition to launch BirdLife’s Year of Biodiversity Officially launching the International Year of Biodiversity within the European Partnership, BirdLife International presents 'Biodiversity on the Brink', a photo exhibition of Europe’s natural wonders. At an event in the European Parliament, guests will enjoy 16 astonishing pictures of European landscapes, animals and human activities, learning more about the threats our nature is facing, but also about the opportunities to save it. “2010 is really our chance to concretely act to save our nature, after failing to meet the biodiversity target”, said Angelo Caserta, Regional Director at BirdLife International’s European Division. A new European Parliament has been elected and a new European Commission will soon be in place, so this is our opportunity for a fresh and ambitious new start to conserve Europe’s biodiversity. This year the future of the planet is in our hands”. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/01/biodiversity_brink.html ______________________________________________ "We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors; we borrow it from our Children." ~Native American proverb Answer my Earth Survey questionnaire at http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7 Earth Survey Project http://earthsurvey.blogspot.com Project Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34705684632 Jeremy's website http://jeremyjtaylor.tripod.com Jeremy - Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jeremyjtaylor Jeremy's Photography http://jeremyjtaylor.shutterfly.com/Subject: Impact of nature's invading aliens measured for the first time From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:11:50 -0800 (PST) Impact of nature's invading aliens measured for the first time 25-01-2010 Invasive Alien Species, ranging from disease and plants, to rats and goats, are one of the top three threats to life on this planet, according to a new publication coordinated by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP), of which BirdLife International is a partner. Most countries have made international commitments to tackle this threat, but only half have introduced relevant legislation and even fewer are taking adequate action on the ground. The paper entitled, Global indicators of biological invasion: species numbers, biodiversity impact and policy responses, published in the journal Diversity and distributions, looked at 57 countries and found that, on average, there are 50 non-indigenous species per country which have a negative impact on biodiversity. The number of invasive alien species ranged from nine in Equatorial Guinea to 222 in New Zealand. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/01/aliens.htmlSubject: It's time to protect Europe's seabirds From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:56:57 -0800 (PST) It's time to protect Europe's seabirds 22-01-2010 In the last decade an estimated two million seabirds are thought to have died at the hands of the European fishing industry in the waters around Europe and the Atlantic. This slaughter has to stop, say BirdLife International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK), which are urging people to sign a petition to be sent to Maria Damanaki – designate European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries - to bring in long overdue measures to protect these birds. Several of the species, which die on the end of longline hooks, get caught up in trawls or drown in gill nets are ones which are declining rapidly, and some, such as Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus, are considered to be facing extinction within a human generation. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/01/seabird_petition.htmlSubject: Music & Migration - music for the birds From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:39:23 -0800 (PST) Music & Migration - music for the birds 20-01-2010 New CD launched in support of Born to Travel, the BirdLife Flyways Campaign A new music compilation on CD, Music & Migration, is supporting BirdLife’s Born to Travel campaign. Each of its 21 songs are by different artists and are new and exclusive to the record. “BirdLife is proud to have the support of the many musicians who made Music & Migration. It shows that people really care about the miracles of nature, and that BirdLife is not alone in wanting to save migratory birds”, commented Ania Sharwood Smith, Campaign Coordinator of Born to Travel. Each of the songs on Music & Migration are inspired by both the miracle of the migratory impulse and the man-made threats that birds face today. The album showcases contemporary post-classical composition, idiosyncratic folksong and pastoral soundscaping. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/01/music_migration.htmlSubject: Breeding ground of rare bird discovered From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:21:11 -0800 (PST) Breeding ground of rare bird discovered Birdx-blog200 A long-sought breeding ground of one of the world's rarest birds has turned up in Afghanistan, conservation scientists report. In the journal BirdingASIA, a team led by Robert Timmins of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) report the tagging of twenty large-billed reed warblers, Acrocephalus orinus, at a site in the Pamir Mountains of north-eastern Afghanistan, "an oasis for more than 50 species of resident and migratory birds," according to the study. "Practically nothing is known about this species, so this discovery of the breeding area represents a flood of new information on the large-billed reed warbler," said WCS's Colin Poole, in a statement. "This new knowledge of the bird also indicates that the Wakhan Corridor still holds biological secrets and is critically important for future conservation efforts in Afghanistan." Full story at http://tinyurl.com/ykf5y2aSubject: Photos: new bird discovered in well-known rainforest in Borneo From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:20:20 -0800 (PST) Photos: new bird discovered in well-known rainforest in Borneo Jeremy Hance mongabay.com January 14, 2010 The Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah, Malaysia is a huge draw for tourists and scientists; a research station has been operating in Danum Valley since 1986. But the rainforest still has surprises left: in June two employees with a tour company named Field Guide came upon every ornithologist's dream, a bird species entirely unknown to science. While walking along a 250 meter-high canopy-walkway set-up for tourists, Richard Webster discovered a bird he didn't recognize feeding on mistletoe berries. He took photos of the individual and later shared them with Dr. David Edwards, an ornithologist from Leeds University who has been studying birds in the area for three years. After checking with several museums, they realized that no one had ever recorded such a bird. Full story (and photos) at http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0114-hance_birddanum.htmlSubject: Nature authority succeeds in breeding rare bird of prey From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:46:22 -0800 (PST) Nature authority succeeds in breeding rare bird of prey By Zafrir Rinat The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has chalked up a success of international proportions in breeding one of the rarest birds of prey - the hawk-eagle. The hawk-eagles being bred in Israel are the only ones in the world that regularly reproduce on an annual basis. Meanwhile the fate of another rare bird, the lappet-faced vulture, which is no longer found in the wild in Israel, does not look bright. Ecologist Ohad Hatzofe of the Parks Authority published a summary of efforts over the past year to breed rare birds of prey under the supervision of the authority's Hai Bar nature reserve outside of Haifa and with the help of zoos around the country. Sixteen birds representing seven species, including vultures, have been bred for release during 2009 or for release in the near future. Full story at http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1141425.htmlSubject: Birds Fight Alien Parasites From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:03:34 -0800 (PST) Birds Fight Alien Parasites Released: 1/4/2010 11:00 PM EST Embargo expired: 1/5/2010 8:00 PM EST Source: University of Utah UNIVERSITY OF UTAH MEDIA RELEASE BIRDS FIGHT ALIEN PARASITES Darwin’s Finches Develop Antibodies to Flies, Pox Virus SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 5, 2010 – Unlike Hawaii and other island groups, no native bird has gone extinct in the Galapagos Islands, although some are in danger. But University of Utah biologists found that finches – the birds Darwin studied – develop antibodies against two parasites that moved to the Galapagos, suggesting the birds can fight the alien invaders. Full story at http://tinyurl.com/yfk7kngSubject: Wading bird population soars in 2009 From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:02:19 -0800 (PST) Wading bird population soars in 2009 By Erika Pesantes, Sun Sentinel January 6, 2010 Wading bird populations, specifically the endangered wood stork, soared in 2009, according to a South Florida Water Management District report. There were about 77,505 wading bird nests in South Florida in 2009. Of those, about 6,500 wood stork nests were recorded — a more than 1,000 percent increase over 2008 and a 200 percent rise over the past decade's average. The report also attributed wading birds' success in part to the recent droughts that reduced predatory fish and allowed smaller fish and crayfish populations, which serve as wading birds' food supply, to become more abundant. Everglades National Park was home to 15,400 nests, the largest number in the park since 1941. The park encompasses parts of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Collier counties. Copyright © 2010, South Florida Sun-Sentinel http://tinyurl.com/yjwkqx4Subject: Record number of cahows seen in Christmas bird count From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:01:09 -0800 (PST) Record number of cahows seen in Christmas bird count By Sam Strangeways An American bird rarely spotted in Bermuda made it here for the Audubon Society's annual count on New Year's Eve. Two western kingbirds — making their first appearance for a Christmas bird count — were among the 100 species and 8,682 individual birds recorded by volunteers on December 31. A globally endangered piping plover — a small shorebird which occasionally winters in Bermuda — was also seen, along with a northern gannet from the North Atlantic coast, a Eurasian wigeon from Europe and a tiny ruby-throated hummingbird from eastern North America. Count organiser Andrew Dobson said of the kingbird: "It's a rare bird here so it's good to get it on a count day itself." Full story at http://tinyurl.com/yzy9kctSubject: Northwest Miami-Dade gunslingers shoot endangered wood storks for target practice From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 17:59:38 -0800 (PST) Northwest Miami-Dade gunslingers shoot endangered wood storks for target practice By Gus Garcia-Roberts Published on January 05, 2010 at 12:30pm The weirdest nook of Miami-Dade County is its unincorporated northwest corner — a rural tract where guajiros pummel each other at cowboy bars, black-market horse meat is in high demand, and burned cars and other refuse litter the streets as if in some Mad Max hellscape. Here's yet another strange atrocity: Hunters there are using an endangered bird as target practice. Full story at http://tinyurl.com/yhnk6mdSubject: A model for wildlife-friendly energy development From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 10:41:18 -0800 (PST) A model for wildlife-friendly energy development 06-01-2010 Newly announced changes to United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) leasing policies offer enhanced protection for Near Threatened Greater Sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus, and an innovative model for wildlife-friendly energy development. Other wildlife that shares the western sagebrush ecosystem will also benefit. The BLM's new policy follows protests by groups including Audubon (BirdLife in the USA) at the federal government's push to lease nearly 280,000 hectares of important habitat in Wyoming for oil and gas development. Previous energy development was a major factor in reducing Greater Sage-Grouse populations to 10-20% of historic levels. Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus, Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli, Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri and other sagebrush-dependent species have also declined. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/01/sage_grouse.htmlSubject: New warbler found in South-East Asia From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:19:31 -0800 (PST) New warbler found in South-East Asia 29-12-2009 A new species of warbler has been described from the karst limestone country of Vietnam and Laos by scientists from BirdLife International, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Swedish Museum of Natural History, and Wildlife Conservation Society. Named Limestone Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus calciatilis, the new species is very similar to Sulphur-breasted Warbler P. ricketti, in morphology, but it is smaller with a proportionately larger bill and rounder wing. Its song and calls are diagnostic. Based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, the new species is most closely related to P. ricketti and Yellow-vented Warbler P. cantator. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/new_warbler.htmlSubject: Migratory behaviour of the Red Kites as revealed by Satellite Telemetry From: WWGBP AT aol.com Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:03:56 EST Dear All, This is to inform you that our paper Pfeiffer T & Meyburg BU 2009: Migratory and wintering behaviour of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Thuringia (Germany) as revealed by Satellite Telemetry. Vogelwarte 47: 171-187 which has recently been posted to our website _www.Raptor-Research.de_ (http://www.raptor-research.de/) (the paper with maps etc.). _http://www.raptor-research.de/pdfs/a_sp100p/a_sp142_Pfeiffer_Meyburg_Red%20 Kite%20Milvus%20milvus.pdf_ (http://www.raptor-research.de/pdfs/a_sp100p/a_sp142_Pfeiffer_Meyburg_Red%20Kite%20Milvus%20milvus.pdf) (complete English translation) See summary below. Happy New Year Bernd Meyburg _BUMeyburg AT aol.com_ (http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/SatTelOrn/post?postID=9XQdwoafO6F9qUZWukB9etYgEgiXhmNVMXsfiOj0x4ssbQR93M8NkiNK9DiuHDSD8IDjnQgznH KOkPM) _www.Raptor-research.de_ (http://www.raptor-research.de/) Summary In 2002 to 2005, nine Red Kites (two juveniles and seven adults) were fitted with solar-powered satellite transmitters (PTTs) in Thuringia (Germany) which, up to the end of 2008, enabled 2686 fixes to be made by Argos using the Doppler Phenomenon. Most locations were not very precise, but are adequate for studies of migratory behaviour. In total seven autumn migrations to Spain and four return journeys to the breeding area were tracked. Apart from one juvenile, which departed as early as August and required 47 days to reach Spain, migration began in the first half of October. Arrival in spring took place between 5 and 12 March. During migration to winter quarters the birds covered distances of between 1,450 and 2,320 km, for which the adult birds required between 12 to 28 days. Spring migration, taking between 8 to 22 days, was somewhat quicker. An adult female, which was tracked over five migration periods, spent both of the first two winters in the same area in south-west Spain and, in the third migration period, only flew as far as northern Spain. At the end of December a change in winter quarters of over 130 km took place. In the fourth year of the study it spent the winter in its breeding area. In the following year (2008) the female migrated a week earlier than in the first three years to western Spain, where it was found dead in December. Three members of a family (the male and two juveniles) migrated separately and the juveniles sought out different wintering areas. In addition to the telemetry results the transmitters provided further information on the individual identification of the Red Kites. By this means the ousting of a pair from the breeding area by other Red Kites was recorded and a female, monitored over a five year period, had at least four different partners in this time. Of the nine birds fitted with transmitters, there were mortalities of seven kites, of two males and one female in the breeding area, a further male during migration and both juveniles and an adult female in winter quarters. One female is still carrying the transmitter (summer 2009) and, since the transmitter was deployed at the age of three years, has successfully raised young annually for the past seven years. The PTT of the ninth bird has been removed when it was retrapped.Subject: BirdLife and Audubon's conservation work gets Royal support From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:48:42 -0800 (PST) BirdLife and Audubon's conservation work gets Royal support 22-12-2009 “Protecting threatened species is vitally important to developing a different relationship with our planet”, said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco at a recent event in Washington DC, United States. “Humanity needs to adopt a more humble attitude, aware that it needs other species to survive”. The event was organised by BirdLife, Audubon (BirdLife in the US) and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and took place at the Washington DC Residence of H.E. Gilles Noghes - the Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the US. The evening was also attended by Bernard Fautrier and John B. Kelly – respectively CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and President of the Foundation’s US Chapter. A major focus of the event was on the ratification of the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) by the US Congress. Last year Ex-President George W. Bush passed the treaty to the US Senate for approval. The Washington event created an opportunity to advance the agenda for the US Senate ratification of the ACAP treaty by the attendance of Dr Jane Lubchenco - Under Secretary of commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator - and Evan Bloom of the US State Department. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/washington_event.htmlSubject: Kenya's Tana River Delta under siege From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:40:27 -0800 (PST) Kenya's Tana River Delta under siege 21-12-2009 The Tana River Delta in Kenya's north coast is under unprecedented threat as corporations and foreign agencies scramble to exploit its riches for export crops, biofuels and minerals. NatureKenya (BirdLife Partner) – with support of RSPB (BirdLife in UK), Schweizer Vogelschutz SVS/BirdLife Schweiz (BirdLife in Switzerland) and DOF (BirdLife in Denmark) – are working with local communities to try and stop the proposed poorly planned developments which would result in tens of thousands of people losing their livelihoods. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/tana_update.htmlSubject: Partnerships strengthen migratory bird conservation in West Africa From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:38:42 -0800 (PST) Partnerships strengthen migratory bird conservation in West Africa 16-12-2009 Six countries in West Africa have committed to conserving Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for migratory birds along their coastlines. This is the outcome of a recent joint workshop organised by BirdLife and Wetlands International. “The project offers an opportunity for coordinated monitoring and conservation of IBAs along the coast of West Africa, and for capacity building, which is crucial for migratory bird conservation, as well as enhancement of the livelihoods of local communities”, said Dr Hazell Shokellu Thompson - Africa regional director of BirdLife International. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/west_africa_migratory_birds.htmlSubject: Forests of Hope From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:40:07 -0800 (PST) Forests of Hope The international community has so far failed to save the world's tropical forests. As things now stand, few tropical forests will survive to the end of the 21st century. Tropical deforestation is one of the most acute ecological tragedies of our modern age, yet it continues at a frightening rate, driven by global demand for timber, paper and land for crops and biofuels. As forests are destroyed, their values as stores of biological diversity, providers of livelihoods and ecosystem services to local and global communities, and stabilisers of the global climate, are lost. Tropical deforestation has serious impacts on the world’s climate. Globally, deforestation and forest degradation account for 15–20% of all human induced carbon emissions, and a large proportion of this takes place in the tropics. This is therefore one of the major causes of global warming. These emissions are greater than those of all cars, trucks, planes, ships and trains worldwide. Learn more at http://www.birdlife.org/forests/Subject: latest from BirdLife International From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:22:00 -0800 (PST) Global warning - BirdLife's 5 asks for Copenhagen http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/cop_start_5_asks.html Second blow for Asian vultures http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/vultures.html BirdLife's case for the role of ecosystems in climate change adaptation http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/partners.htmlSubject: Birds and climate change: indicators of a changing world From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 4 Dec 2009 18:40:28 -0800 (PST) Birds and climate change: indicators of a changing world 04-12-2009 Next week, the world's governments are meeting at the United Nation's Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark to attempt to agree action to tackle climate change. The outcomes of this will have resounding consequences for biodiversity. Climate change is already having multiple impacts on birds and their habitats, and is exacerbating many of the factors which have put one in eight of the world's birds at risk of extinction. Many species may have to shift their ranges to survive, and considerably more losers than winners are expected. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/12/climate_impacts.htmlSubject: Romanian Parliament puts Danube Delta at risk From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:09:15 -0800 (PST) Romanian Parliament puts Danube Delta at risk 26-11-2009 At the beginning of November 2009 the Romanian Parliament cancelled a draft law that would have protected the irreplaceable natural environment of the Danube Delta. The Danube Delta is one of the world’s largest wetlands, home to an extraordinary array of wildlife and to over 320 bird species, such as Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus and Endangered Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis. The international relevance of Danube Delta is recognised by its designation as Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage site, a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an Important Bird Area according to BirdLife, a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and a proposed Site of Community Importance under the EU Habitats Directive. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/11/danube_delta.htmlSubject: ICCAT leaves albatross conservation dead in the water From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:08:26 -0800 (PST) ICCAT leaves albatross conservation dead in the water 27-11-2009 After a 3-year seabird risk assessment that found tuna and swordfish longline fishing has significant impacts on Atlantic seabird populations, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) failed to act at a recent meeting in Recife, Brazil. “Albatrosses and petrel populations in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea are undergoing some of the most severe decreases anywhere in the world”, said Dr Cleo Small - Senior Policy Officer for the BirdLife Global Seabird Programme, based at the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK). More than 40 fishing nations are members of ICCAT, and they gathered recently in Recife, Brazil for the annual meeting of the commission. Collectively they control longline fishing effort in the Atlantic Ocean that is conducted on a massive scale. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/11/iccat_albatross_failure.htmlSubject: 'No-shooting' shorebird refuge established in Barbados From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:07:41 -0800 (PST) 'No-shooting' shorebird refuge established in Barbados 23-11-2009 BirdLife International has created Barbados' first shorebird refuge at an abandoned shooting swamp at Woodbourne, close to the village of Packers. Woodbourne is a four hectare swamp on the flank of the St. Philip Shooting Swamps Important Bird Area (IBA), at which hunting and maintenance ceased in October 2004. Two former hunters were instrumental in securing the lease and financing the initial restoration of Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge. Restoration work started in May and the swamp was ready for the 2009 southbound, autumn migration. Barbados is an important stop-over site for tens of thousands of Nearctic-nesting shorebirds on their southbound migration to South America where they pass the non-breeding (southern summer) season. Adverse weather in the Atlantic during their flight can force large numbers to stop for shelter on the island, but 15,000-30,000 of these shorebirds – including a number of species of conservation concern – are shot in a handful of managed shooting swamps. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/11/barbados.htmlSubject: New study sheds light on nightjar From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:17:55 -0800 (PST) New study sheds light on nightjar 18-11-2009 A new study of the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus suggests that the species's geographic range is greater than previously estimated. This is the major finding of Geographic distribution of the Puerto Rican Nightjar: A patch occupancy approach, a joint effort between the Sociedad Ornitolgica Puertorriquea, Inc. (SOPI, the BirdLife Partner and Species Guardian for Puerto Rican Nightjar), Mississippi State University, USGS Cooperative Research Units, BirdLife International, and The British Birdwatching Fair. With an estimated population of 1,400-2,000 individuals, Puerto Rican Nightjar is a single-island endemic species found in coastal dry and lower montane forests in the south-west of Puerto Rico. Fragmentation, loss and degradation of its habitat, especially from residential, industrial and recreational expansion are the main threats. SOPI, as part of the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions programme, liaised with researchers, Dr. Francisco Vilella and graduate student Rafael Gonzlez to carry out the first systematic presence-absence survey to improve current knowledge on habitat and distribution of the nightjar. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/11/sopi_nightjar.htmlSubject: Newly evolved finch appears on the Galapagos Islands From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:45:37 -0800 (PST) Newly evolved finch appears on the Galapagos Islands Evolution caught in the act? An isolated population of finches have odd-shaped beaks, sing differently, and don't breed with others. By Bryan Nelson Mon, Nov 16 2009 at 9:40 PM EST Just a few years ago, the husband and wife team of Peter and B. Rosemary Grant made the breakthrough discovery that the beak sizes of some of the finches on the Galapagos Islands had already changed since Darwin's visit in 1835. Now they believe they may have witnessed the evolution of a brand new species. Even more remarkable, the scientists have tracked the evolution of the new lineage back to a single bird. As Nature reports, it began in 1981 when the Grants spotted an unusually heavy, medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis) on the Galapagos Island of Daphne Major. At 29.7 grams, the male was markedly heavier than any of the other finches they had found there. Genetic analysis revealed that the odd bird likely came from the neighboring island of Santa Cruz, where the species is larger. Full story at http://tinyurl.com/ybfsqz9 |