Photo: Getty
Some species of North American birds may be on their way to extinction, a recent study has found.
Some of the birds included in the drop off include warblers, blackbirds, starlings, robins, and sparrows.
Researchers estimated that there were a total of 529 species were factored into the surveys — including the 76 percent of North American birds — and used bird-watching records to estimate the population of each species dating back to 1970, which was the earliest year that presented efficient data.
House sparrow.Getty
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Researchers have predicted that these major losses could be due to loss of nature, including climate change and habitat loss from modern agricultural development, as well as wider use of pesticide.
According to Hillary Young, a conservation biologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who did not participate in the study, common bird species are incredibly valuable to the ecosystems and without them, could leave them in disarray.
“Declines in your common sparrow or other little brown bird may not receive the same attention as historic losses of bald eagles or sandhill cranes, but they are going to have much more of an impact,” she told theNYT, noting that birds often help spread seeds, rid the area of any pests, pollinate flowers, and regenerate forests.
Given this information, scientists and activists are now encouraging people to do their part and protect the bird species.
National Geographicsuggests keeping cats indoors to prevent the felines from killing birds, making any glass around your home more visible to prevent a bird from accidentally flying into it, and discarding plastic bags and six-pack holders.
Experts also suggest being more mindful about the habitats people choose to live in — as to not disrupt the birds’ ecosystem — feeding birds in your yard or balcony, and avoiding chemical pesticides in gardens and flowers.
source: people.com
