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Here Today...Gone Tomorrow

Today, more than 9,000 species of birds inhabit the world, with 226 species listed as endangered. In Britain, endangered bird species can be classified by colour according to their conservation status. Scientists list 40 species as Red (highest cause for concern) 121 Amber and 86 green.

Why are species listed as threatened or endangered? Why have some become extinct? Humans are very destructive and in this country we used to hunt birds heavily for stuffing and placing in display cases and also to decorate fancy hats. This is not practiced today from wild birds but birds still have to deal with the pollution we create and habitats we destroy.

Today, loss or destruction of winter and breeding habitats is the primary reason for species' declines. Nest predation, nest parasites, loss of food sources all affect some bird populations. Thousands of migratory birds are killed each year when they fly into tall buildings, electrical power lines and wind turbines or towers.

But all is not gloom and doom. Several species are now on the comeback trail. Scientific studies to understand the life requirement of the species, establishment of breeding and wintering grounds and public involvement in programs to preserve protect and manage habitats and species are helping a lot of birds. The bird ringing schemes that are active in many countries today assists these research studies that find answers to our bird problems.