More than One-Third of North American Birds at Risk of Extinction

Scientists warn that over one-third of bird species in North America are at risk of extinction. According to Reuters, scientists and zoologists say that if a serious and collective effort to save these species is not undertaken soon, many of these birds, especially seabirds and tropical forest birds, will soon become extinct. This study, conducted by the 'North American Bird Conservation Plan,' is unique in its scope and perspective on the vulnerability of birds in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Based on this research, 37% of the 1,154 bird species on this continent urgently need protection. The North American Bird Conservation Plan was initiated by the governments of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 1999. According to Reuters, more than half of all marine and tropical forest species are listed as endangered due to rapid population declines. The study indicates that the status of North American seabirds is 'more dire' than that of other animal species. Researchers say that the only way to save these birds from extinction is to expand protected marine areas, reduce natural predators in the region, and control the amount of plastic waste that severely threatens their environment. The number of animal species in coastal areas, grasslands, and drylands is drastically decreasing. This rate is even higher for seabirds that undertake long migrations each year. The main cause of this population decline is rising sea levels due to global warming, coastal construction, human activities, and the spillage of oil and contaminated liquids into seas and oceans.