A computer model study that compared projected land use and climate change data with the distributions of bird populations predicts that habitat destruction will be as bad for bird diversity over the coming decades as global climate change.
In recent years scientists have emphasized the negative impact that projected global climate change will have on animal and plant species. However, it is also well documented that habitat destruction due to deforestation, agriculture, and animal grazing also have serious negative impacts on animal populations. Few studies have attempted to compare the potential impacts of climate change and habitat destruction on any particular group of animals.
A new study published at PLoS from scientists at Princeton and UC San Diego attempts to estimate the impact of projected climate change and projected land use on bird populations. The study used bird population estimates, and projected climate data and land use data to attempt to estimate the impact of these two variables on bird diversity at different latitudes over the next 50 to 100 years. The scientists employed four different geopolitical scenarios in order to try to estimate the loss of bird species diversity depending upon how human societies react to changing environmental conditions.
Under all four geopolitical scenarios, both climate change and habitat destruction resulted in a significant loss of bird species diversity. In general, climate change resulted in a significantly larger loss of bird diversity at higher latitudes (temperate zones to arctic zones) whereas land-use and habitat destruction resulted in a greater loss of bird diversity in the tropics and subtropics.
Because land-use is shifting so rapidly at tropical and subtropical latitudes and because the greatest diversity of birds occurs at these latitudes, the authors argue that land-use may have a greater negative impact on worldwide bird diversity over the coming decades than global climate change.
Dr. John Moffett is an active research neuroscientist in the Washington, DC area, who has published articles on the nervous and immune systems. Dr. Moffett is also the author and webmaster of the political opinion website www.Factinista.org, and is a Managing Editor at OpEdNews.com.
As someone who is active in wildlife conservation as well as an avid birder, I know all too well how bird species have been on the decline. In 15 years in rural, coastal Maine, I have seen a significant drop in bird species who used to frequent my garden and the nearby reach and saltwater cove. It is nothing short of stunning when numbers drop, then become absent altogether. I'm afraid that we are wreaking havoc on all living populations, and sadly, many of those who have survived for millennia, will meet their demise at our wrecklessness.
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Jan Baumgartner (47 articles, 135 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 221 comments)
on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 7:10:38 PM
I have been doing Cornel University's Winter Bird Count for years, and I have noticed the declines. For example, we never get indigo buntings here anymore, but they were numerous 10 years ago.
Here in Maryland, all of the declines are due to habitat destruction, which is why I found the article so interesting.
John
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John R Moffett (79 articles, 14 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 591 comments)
on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 7:21:39 PM
perhaps one of the loveliest birds on the planet. I had them here for a few years but haven't seen one in many years. I, too, participated in the Cornell Bird Count and a couple of others. My yard is much quieter these days sans pine siskins (numbers have dropped dramatically), all species of grosbeaks are gone from here (my yard), most northern flickers and the white-breasted nuthatch. That said, I see eagles almost daily, that too goes for osprey, and the pileated woodpecker is so shockingly prehistoric-looking it almost makes up for the lack of other species. Well - I suppose the last word is to enjoy what we have left. I think the demise of certain species here is a combination of habitat loss as well as global changes, etc. Most of my neighbors are "summer people" who live here for a few weeks each year - all but clear-cut their land to open up expansive ocean views - thus, leaving the year-round people with no wind buffers, privacy, and far fewer trees for nesting and food sources. Thanks again, and enjoy.
Jan
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Jan Baumgartner (47 articles, 135 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 221 comments)
on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 9:53:12 PM
I just read the article and it's interesting. I am in bird watching as well and I have noticed new kind of diseases in birds, probably it's because the global warming as well. who knows?
Good point and article!!!
Godofredo
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Godo (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 11:11:43 AM
Yes, we seem to have several new bird diseases here. Recently we have had a big increase in eye infections in finches (mycoplasma). I was actually able to grab one of them on the feeder outside my door, because it couldn't see me coming. I used a triple antibiotic eye ointment on it for about 10 days, and it was all better. It was very happy when I let it go.
The increases may also be because birds in suburban areas have to crowd around feeders, which speads any diseases more quickly.
John
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John R Moffett (79 articles, 14 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 591 comments)
on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 12:09:15 PM
