The world's bird population numbers about 10,000 species, many of which are in danger of going extinct. Previous estimates of the number of aves were substantially doubled by a University of Washington study.
In order to keep natural ecosystems functioning, birds are essential. They contribute in the eradication of pests, pollinate plants, which guarantees food security, scatter seeds, and maintain the delicate equilibrium between plant and herbivore, predator and prey.
The existence of numerous species is threatened by human actions that are reducing and fragmenting the natural habitats of birds, such as land conversion and the introduction of alien animals.
These are seven of the most critically endangered bird species that require immediate conservation.
1. Kiwi:
Kiwi are native flightless birds of the Apterygiformes group that are found only in New Zealand. Although the kiwi bird is a well-known representation of New Zealand's abundant biodiversity, its survival is in danger.
2. Sociable lapwing:
Found only in the north-west of India, the sociable lapwing is a migratory bird that comes from the vast grasslands of Kazakhstan. The number of the bird species has rapidly decreased as a result of hunting.
3. Forest Owlet
They are mostly found in central India. Since 2018, the species has been classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to an estimated population of less than 1,000 mature individuals. The main threat to it is deforestation.
4. California condor
The species is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and as Critically Imperiled by NatureServe. Mostly found in southern California's highlands, to the north of the Los Angeles basin
5. Fruit-Dove
Any population that does exist is probably very small and is still declining as a result of habitat degradation and poaching. It is classified as Critically Endangered because of these factors. Primarily found in Southeast Asian, Indonesian, Philippine, and Pacific island rainforests
6. Hyacinth macaw
They were regarded as endangered from 2000 to 2013. About 4,300 adult hyacinth macaws are thought to exist in the wild, according to the IUCN Red List. generally found in northern Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, and Brazil in interior South America.
7. Siberian Crane
Out of the fifteen species of cranes, only this one is classified by the IUCN as critically endangered, the highest threat level.
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