Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

500 bird species threatened by extinction, survey finds
The bare-necked umbrellabird could become extinct in the next century.
Climate change and habitat loss challenge birds’ survival.

A new study from the University of Reading has suggested that more than 500 bird species could become extinct within the next 100 years.

Researchers say that climate change and habitat loss will cause these extinctions, reaching numbers three times higher than all bird extinctions recorded since the year 1500.

Among the birds which are considered ‘vulnerable’ to extinction are the bare-necked umbrellabird, the helmeted hornbill and the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity. Researchers believe that the loss of these birds would significantly reduce the variety of bird shapes and sizes worldwide.

It is believed that, even with protection from habitat loss, hunting and climate change, approximately 250 bird species could still die out.

The researchers gathered information from the IUCN Red List to examine the status of nearly 10,000 bird species. Using the data, they assessed the extinction risk based on the threats each species faced.

Large-bodied birds were discovered to be particularly vulnerable to hunting and climate change, whereas birds with broad wings suffered more from habitat loss.

The study suggests that preventing habitat destruction could be the most effective way of saving bird species. However, reducing hunting and stopping accidental deaths could save the birds with more unusual features, which are important to ecosystem health.

Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez, senior author of the study at the University of Reading, said: “Stopping threats is not enough, as many as 250-350 species will require complementary conservation measures, such as breeding programmes and habitat restoration, if they are to survive the next century.

“Prioritising conservation programmes for just 100 of the most unusual threatened birds could save 68% of the variety in bird shapes and sizes. This approach could help to keep ecosystems healthy.”

The full study can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.