Nearly one-third of the 800 bird species in U.S. are endangered, threatened, or in significant decline
The Department of Interior has released a comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States; it shows that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened, or in significant decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats. At the same time, the report highlights examples, including many species of waterfowl, where habitat restoration and conservation have reversed previous declines, which shows the benefits of such actions.
In particular, the report calls attention to the situation in Hawaii, where more birds are in danger of extinction than anywhere else in the United States. In addition, the report indicates a 40% decline in grassland birds over the past 40 years, a 30% decline in birds of aridlands, and high concern for many coastal shorebirds. Furthermore, 39% of species dependent on U.S. oceans have declined.
The report also notes evidence that birds can respond quickly and positively to conservation action. The data show dramatic increases in many wetland birds such as pelicans, herons, egrets, osprey, and ducks, reflecting the numerous cooperative conservation partnerships that have resulted in protection, enhancement, and management of more than 30 million wetland acres.