Migratory birds are astonishing creatures. Every year they undertake cross-continental journeys from feeding grounds to breeding areas. Along the way they do local economies and environments good by pollinating plants, gobbling up agricultural pests and drawing enthusiastic crowds of birdwatchers.
Which is why today’s lead story is, in the words of its authors Peter Marra and Nathan W. Cooper, “sobering.” The two bird migration scientists were part of an international group who released a comprehensive review of the status of more than 3,380 migratory species.
They found that “more than half of the world’s migratory bird species are declining.” This is due to a combination of factors including loss of habitat, the introduction of invasive species, hunting and the use of toxic pesticides.
But the decline isn’t irreversible. The improved science around migratory birds has meant that researchers can now follow individual birds across their journey, making it easier to identify where conservation interventions will have the most impact. Marra and Cooper conclude: “Whether future generations can continue to see these magnificent migrations will depend on the choices of current generations and the steps they take to save them.”
Elsewhere this week, we have been assessing the carbon footprint of the World Cup and the role Sam Neill played in inspiring a generation of palaeontologists.
