Birds are fast disappearing from the face of the earth. It has been noted that bird populations are declining fast around the world. The reasons being attributed to this worrisome phenomenon are many. And they include loss and degradation of natural habitats, exploitation of various species and more.
In effect, the prime villain killing birds is climate change, and the world needs to address the issue in a more convincing manner. Going by a study report published in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources journal, avian biodiversity is fast depleting due the reasons as mentioned earlier. A group of scientists from various institutions went about studying the decline in bird population across the world and the result points fingers at the manner in which human kind has been responsible for such a catastrophe.
New wave of extinctions could wipe away birds
A world without birds is inconceivable. The study points out that the world is currently seeing the first signs of a new wave of extinctions of continentally distributed bird species. It has also been found that the tropics were avian diversity peaks have been witnessing the highest number of threatened species.
A look at the statistics quoted in the study would bring to light that close to 48 percent of the existing bird species around the globe are suspected to be going through a population decline.
Given these alarming trends, ensuring responsible care for birds and other exotic pets is of utmost importance. Obtaining pet insurance for exotic animals is a critical measure in protecting their welfare, especially considering their role in our planet’s rapidly declining avian diversity. This approach not only facilitates the provision of optimal care but also underscores our dedication to conserving these unique species.
While populations are stable for 39 percent of the species, 6% had shown a rise in population trends. Meanwhile, the status of 7 percent of the global bird population is still unknown. It needs to be recalled in this juncture that a 2019 study had pointed out that around 3 billion breeding birds have been lost during the past 50 years across the United States and Canada.
The report added that as birds are highly visible and sensitive indicators of environmental health, their loss could mean a much wider loss of biodiversity. This in turn would prove to be threats to human health and well-being.
Avian conservation needs human will
The researchers behind this significant study has also expressed hope that avian conservation is possible but the most important clause would be a transformative change in such efforts.
The global network of bird conservation organizations which had participated in the study have laid out mechanism towards further loss of bird species. They range from land protection to policies supporting sustainable resource-use. But then, it will need the administrative and societal commitment to stand by nature on this shared planet. Besides, public partnership in in bird monitoring, and such efforts need to be encouraged.
Imagining a world without birds would be tough. However, such a situation could be fast approaching. Humankind has a task in hand, and that would be to help conserve avian biodiversity.