New research by the National Audubon Society suggests that half of North America’s bird species could face extinction by the end of this century as a result of climate change.
Projections are based on 30 years of data collected on 588 species, 314 of which are expected to lose their current range as a result of a warming planet. Some species may be able to find hospitable conditions elsewhere, others will not be so lucky.
Few of these ‘climate-endangered’ birds are currently threatened or endangered species. Most have healthy populations now, but that will change as temperatures rise. The study only considered range reductions caused by climate change, not related issues like flooding and drought or current threats like habitat loss and pollution. So the combined threat to birds could be even greater than projected.
Among the species at risk are American icons like the bald eagle and beloved state birds like the Baltimore oriole. In fact, if predictions are correct, ten states and the District of Columbia may lose their state birds entirely by the end of the century.
To combat this situation, the Audubon Society is calling for stricter habitat protection for birds and more drastic cuts in the carbon emissions that cause global warming. Researchers are already taking action, creating detailed maps of each species’ climate range and assigning it a threat level.
The hope is that these maps will help conservationists better understand where and how to concentrate their efforts to give vulnerable species a fighting chance.
**********
.
Web Links
Climate Change May Put Half of North American Birds at Risk of Extinction
North America’s key birds facing extinction, study finds
Half of North American bird species threatened by climate change
Photo, posted July 2, 2009, courtesy of Beverly and Pack via Flickr.
.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, with script contribution from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.