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2 Jan e -petition calls to save the last Houbara Bustards in Tunisia [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Dec latest from BirdLife [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Aug Re: (no subject) [Jeremy Taylor ] 17 Aug (unknown) [Jeremy Taylor ] 04 Aug Jeremy Taylor has shared: Eagle deaths investigated at LADWP wind power generation site ["Jeremy Taylor" ] 25 Jul House Bill is Worst Government Assault on Birds and Wildlife in a Generation, Says Bird Conservation Group [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Jul Service Announces $650,000 in Funding to 10 Cities for Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds [Jeremy Taylor ] 23 Jun $4.3 Million for Neotropical Migratory Birds and Habitat Conservation [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Jun New children’s book raises profile of albatrosses | BirdLife Community [] 6 Jun Big birds lose out in a crowded world [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 Jun BirdLife launches new website section for World Enviornment Day [Jeremy Taylor ] 10 May Bird-safe building guidelines [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Jan International Year of Forests, 2011 [Jeremy Taylor ] 20 Jan News from BirdLife [Jeremy Taylor ] 24 Nov Kokako discovery in New Zealand [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Nov Kenyan Important Bird Area keeps National Park status [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Nov Rare Indonesian owl photographed by Danes [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Nov State of the World’s Waterbirds: in trouble in Asia, recovering in ‘the West’ [Jeremy Taylor ] 24 Oct Important Bird Areas of the World – Poster [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Oct Audubon scientists find Gulf birds and oil too close for comfort [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Oct IMPORTANT SURVEY ON ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Oct EU funds help BirdLife Partners to protect our nature [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Sep African Penguin Receives U.S. Endangered Species Act Protection [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Sep Major population crash of Critically Endangered Taita Apalis [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Sep Record numbers of White-shouldered Ibis counted [Jeremy Taylor ] 9 Sep From government policy to personal choices, we must recognise the value of biodiversity [Jeremy Taylor ] 9 Sep Largest seabird event ever aims high [Jeremy Taylor ] 4 Sep Catastrophic forest fire delivers huge blow to Europe’s rarest seabird [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Aug Biofuel threat to Kenyan IBA continues [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Jul Conservation and the Cook Islands [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Jul Guadeloupe gets first national IBA directory [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 Jul Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis [Jeremy Taylor ] 3 Jul Fw: Awesome Birding Safari - Dusti [1 Attachment] [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Jun World first for vultures facing extinction [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Jun Fate of weird wader on knife edge [Jeremy Taylor ] 21 Jun NatureKenya oppose the destruction of Dakatcha Woodland IBA [Jeremy Taylor ] 17 Jun BBC fund helps to keep albatrosses off the hook [Jeremy Taylor ] 14 Jun New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Jun Brazilian Important Bird Areas get protection [Jeremy Taylor ] 8 Jun Two million EU seabirds killed in a decade [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Jun Water Hour [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Jun Water Hour [1 Attachment] [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Jun No birds in the bush [Jeremy Taylor ] 26 May Wetland aliens cause bird extinction [Jeremy Taylor ] 23 May Urban trees 'help migrating birds' [Jeremy Taylor ] 19 May Binoculars and Bodyguards - Looking for Iraq's Birds [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 May Audubon Magazine Oil Spill Blog [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 May Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 May Hawaiian Resort Sued Over Seabird Deaths [Jeremy Taylor ] 7 May Migratory birds in crisis [Jeremy Taylor ] 6 May Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 May Oil Reaches First Important Bird Area [Jeremy Taylor ] 4 May A cartography of hope for biodiversity in the Americas [Jeremy Taylor ] 30 Apr As Oil Slick Hits Shore and Coats Birds, Groups Take Action [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Apr World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target [Jeremy Taylor ] 29 Apr Audubon fears birds will become next victims of Gulf oil spill [Jeremy Taylor ] 22 Apr BirdLife Partner staff wins world’s top environmental prize [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Apr South Atlantic becomes more seabird-friendly [Jeremy Taylor ] 13 Apr Western Siem Pang - Land of the Giants [Jeremy Taylor ] 9 Apr A Ruddy Long Way to Fly [Jeremy Taylor ] 1 Apr White Stork wait for FIFA World Cup [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Mar Thai local group urges Ramsar designation for Spoon-billed Sandpiper site [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Mar BirdLife Partners call to save the Wadden Sea [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Mar 'State of the birds 2010' highlights threats to migrants [Jeremy Taylor ] 13 Mar Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America [Jeremy Taylor ] 12 Mar Caribbean's first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve designated [Jeremy Taylor ] 11 Mar The World's Rarest Birds through the lens [Jeremy Taylor ] 10 Mar Brazil's mightiest biomes get mapped the IBA way [Jeremy Taylor ] 5 Mar Black-faced Spoonbill numbers up again as Action Plans are launched [Jeremy Taylor ] 3 Mar BirdLife seabird conservationist awarded 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation [Jeremy Taylor ] 2 Mar Saving rockhopper penguins [Jeremy Taylor ] 25 Feb BirdLife protects biodiversity in the French overseas departments [Jeremy Taylor ] 18 Feb Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action [Jeremy Taylor ] 17 Feb WeLoveBirds.org [Jeremy Taylor ] 16 Feb Radar station in Madeira threatens Zino's Petrel [Jeremy Taylor ] 15 Feb Industrial windfarm development in Puerto Rican IBA rejected by government [Jeremy Taylor ] Subject: e -petition calls to save the last Houbara Bustards in Tunisia From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 2 Jan 2012 19:55:01 -0800 (PST) e-petition calls to save the last Houbara Bustards in Tunisia � AAO-BirdLife in Tunisia have started an e-petition to mobilise international support for new poaching threats to the remaining Houbara Bustard populations of Tunisia. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2012/01/e-petition-calls-to-save-the-last-houbara-bustards-in-tunisia/ Go to the petition: http://www.petitions24.net/il_faut_sauver_les_dernieres_outardes_houbara_en_tunisie � Subject: latest from BirdLife From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 08:05:05 -0800 (PST) Apologies for not posting much lately, between work and my recent enrollment in an MBA program (Sustainable Business with a focus on Green Development), I don't have much time for anything else these days!  Anyway, here are a couple of news items I thought might be of interest... Jeremy Invasive species Cast Away in Fiji Goats and rats have been removed from two Fijian islands in a joint operation conducted by BirdLife International’s Fiji Programme and the National Trust of Fiji aimed at protecting unique wildlife on Monuriki and Kadomo. “This is a massive achievement which will provide benefits for the iguanas, birds, plants and people of these islands”, said Sialesi Rasalato from BirdLife International. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/12/invasive-species-cast-away-in-fiji/ Get Angry – Fight Extinction! Rovio Entertainment Ltd, world-leading entertainment media company and creator of the unprecedented global gaming phenomenon Angry Birds, has launched a remarkable new Angry Birds campaigning website today in support of The BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/12/get-angry-fight-extinction/ Subject: Re: (no subject) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:54:26 -0700 (PDT) My apologies, my email address was apparently hacked. �I have changed my password, and hopefully this won't happen again.... Jeremy Subject: (unknown) From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:36:12 -0700 (PDT) I always borrowed money knowing I couldnt pay it back finally my aunt gave me a push in the right direction I knew I had to take advantage of this... http://www.obchodyvm.cz/redir.php?sobasuv=yahoo.com&jekoby=mail.com&url=jobnewsblog.net/esubmit/bizopp_main.php now I can afford season tickets I wouldnt make this up Subject: Jeremy Taylor has shared: Eagle deaths investigated at LADWP wind power generation site From: "Jeremy Taylor" <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:43:20 +0000 Jeremy Taylor wanted to share this with you: Thought this might be of interest.... Eagle deaths investigated at LADWP wind power generation site http://shar.es/HEftB Eagle deaths investigated at LADWP wind power generation site - latimes.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Powered by ShareThis http://sharethis.com Subject: House Bill is Worst Government Assault on Birds and Wildlife in a Generation, Says Bird Conservation Group From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:35:45 -0700 (PDT) House Bill is Worst Government Assault on Birds and Wildlife in a Generation, Says Bird Conservation Group MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Robert Johns, 202-234-7181 ext.210 (Washington, D.C., July 25, 2011) The U.S. House of Representatives will begin debate this week on, H.R. 2584, an environmental spending bill that is one of the worst assaults on birds and other wildlife ever to come before Congress, according to American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the nation’s leading bird conservation organization. “The bill is loaded with devastating funding cuts and anti-environmental provisions that will wreak havoc on our land, water, air, and wildlife,” says Darin Schroeder, Vice President of Conservation Advocacy for ABC. “Birds will be particularly hard hit by this bill.” Full story at: http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/110725.html Take action at http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5400/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7478 Subject: Service Announces $650,000 in Funding to 10 Cities for Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:05:46 -0700 (PDT) Service Announces $650,000 in Funding to 10 Cities for Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds Washington D.C. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that 10 U.S. cities will receive $650,000 in funding as part of the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds (Urban Bird Treaty) grant program. The Urban Bird Treaty program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), brings together private citizens, as well as federal, state, and municipal agencies and non-governmental organizations to conserve migratory birds through education programs, participation in citizen science, conservation and habitat improvement strategies, and reducing hazards to birds in urban/suburban areas. "For the vast majority of people, birds represent their most frequent contact with wildlife. Birds are a valuable resource, contributing aesthetically, culturally, scientifically, and economically to America's citizens. By taking steps to conserve birds and their habitat, we can also make our communities better places to live," said Service Director Dan Ashe. “This program not only promotes actions that connect people and nature, but it also increases awareness and encourages youth to get involved in learning about birds and the role they play in our environment and urban settings.” The cities of Phoenix, Arizona; Kennedale, Texas; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Indianapolis, Indiana; Opelika, Alabama; Hartford, Connecticut; Ogden, Utah; Lewistown, Montana; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C. have been named new Urban Bird Treaty Cities. These cities each will receive a challenge grant of up to a $70,000 from the Service. In addition, each existing Urban Bird Treaty city (Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Portland, Oregon; St. Louis, Missouri; Nashville Tennessee; Anchorage, Alaska; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and New York, New York) will receive a grant of $10,000.00. The Urban Bird Treaty cities and their partners develop and implement bird conservation projects and provide matching dollars and in-kind support. The Service provides the challenge grants and technical assistance. The cities and their partners also work to increase awareness of the value of migratory birds and their habitats, especially for their intrinsic, ecological, recreational, and economic significance. The wide variety of native birds thriving in urban areas underscores the importance of these urban/suburban habitats to the survival of many bird populations. Full release at http://onlinepressroom.net/fws/ ------------------------------------ Subject: $4.3 Million for Neotropical Migratory Birds and Habitat Conservation From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:13:37 -0700 (PDT) $4.3 Million for Neotropical Migratory Birds and Habitat Conservation The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced more than $4.3 million in grants for 34 projects that will support neotropical migratory bird conservation throughout the Western Hemisphere. Matched by more than $15.1 million in additional funds from partners, the projects will support habitat restoration, environmental education, population monitoring, and other priority activities within the ranges of neotropical migratory birds in the United States, Canada, Mexico and 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries. “These grants bring together partners to achieve conservation on a far greater scale than would otherwise be possible” said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/06/4-3-million-for-neotropical-migratory-birds-and-habitat-conservation/ ------------------------------------ Subject: New children’s book raises profile of albatrosses | BirdLife Community From: jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:22:48 -0400 http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/06/new-childrens-book-raises-profile-of-albatross/ --- This message was sent by jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com via http://addthis.com. Please note that AddThis does not verify email addresses. Make sharing easier with the AddThis Toolbar: http://www.addthis.com/go/toolbar-em To unsubscribe, visit http://www.addthis.com/privacy/email-opt-out?e=bjEbVQtYGlMXTxxOD10NVRZSOUUYVBZTHk4WSQlPV18WUQ in your web browser. ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: birdconservation-digest AT yahoogroups.com birdconservation-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: birdconservation-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Big birds lose out in a crowded world From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2011 19:56:01 -0700 (PDT) Big birds lose out in a crowded world 07-06-2011 One of the world’s largest species of bird is on the brink of extinction according to the 2011 IUCN Red List for birds, just released by BirdLife International. Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps has been uplisted to Critically Endangered, the highest level of threat. Hunting, disturbance, habitat loss and fragmentation have all conspired to reduce this magnificent species to perhaps as few as 250 individuals. Standing a metre in height and weighing in at nearly 15 kg, Great Indian Bustard was once widespread across the grasslands of India and Pakistan but is now restricted to small and isolated fragments of remaining habitat. “In an ever more crowded world, species that need lots of space, such as the Great Indian Bustard, are losing out. However, we are the ones who lose in the long run, as the services that nature provides us start to disappear”, said Dr Leon Bennun, BirdLife’s Director of Science and Policy. This year’s update brings the total number of threatened bird species to 1,253, an alarming 12% of the world total. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/pr/2011/06/red-list-2011.html ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: birdconservation-digest AT yahoogroups.com birdconservation-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: birdconservation-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: BirdLife launches new website section for World Enviornment Day From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2011 15:21:25 -0700 (PDT) BirdLife launches new website section for World Enviornment Day Sun, Jun 5, 2011 Sunday 5 June — is World Environment Day, one of the world’s biggest awareness-raising occasions of its kind. To celebrate World Environment Day, BirdLife has launched a new section on its website focusing on people, showcasing the work of the BirdLife Partnership in bringing communities together to safeguard birds and biodiversity, whilst ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for people. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/06/birdlife-launches-new-website-section-for-world-enviornment-day/ ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: birdconservation-digest AT yahoogroups.com birdconservation-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: birdconservation-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Bird-safe building guidelines From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 10 May 2011 19:31:29 -0700 (PDT) Thought this might be of interest to some of you.... http://mn.audubon.org/files/Audubon%20Minnesota/documents/06-01-10_bird-safe-building-guidelines.pdf ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdconservation/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: birdconservation-digest AT yahoogroups.com birdconservation-fullfeatured AT yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: birdconservation-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: International Year of Forests, 2011 From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:33:24 -0800 (PST) A couple of links about International Year of Forests, thought it might be of interest.... Save forests. Save ourselves | BirdLife Community It's now official - 2011 is the UN International year of the forests. BirdLife welcomes the spotlight this year falling on the lungs of our planet and home to the majority of the World's biodiversity, said Dr Marco Lambertini, BirdLife International's Chief Executive. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/01/save-forests-save-ourselves/ International Year of Forests, 2011 Welcome to the International Year of Forests, 2011 (Forests 2011) Web site, a global platform to celebrate people’s action to sustainably manage the world’s forests. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. Here, you will find information regarding events being organised throughout the International Year as well as interactive web tools and resources to promote dialogue on forests. Tell us how you plan to celebrate “forests for people” during 2011, so that we may showcase your stories and initiatives through this website. http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/ ______________________________________________ "We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors; we borrow it from our Children." ~Native American proverb Answer my Earth Survey questionnaire at http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7 Earth Survey Project http://earthsurvey.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-Survey-Project/107490655964018 Project Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34705684632 Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/jeremyjtaylor Jeremy's website http://jeremyjtaylor.tripod.com Jeremy - Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jeremyjtaylor Jeremy's Photography http://jeremyjtaylor.shutterfly.com/ Subject: News from BirdLife From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:04:13 -0800 (PST) Sorry I have not been posting much lately to the groups- life has been getting in the way!! Anyway, here are some news items of interest from BirdLife.... Jeremy Help stop illegal hunting in Malta Illegal hunting is a widespread and serious problem in Malta, with poachers specifically targeting protected birds including raptors (birds of prey) and Herons as well as rarer visitors to the islands. This persecution reaches its peak during migration periods, when large numbers of raptors, herons and other protected species are killed by poachers. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/01/help-stop-illegal-hunting-in-malta/ Search Continues for Pohnpei’s Rarest Bird Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) Terrestrial Programme staff, in collaboration with BirdLife International staff Dr Mark O’Brien, recently returned from a seven-day expedition to the high ridges of the island surveying Nahnalaud, Nihpit, and Kupwuriso forest in search of the Critically Endangered Pohnpei Starling Aplonis pelzelni. Pohnpei is the largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/01/search-continues-for-pohnpei%E2%80%99s-rarest-bird/ Study outlines steps to protect declining North American landbird populations A recent study carried out by scientists from Canada, Mexico and the United States, including several BirdLife Partners found that of the 882 native landbirds shared across borders, 17% (148 species) need immediate conservation action. The report, Saving Our Shared Birds, an initiative of Partners in Flight, assessed the status of all 882 shared landbirds, and used their findings to rank the vulnerability of each species. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/01/study-outlines-steps-to-protect-declining-north-american-landbird-populations/ Government of Cambodia declares new Sarus Crane reserve Kampong Trach Important Bird Area (IBA) has finally been designated as Cambodia’s second Sarus Crane reserve. On 6 January 2011, Prime Minister Hun Sen signed a sub decree to establish the Anlung Pring Management and Conservation Area for Sarus Crane and Other Birds located in Kampong Trach District, Kampot Province. This signing represented the culmination of consultative and bureaucratic process that began in 2006. http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/01/government-of-cambodia-declares-new-sarus-crane-reserve/ ______________________________________________ "We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors; we borrow it from our Children." ~Native American proverb Answer my Earth Survey questionnaire at http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7 Earth Survey Project http://earthsurvey.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-Survey-Project/107490655964018 Project Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34705684632 Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/jeremyjtaylor Jeremy's website http://jeremyjtaylor.tripod.com Jeremy - Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jeremyjtaylor Jeremy's Photography http://jeremyjtaylor.shutterfly.com/ Subject: Kokako discovery in New Zealand From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:47:35 -0800 (PST) Kokako discovery in New Zealand Wed, Nov 24, 2010 Threatened North Island Kokako have been discovered nesting in Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges for the first time in 80 years. The discovery on Tuesday of a nest is a triumph for the Ark in the Park open sanctuary, which is a project by Forest & Bird (BirdLife in New Zealand), the Auckland Council and West Auckland iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki. “It’s fantastic news. When the Ark was started in 2003, this event would only have been in our wildest dreams,” said Forest & Bird North Island Conservation Manager Mark Bellingham. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/11/kokako-discovery-in-new-zealand/ Subject: Kenyan Important Bird Area keeps National Park status From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:06:07 -0800 (PST) Kenyan Important Bird Area keeps National Park status Mon, Nov 15, 2010 The High Court of Kenya has reversed an order by President Mwai Kibaki to downgrade the Amboseli National Park to a game reserve. The High Court found the move to ‘de-gazette’ Amboseli was illegal. Serah Munguti, the Advocacy manager of Nature Kenya (BirdLife Partner), immediately welcomed the decision. “Nature Kenya firmly believes that the future of Kenya’s wildlife lies with citizens and the local populations who share land with wildlife”. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/11/kenyan-important-bird-area-keeps-national-park-status/ Subject: Rare Indonesian owl photographed by Danes From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:53:15 -0800 (PST) Rare Indonesian owl photographed by Danes Thu, Nov 11, 2010 One of the world’s most elusive owls has been found – and photographed – in the forest around Mbeliling on Flores in Indonesia, where BirdLife Denmark is involved with a Danida-funded nature conservation project in collaboration with the local communities and the Indonesian BirdLife Partner, Burung Indonesia. The finding of the endemic Flores Scops-owl Scops alfredi is an important result for the project. Until now, Flores Scops-owl has only been known from forests further inland on the island, where the species is very rare. Just a few people have ever seen or even heard the small, red owl, which seems to prefer near-inaccessible forests on steep hillsides. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/11/rare-indonesian-owl-photographed-by-danes/ Subject: State of the World’s Waterbirds: in trouble in Asia, recovering in ‘the West’ From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2010 13:23:31 -0800 (PST) State of the World’s Waterbirds: in trouble in Asia, recovering in ‘the West’ Mon, Nov 8, 2010 The rate of decline of waterbird populations has slightly decreased over the last three decades. However, 47% of the waterbird populations are still declining and only 16% are increasing. The status of waterbirds is improving mainly in North America and Europe, while it is least favourable in Asia. Especially long distance migrants appear to be vulnerable. These are the key findings of the ‘State of the World’s Waterbirds 2010′ report recently launched by Wetlands International. The new publication analyses the changes in the status of waterbird populations between 1976 and 2005 using the data collected for the four editions of Waterbird Population Estimates published since 1994. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/11/state-of-the-world%E2%80%99s-waterbirds-in-trouble-in-asia-recovering-in-%E2%80%98the-west%E2%80%99/ Subject: Important Bird Areas of the World – Poster From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2010 08:28:25 -0700 (PDT) Important Bird Areas of the World – Poster Sun, Oct 24, 2010 Poster showing the location and protection status of the world’s 10,000 Important Bird Areas (IBAs). To download your copy please click here. http://www.birdlife.org/downloads/nagoya/iba-poster.zip http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/10/important-bird-areas-of-the-world-poster/ Subject: Audubon scientists find Gulf birds and oil too close for comfort From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:39:36 -0700 (PDT) Audubon scientists find Gulf birds and oil too close for comfort Thu, Oct 14, 2010 Residual oil and chemicals from BP’s Deepwater Horizon disaster pose substantial ongoing risks to birds that breed or nest along hard-hit areas of the Louisiana coast, according to new National Audubon Society field surveys. Audubon (BirdLife Partner in the USA) science teams found plentiful birds that appeared both resilient and loyal to their normal habitats as the tragedy’s six-month anniversary approached. But Audubon warns that the future of birds and the ecosystems they represent remains uncertain because oil and other threats are still too close for comfort. “People shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that the danger to birds and the environment is over just because the oil stopped flowing”, said Audubon President & CEO David Yarnold. “It’s going to take years of monitoring just to understand and start dealing with the long-term impacts of the oil—and they’re just part of a much bigger threat.” Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/10/audubon-scientists-find-gulf-birds-and-oil-too-close-for-comfort/ Subject: IMPORTANT SURVEY ON ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:31:28 -0700 (PDT) Passing this along at the request of Dr. Hayes IMPORTANT SURVEY ON ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Your help is needed! The Loma Linda University Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Studies is conducting a groundbreaking survey on attitudes toward the environment and conservation, particularly of those who love plants and animals. The results from this study, to be published in a professional journal, will contribute to our understanding of the role of plants and animals in society. Participants are urgently needed to complete the survey, which should take about 5-10 minutes of your time. Please click on the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R9PFYRN William K. Hayes, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Loma Linda University Loma Linda, California, USA whayes AT llu.edu Subject: EU funds help BirdLife Partners to protect our nature From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:13:40 -0700 (PDT) EU funds help BirdLife Partners to protect our nature Tue, Oct 12, 2010 As recently announced, six BirdLife Partners received funding for their LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity projects to be implemented in the coming years. Of the 194 proposals received, the European Commission selected the 84 most relevant Nature and Biodiversity ones, contributing to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, to the Natura 2000 network and ultimately to stop biodiversity loss in Europe. “LIFE Nature & Biodiversity funding has made a great difference for many of the threatened birds and biodiversity in Europe”, commented Boris Barov, European Conservation Manager at BirdLife International. “As usual BirdLife Partners have shown a remarkable success rate in their applications to this exciting programme and what is even more important is that many of our projects end up in the hall of fame of ‘Best projects’”. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/10/eu-funds-help-birdlife-partners-to-protect-our-nature/ Subject: African Penguin Receives U.S. Endangered Species Act Protection From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:55:28 -0700 (PDT) African Penguin Receives U.S. Endangered Species Act Protection Wed, Sep 29, 2010 A species of penguin from Africa is now protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), following the publication of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service final listing determination in today’s Federal Register. The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus, a species native to Namibia and South Africa, has been listed as endangered. The determination comes after a thorough review of best available scientific information, comments from the general public and peer reviewers, and any new information received during the public comment period following publication of the proposed rule to list this species. This rule implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for this species. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/09/african-penguin-receives-u-s-endangered-species-act-protection/ Subject: Major population crash of Critically Endangered Taita Apalis From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:54:33 -0700 (PDT) Major population crash of Critically Endangered Taita Apalis Wed, Sep 29, 2010 Taita Apalis Apalis fuscigularis is endemic to the Taita Hills, in south-eastern Kenya. It is one of the rarest birds in the world, surviving in only five small forest fragments at altitudes of between 1,500 and 2,200 m. Its known global range is less than 600 ha. In 2001, the population of this species was estimated to only be 300-650 individuals, thereby qualifying it for the highest threat category, Critically Endangered. Field work carried out in 2009 and 2010 with support from BirdLife International, RSPB, CEPA and Chester Zoo strongly suggests that a major population crash is underway. Compared with 2009, sighting rates in April-May 2009 had dropped by about 38%; repeated counts done in September-December 2009 and May-July 2010 showed even larger decreases, approaching 80%. This means that the global population of the apalis might now be reduced to only 60-130 individuals, almost all of which are located in a single forest, Ngangao, which is only about 120 ha. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/09/major-population-crash-of-critically-endangered-taita-apalis/ Subject: Record numbers of White-shouldered Ibis counted From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:26:29 -0700 (PDT) Record numbers of White-shouldered Ibis counted 14-09-2010 A record-breaking 429 White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni have been recorded in Cambodia, making the known global population much larger than previously thought. With so many birds remaining in the wild the chances of conservation success are greatly improved – welcome news for this Critically Endangered bird species. A group of conservationists came together for a coordinated survey of 37 roost sites across Cambodia. Participants came from BirdLife International in Indochina, University of East Anglia UK (UEA), the Cambodian Forestry Administration and General Department for Administration of Nature Conservation and Protection, the People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRCF), the Wildlife Conservation Society and Worldwide Fund for Nature. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/09/white-shouldered-ibis-census.html Subject: From government policy to personal choices, we must recognise the value of biodiversity From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 17:29:33 -0700 (PDT) From government policy to personal choices, we must recognise the value of biodiversity 09-09-2010 As the world’s governments prepare to meet in Nagoya, Japan, to set new targets for halting biodiversity loss, authors from BirdLife International are among a group of leading conservation scientists and practitioners calling for a fundamental shift in the way we view biodiversity. In their paper, published today in the journal Science, they argue that conservation of biodiversity is essential for the maintenance of vital ecosystem services, and ultimately for human survival. But they make clear that until governments, businesses and individual people begin to take the real value of biodiversity into account in their choices and decisions, the diversity of life on Earth will continue to decline. Despite international commitments and an increase in conservation efforts worldwide, the rate of biodiversity loss has not slowed down. Recent assessments show a continued overall decline in populations of wild species and in the size, connectivity and condition of habitats, with accelerating risk of extinctions, and a steep fall in the benefits that we can rely on biodiversity to provide. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/09/value-of-biodiversity.html Subject: Largest seabird event ever aims high From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 17:28:46 -0700 (PDT) Largest seabird event ever aims high 08-09-2010 The world's foremost experts on albatrosses, penguins, and other marine birds are meeting in Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada, this week for the largest seabird event ever held. With seabirds becoming increasingly threatened and at a faster rate globally than all other species-groups of birds, delegates will be discussing the urgent need for conservation action, and are setting their sights high. "We hope to close the meeting with an announcement that we have formed a new international governing body to address and collaborate on seabird monitoring and conservation", said Professor John Croxall - Chairman of BirdLife's Global Seabird Programme. More than 800 participants from 40 countries, representing most of the world's seabird scientists, will be reviewing the impact of oil spills on marine birds; how pollution, fishing practices and climate change are affecting seabirds; the need for marine protected areas; how to reduce the impact of invasive species on island seabird breeding colonies; and more. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/09/largest-seabird-event-ever-aims-high.html Subject: Catastrophic forest fire delivers huge blow to Europe’s rarest seabird From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 14:07:09 -0700 (PDT) Catastrophic forest fire delivers huge blow to Europe’s rarest seabird 26-08-2010 Donate at www.justgiving.com/zinos-petrel-disaster A massive forest fire on the island of Madeira has killed several breeding adults and 65% of this year’s chicks of Zino’s Petrel (Endangered). BirdLife International and SPEA (BirdLife in Portugal) have launched an urgent appeal (click here) for funds to carry out emergency conservation work needed before the winter sets in. Zino’s Petrel Pterodroma madeira is Europe’s rarest seabird and one of the rarest birds in the world, nesting only on a few mountain ledges in the rugged central massif of Madeira island. Once on the edge of extinction with numbers down to a few tens of pairs, intense conservation action over the past 20 years, led by the Natural Park of Madeira (Parque Natural da Madeira - PNM) with support from SPEA, the Freira Conservation Project and Funchal Municipal Museum, has seen its population grow to almost 80 pairs. In recent weeks, forest fires have ravaged parts of Madeira, and on 13 August they hit the heart of the central massif. This area (which is protected as part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network) comprises a very important habitat and supports several endemic plants and animals, including the Zino’s Petrel breeding colony, where many nestlings were still in their burrows. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/08/Zinos-petrel-disaster.html Subject: Biofuel threat to Kenyan IBA continues From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:51:07 -0700 (PDT) Biofuel threat to Kenyan IBA continues 11-08-2010 Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has refused a licence for a 50,000 hectare biofuel plantation at the Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area (IBA). However, they advise the proponent to 'redesign and scale down the project to pilot level to prove sustainability before an EIA license can be issued for the entire proposed area of 50,000 hectares'. "This appears to indicate that the full 50,000 hectare project is still under consideration for conversion to biofuel plantations", remarked Paul Matiku - Executive Director NatureKenya (BirdLife Partner). Dakatcha Woodland IBA, which has no formal protection status, holds significant populations of Endangered Sokoke Pipit Anthus sokokensis, and is one of only two known sites for Endangered Clarke's Weaver Ploceus golandi. It's a biodiversity hotspot and the communities around the forest depend on it for their livelihoods and cultural practices. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/08/Biofuel-threat-to-Kenyan-IBA-continues.html Subject: Conservation and the Cook Islands From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:21:09 -0700 (PDT) Conservation and the Cook Islands 20-07-2010 BirdLife International has received a grant from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) to produce an inventory of priority conservation sites for biodiversity in the Cook Islands. BirdLife has been working in the Pacific to identify Important Bird Area (IBAs) for ten years. "Important Bird Areas are islands, forests, and wetlands that are of critical importance for the survival of the region's native birds", said Don Stewart - BirdLife's Regional Director in the Pacific. "If we want to protect the birds, we will need to protect their habitat, those areas where they live". To determine an IBA requires extensive research to identify bird species diversity and abundance within a specific area. This research then results in an inventory of sites that are wildlife conservation priorities. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/07/cook-islands-conservation.html Subject: Guadeloupe gets first national IBA directory From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:21:44 -0700 (PDT) Guadeloupe gets first national IBA directory 22-07-2010 AMAZONA (Association des Mateurs Amicaux des Z'Oiseaux et de la Nature aux Antilles) has published the Caribbean's first national language Important Bird Area (IBA) directory. Les Zones Importantes pour la Conservation des Oiseaux en Guadeloupe represents the culmination of a collaborative effort by the island's biologists and birders to gather all available knowledge about their birds, habitats and biodiversity to determine international priority sites for conservation. Guadeloupe, a d�partement d'outre-mer (DOM, overseas department) of France, is in the Lesser Antilles between Montserrat and Antigua and Barbuda to the north and Dominica to the south. Nine IBAs have been identified covering 505 km� (including marine areas) and about 19% of Guadeloupe's land area. Most of the IBAs lack any formal protection. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/07/guadeloupe-ibas-directory.html Subject: Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 20:07:40 -0700 (PDT) Rats, cats, pigs and mice fuelling bird extinction crisis Tue, Jul 6, 2010 Put together, the UK’s 16 overseas territories are fifth in the world league table of bird extinctions, with at least ten species from the territories going to oblivion since 1500AD, partially or wholly because of the impact of non-native mammals, such as rats, feral cats, mice and pigs. Today 33 species of bird are facing extinction on the UK overseas territories and a new report shows that many of these are under threat because of the continued impact of introduced mammals. The report, published in the journal Ibis, shows that one third of the species facing extinction could be helped by the removal of non-native mammals from just seven island groups in the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Pacific. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/07/rats-cats-pigs-and-mice-fuelling-bird-extinction-crisis/ Subject: Fw: Awesome Birding Safari - Dusti [1 Attachment] From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2010 19:12:50 -0700 (PDT) --- On Sat, 7/3/10, Dr. Dusti Becker wrote: From: Dr. Dusti Becker Subject: Awesome Birding Safari - Dusti To: "birdkeepers Moderator" Date: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 4:11 PM Hi Birdkeepers, I used to live and work in Kenya and am planning to go back in 2011.� I am hoping to share a bird-focused adventure with other nature and bird lovers. I invite you on my conservation safari in Kenya.� See the attached INVITATION for more information. I also hope you will share this information with your friends and family members who have ever said that a wildlife & bird watching safari in Kenya were tops on their dream to do list. This is not "just a safari"....we will do some avian conservation volunteering during the second week, gaining private access to some of the best coastal forest, coral reef, and turtle nesting areas in Kenya. Jambo Sana, Dusti ��Dr. Dusti Becker - LIFE NET C/O Maui Forest Birds Recovery Project 2465 Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 www.lifenetnature.org Subject: World first for vultures facing extinction From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:10:39 -0700 (PDT) World first for vultures facing extinction 29-06-2010 Globally extinct within 10 years: that has been the worst prediction for three species of vulture which have disappeared from huge swathes of southern Asia. But the latest exciting news from a conservation partnership in India reveals that all three species have now successfully reared young in a captive breeding centre, providing some long-term hope for these three Critically Endangered species, especially as the ultimate aspiration will be to return birds to the wild. Reportedly, before their population crash, Asia's vulture population extended to tens of millions of birds, but now the combined population of all three species numbers is believed to be well below 60,000 individuals. And with the population of at least one species almost halving each year, the success of captive breeding may give some hope that these magnificent birds will be prevented from reaching oblivion. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/vulture-breeding-success.html Subject: Fate of weird wader on knife edge From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:09:49 -0700 (PDT) Fate of weird wader on knife edge 29-06-2010 Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus has undergone a rapid recent population decline and faces imminent extinction unless conservation measures are taken. These are the findings of a new paper published in BirdLife International's journal Bird Conservation International. Data from across the entire breeding range in the Russian far north-east confirm a continuing strong decline. The species appears to suffer from poor survival at the crucial juvenile stage and habitat loss and hunting are highlighted as major threats. Because of these recent declines, the species was uplisted to Critically Endangered by BirdLife on behalf of the IUCN in 2008. There are now thought to be less than a thousand individuals remaining. "Concerted international conservation action is essential if this species is to avoid extinction", said Christophe Z�ckler, the paper's lead author. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/spoon-billed-sandpiper-paper-BCI.html Subject: NatureKenya oppose the destruction of Dakatcha Woodland IBA From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:19:42 -0700 (PDT) NatureKenya oppose the destruction of Dakatcha Woodland IBA 21-06-2010 NatureKenya (BirdLife Partner) is working alongside local community members to oppose the destruction of a vitally important woodland for biodiversity and people at the Kenya's coast. In total 50,000 ha have been identified for conversion to grow Jatropha - a plant used for biodiesel production which is largely untested and potentially destructive. The area identified poses a threat to Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area (IBA) which lies within the proposed development. Dakatcha is an extensive tract of relatively intact coastal woodland, north of the Sabaki River and between 25 and 50 km inland from the Kenyan coast. It is an IBA and Key Biodiversity Area for many Globally Threatened species such as Endangered Clarke's Weaver Ploceus golandi. Dakatcha is also the ancestral land for the indigenous minority Watha community. The Watha gain invaluable ecosystem services from the forest such as clean stream water for drinking, and a sustainable supply of firewood for cooking and lighting. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/Nature-Kenya-oppose-destruction-of-Dakatcha-Woodland.html Subject: BBC fund helps to keep albatrosses off the hook From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:13:27 -0700 (PDT) BBC fund helps to keep albatrosses off the hook 17-06-2010 BirdLife seabird conservationists in Brazil have made a breakthrough with the protection of several species of imperiled albatross. Their efforts have shown that with simple measures around nine out of the ten albatrosses caught on longline fishing hooks three years ago can now be saved. According to figures collated by the Albatross Task Force (ATF) in Brazil, in 2007, approximately one albatross was being caught for every 1000 longline hooks set but - with the help of the specially-trained instructors funded by the BBC Wildlife Fund through its broadcast appeal - this figure can be reduced to just one bird for every 10,000 hooks. The ATF is co-ordinated by BirdLife International and funded by the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK). Tatiana Neves, Director of Projeto Albatroz, the local organisation running the Brazilian ATF, said: "During winter Brazilian waters teem with albatrosses, including several species facing the threat of extinction. We recognize the importance of Brazilian waters for the birds and with the support of Brazilian fishermen we are showing the potential for reducing the slaughter by using the right techniques. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/BBC-fund-helps-to-keep-albatrosses-off-the-hook.html Subject: New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:13:53 -0700 (PDT) New web-tool shows critical migratory waterbird sites need urgent protection 14-06-2010 A new website launched today by Wetlands International, BirdLife International and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) reveals major gaps in the protection of many critical sites used by migratory waterbirds across Africa the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia. A staggering one-third of the critical sites (representing over 1,000 individual sites within the network) are entirely unprotected, putting the future of many migratory waterbirds at risk. Migratory waterbirds - such as waders, terns and geese - need an unbroken chain of wetlands to complete their annual life-cycles. These same wetlands benefit people by providing clean water and opportunities for fishing, agriculture, recreation and tourism. However, wetlands are amongst the world's most vulnerable ecosystems and, consequently, an alarming 42% of the migratory waterbird species across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia are in decline. The new 'Critical Site Network (CSN)' Tool provides comprehensive information on 294 waterbird species from 3,020 sites. It is designed to make information easily available on the most important sites for migratory waterbirds, both at the national and international level. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/migratory-waterbird-sites-need-urgent-protection.html Subject: Brazilian Important Bird Areas get protection From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:08:53 -0700 (PDT) Brazilian Important Bird Areas get protection 11-06-2010 Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has signed the creation of the Boa Nova National Park and the Boa Nova Wildlife Refuge, safeguarding this biodiverse Important Bird Area (IBA) and creating 27,000 hectares of new protected area. Boa Nova IBA, located in south-west Bahia state, has a unique flora and fauna due to the overlap of two biomes: lush montane Atlantic Forest, and semi-arid caatinga. The dry deciduous forest of the transitional area, known as mata-de-cip�, is the habitat of two restricted range species, the Endangered Slender Antbird Rhopornis ardesiacus and Near Threatened Narrow-billed Antwren Formicivora iheringi. Three hundred and ninety six bird species have been recorded to date at Boa Nova, 14 of which are globally threatened and 17 Near Threatened. During the event, President Lula also signed the creation of the Serra das Lontras National Park, another IBA where 16 globally threatened bird species occur, and the creation of the Alto Cariri National Park, in addition to the expansion of the Pau Brasil National Park. Together, these areas will protect about 60,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/Brazilian-important-bird-areas-get-protection.html Subject: Two million EU seabirds killed in a decade From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 17:06:36 -0700 (PDT) Two million EU seabirds killed in a decade 08-06-2010 Fishing gear in EU waters is estimated by BirdLife International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) to have killed two million seabirds in the past ten years, more than the toll recorded from all the European oil tanker disasters put together as far back as the Torrey Canyon in 1967. Today, World Oceans Day, this bleak statistic injects new urgency into a 23,000-strong petition being presented in Brussels by the RSPB and BirdLife International to Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime affairs and fisheries. The petition calls for the urgent delivery of the EU's disastrously overdue Seabird Action Plan to protect Europe's seabirds from their fatal attraction to baited hooks and fishing nets. The Commissioner is also being alerted to the situation in her native Greece where seabirds are being killed in fishing gear. It is estimated that 90,000 birds drown annually through entanglement in gill-nets in the Baltic and North Seas but the actual mortality is feared to be twice this high. In a single Spanish longline fishery off western Ireland, another 50,000 seabirds die every year in a lethal cat’s cradle of longline hooks. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/seabird-petition.html Subject: Water Hour From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 17:33:30 -0700 (PDT) Just passing this along at the request of the organization putting on the event..... Spread the word!! With all the bad news lately about the Gulf oil spill and the like, this is something we can all take part in which will help make a difference to our planet! Water Hour is coming at 8 pm on June 11! Wonderfully, it is taking off - especially at http://www.waterhour.org; on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=289743054301 and on Twitter http:/www.twitter.com/WaterHour. This is amazing given that the first inkling was such a short time ago. Water Hour aspires to be a global happening to protect water. The global launch will take place in June a year from now. Tangible, incremental steps will be taken starting with the all-important pilot test on June 11. Don't be fooled by the word 'pilot'. For everybody who participates, it will be the real thing. But at the same time we will be testing every dimension of the program needed for global uptake over the coming year. Here's how you can help: Before June 11 - Start participating yourself at the links above. http://www.waterhour.org, for example, has several ways to get involved. The site will guide you. Relay this note to everybody in your networks. This is so important. Our power for change is in our combined networks. Send the attached media release to all the media you can. During Water Hour - Celebrate water . in big or small ways. Lots of ideas for celebrating are at http://www.waterhour.org. However you celebrate, post it on one of the Water Hour social media. After Water Hour - Return the questionnaire we will send you. Your feedback will transform the pilot into an amazing global happening to protect water. Subject: Water Hour [1 Attachment] From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 17:33:30 -0700 (PDT) Just passing this along at the request of the organization putting on the event..... Spread the word!! With all the bad news lately about the Gulf oil spill and the like, this is something we can all take part in which will help make a difference to our planet! Water Hour is coming at 8 pm on June 11! Wonderfully, it is taking off - especially at http://www.waterhour.org; on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=289743054301 and on Twitter http:/www.twitter.com/WaterHour. This is amazing given that the first inkling was such a short time ago. Water Hour aspires to be a global happening to protect water. The global launch will take place in June a year from now. Tangible, incremental steps will be taken starting with the all-important pilot test on June 11. Don't be fooled by the word 'pilot'. For everybody who participates, it will be the real thing. But at the same time we will be testing every dimension of the program needed for global uptake over the coming year. Here's how you can help: Before June 11 - Start participating yourself at the links above. http://www.waterhour.org, for example, has several ways to get involved. The site will guide you. Relay this note to everybody in your networks. This is so important. Our power for change is in our combined networks. Send the attached media release to all the media you can. During Water Hour - Celebrate water . in big or small ways. Lots of ideas for celebrating are at http://www.waterhour.org. However you celebrate, post it on one of the Water Hour social media. After Water Hour - Return the questionnaire we will send you. Your feedback will transform the pilot into an amazing global happening to protect water. Subject: No birds in the bush From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2010 10:12:26 -0700 (PDT) No birds in the bush 01-06-2010 Australia's woodland birds, including many species generally regarded as common and widespread, are declining at an alarming rate according to Birds Australia (BirdLife Partner). This is a result of historic and current habitat losses, making Australia's woodlands among the most threatened and degraded habitats on the continent. These striking results are highlighted in the report entitled: 'State of Australia's Birds 2009'. The report is aimed at informing Australians of the status of their birds, and to help bring about improved understanding and better management of the land for birds and other wildlife. "Birds Australia is committed to the conservation of Australia's native avifauna", said James O'Connor, Birds Australia's research manager and the report's co-editor. "As part of this commitment we produce The State of Australia's Birds report each year which outlines the status of our birds, the threats they face, and the measures that have been taken to protect them". Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/06/no-birds-in-the-bush.html Subject: Wetland aliens cause bird extinction From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 16:19:17 -0700 (PDT) Wetland aliens cause bird extinction 26-05-2010 BirdLife International has announced, in the 2010 IUCN Red List update for birds, the extinction of Alaotra Grebe Tachybaptus rufolavatus. Restricted to a tiny area of east Madagascar, this species declined rapidly after carnivorous fish were introduced to the lakes in which it lived. This, along with the use of nylon gill-nets by fisherman which caught and drowned birds, has driven this species into the abyss. "No hope now remains for this species. It is another example of how human actions can have unforeseen consequences", said Dr Leon Bennun, BirdLife International's Director of Science, Policy and Information. "Invasive alien species have caused extinctions around the globe and remain one of the major threats to birds and other biodiversity." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/red-list-for-birds-2010.html Subject: Urban trees 'help migrating birds' From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 23 May 2010 07:34:22 -0700 (PDT) Urban trees 'help migrating birds' Page last updated at 16:23 GMT, Friday, 21 May 2010 17:23 UK By Mark Kinver Science and environment reporter, BBC News Even a small urban forest can help migrating birds, a study has said. US researchers found that birds used the patches of greenery to rest and refuel in the middle of their journey between winter and breeding sites. The scientists gathered the data by fitting tiny tags to thrushes, which recorded the birds' movements. Writing in the journal Landscape Ecology, they added the findings were important because the world was becoming increasingly urbanised. Full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10130458.stm Subject: Binoculars and Bodyguards - Looking for Iraq's Birds From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 11:13:25 -0700 (PDT) Binoculars and Bodyguards - Looking for Iraq's Birds 19-05-2010 In recent years, many people have been struggling to survive in Iraq. Even now the country's far from safe. However, since 2005 Nature Iraq (BirdLife Partner) staff have been doggedly surveying the rich biodiversity found within their country, taking them to some of the most dangerous spots in search of elusive species like Critically Endangered Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius. "We received fresh sightings and GPS co-ordinates which indicated a Sociable Lapwing was sitting in an area near Haditha which is an extremely dangerous place", said Nature Iraq's Omar Fadil. Omar is part of a team from Nature Iraq who conduct annual winter surveys of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) across the country. "It took us about 6 hours to drive from our base in Tikrit to where the bird was sitting". Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/Binoculars-Bodyguards-Looking-Iraqs-Birds.html Subject: Audubon Magazine Oil Spill Blog From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 09:45:49 -0700 (PDT) For those of you who are interested, all the latest information from Audubon on the Gulf oil spill can be found at http://magblog.audubon.org/oil-spill Subject: Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 09:42:22 -0700 (PDT) Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill What is the Likely Impact on Birds? The concern for birds are three-fold. * The first is the immediate threat to individual birds from oil contamination. The first oiled birds are now being collected and sent to rehabilitators in the region. Many birds could be killed but never collected, particularly 'plunge-diving' birds such as pelicans, gannets and terns. * The second is from reduced food availability due to contamination of seafood stocks. Many of these are the same stocks that are the foundation of much of the regional coastal economy. * The third concern is from oil impacts to bird habitat. There are a number of Globally Important Bird Areas directly in the path of the advancing spill that are under immediate threat.The long-term effects on birds will be decreased breeding success as nests fail due to contamination of eggs that come into contact with oil and due to birds being forced from contaminated areas to marginal breeding sites or sites that are already at maximum capacity. More information at http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/oilspill.html Subject: Hawaiian Resort Sued Over Seabird Deaths From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 09:36:52 -0700 (PDT) Hawaiian Resort Sued Over Seabird Deaths - Starwood Hotel responsible for over one-quarter of downed Newell’s Shearwaters on Kaua‘i For Immediate Release Contact: David Henkin, Earthjustice, 808-599-2436 Maka‘ala Ka‘aumoana, Hui Ho‘omalu i Ka ‘Äina, 808-346-5458 Don Heacock, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, 808-645-0532 Peter Galvin, Center for Biological Diversity, 707-986-2600 George Wallace, American Bird Conservancy, 540-253-5780 Lïhu‘e, Kaua‘i – Four citizen groups, represented by Earthjustice, filed suit today against the St. Regis Princeville Resort over the luxury resort’s failure to prevent the ongoing deaths of rare native seabirds, in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act. The St. Regis is a property of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, which also owns the Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, and Le Meridien brands. Hui Ho‘omalu i Ka ‘Äina, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, the Center for Biological Diversity, and American Bird Conservancy filed a similar suit against Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative in March. The groups are trying to protect the threatened Newell’s shearwater (‘A‘o), whose population on Kaua‘i declined by an alarming 75% in only 15 years (1993 to 2008), as well as the endangered Hawaiian petrel (‘Ua‘u). The resort is responsible for the greatest number of deaths and injuries of imperiled seabirds on Kaua‘i due to artificial lights, while birds hitting KIUC’s power lines is another significant cause of harm. Full release at http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/100511.html Subject: Migratory birds in crisis From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 16:34:26 -0700 (PDT) Migratory birds in crisis 07-05-2010 This coming weekend, thousands of people are attending World Migratory Bird Day events which highlight migratory birds in crisis. BirdLife Partners around the world are celebrating bird migration, whilst also stressing the plight of some the world's most threatened species. World Migratory Bird Day is a global initiative to raise awareness for the need to conserve all migratory birds. Events range from bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching trips to watch bird migration in action. Every year it focuses on a different topic. This year's theme 'Save migratory birds in crisis - every species counts!' - is raising awareness about Globally Threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction - the Critically Endangered. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/Migratory-birds-in-crisis.html Subject: Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 6 May 2010 19:43:50 -0700 (PDT) Jamaica's petrels reveal some of their secrets 06-05-2010 Searches at sea off the eastern coasts of Jamaica in November 2009 have revealed the presence of significant numbers of Pterodroma petrels. The pelagic expedition was part of the global Tubenoses Project coordinated by Hadoram Shirihai and Vincent Bretagnolle and was supported by BirdLife International’s Preventing Extinctions Programme with funds from the British Birdwatching Fair. Its primary aim was to look for the Critically Endangered (and possibly extinct) Jamaica Petrel Pterodroma caribbaea. This mythical seabird – known locally as the 'Blue Mountain Duck' – has not been recorded since 1879 when the last specimens were collected in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/jamaica-petrel-search.html Subject: Oil Reaches First Important Bird Area From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 16:22:22 -0700 (PDT) Oil Reaches First Important Bird Area By Julie Leibach 05/05/2010 Oil from the recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached the shores of the Chandeleur Islands, marking the first assault on a network of Important Bird Areas that line the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to south Florida. “Rusty streaks of crude could be seen closing in on the Chandeleur Islands and small, dark patches of oily sheen lapped ashore,” reported the Telegraph earlier today. A fleet of 22 boats, comprising 10 official vessels and 12 shrimp trawlers, was dispatched to skim the surface of the slick near the islands, put down protective booms, and drop dispersant chemicals into the oil, according to the report. Full story at http://magblog.audubon.org/oil-reaches-first-important-bird-area Subject: A cartography of hope for biodiversity in the Americas From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 17:15:55 -0700 (PDT) A cartography of hope for biodiversity in the Americas 04-05-2010 Bird species in the Americas are getting a helping hand at sites across the Western Hemisphere, with the launch today by BirdLife International's Important Bird Area (IBA) programme of a roadmap for conservation, the Americas IBA Directory. This publication identifies 2,345 top-priority conservation sites in all 57 countries and territories. The IBA program not only provides a blueprint for policy makers to make informed decisions on habitat protection and restoration but is already helping the conservation of both threatened and common species as well as a wealth of wider biodiversity. The launch has been generously hosted by Inter-American Development Bank in Washington D.C. "IBAs are becoming a formidable tool to help governments, the private sector, investment banks and donor organisations to direct conservation funding towards clearly defined priorities", said Dr Marco Lambertini, Chief Executive of BirdLife International. "Many of the people that live in and around IBAs also depend on them for natural resources and ecosystem services such as protection of water sources and driving sustainable economic development." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/05/amercias-ibas-directory-launched.html Subject: As Oil Slick Hits Shore and Coats Birds, Groups Take Action From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:23:05 -0700 (PDT) As Oil Slick Hits Shore and Coats Birds, Groups Take Action By Susan Cosier 04/30/2010 As petroleum oozed onto the Gulf coast and oil spill rescue crews found the first greased birds, conservation groups shifted their response efforts into high gear while the White House announced a moratorium on new offshore drilling leases. “No domestic drilling in new areas is going to go forward until there’s an adequate review of what’s happened here and of what is being proposed elsewhere,” White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod told Good Morning America earlier today. The New York Times reported that the freeze, however, most likely wouldn’t have an effect right away “since the increased offshore drilling announced last month wasn’t scheduled to take effect until 2012 at the earliest.” Full story at http://magblog.audubon.org/oil-slick-hits-shore-and-coats-birds-groups-take-action Subject: World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:51:05 -0700 (PDT) World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target 29-04-2010 World leaders have failed to deliver commitments made in 2002 to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, and have instead overseen alarming biodiversity declines. These findings are the result of a new paper published in the leading journal Science and represent the first assessment of how the targets made through the 2002 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have not been met. Compiling over 30 indicators – measures of different aspects of biodiversity, including changes in species’ populations and risk of extinction, habitat extent and community composition – the study found no evidence for a significant reduction in the rate of decline of biodiversity, and that the pressures facing biodiversity continue to increase. The synthesis provides overwhelming evidence that the 2010 target has not been achieved. "Our analysis shows that governments have failed to deliver on the commitments they made in 2002: biodiversity is still being lost as fast as ever, and we have made little headway in reducing the pressures on species, habitats and ecosystems", said Dr Stuart Butchart, of the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre and BirdLife International, and the paper’s lead author. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/pr/2010/04/2010-CBD-biodiversity-target-fails.html Subject: Audubon fears birds will become next victims of Gulf oil spill From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:09:15 -0700 (PDT) Audubon fears birds will become next victims of Gulf oil spill 29-04-2010 Audubon experts across the Gulf Coast are monitoring the spread of thousands of litres of oil that threaten to turn last week's drilling platform explosion into a growing environmental disaster. "The terrible loss of 11 workers may be just the beginning of this tragedy as the oil slick spreads toward sensitive coastal areas vital to birds and marine life and to all the communities that depend on them", said Melanie Driscoll an Audubon bird conservation director, who is monitoring the situation from her base in Louisiana. "For birds, the timing could not be worse; they are breeding, nesting and especially vulnerable in many of the places where the oil could come ashore." Sensitive coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are all potential targets of the growing spill. "The efforts to stop the oil before it reaches shore are heroic, but may not be enough", added Driscoll. "We have to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, including a true catastrophe for birds." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/gulf-oil-spill.html Subject: BirdLife Partner staff wins world’s top environmental prize From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:15:28 -0700 (PDT) BirdLife Partner staff wins world’s top environmental prize 22-04-2010 Malgorzata Górska from OTOP (BirdLife in Poland) has been awarded the world’s top prize for grassroots activists having led a successful campaign which stopped a road being built through Poland’s precious Rospuda Valley. “Górska led the first successful environmental campaign where the EU has sued a member country to protect Natura 2000 sites”, commented David Hammerstein, former Member of the European Parliament. “This was a big deal with the new countries coming into the EU regarding the environment . [..] and the President of Poland finally had to give in to the pressure and stop the Expressway”. The Goldman Environmental Prize – often called the Nobel Prize for the environment – is awarded to men and women around the world who take great personal risks to safeguard the environment. Throughout the campaign, Górska and her colleagues were intimidated by local authorities and radical right-wing groups, and even labelled as Russian spies. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/goldman-prize.html Subject: South Atlantic becomes more seabird-friendly From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:41:33 -0700 (PDT) South Atlantic becomes more seabird-friendly 16-04-2010 BirdLife International and WWF South Africa recently achieved a major conservation success by improving the methods used by commercial fishermen in the south-east Atlantic Ocean to avoid killing seabirds. Seabirds, particularly albatrosses, are becoming threatened and at a faster rate than all other groups of birds. By far the biggest threat faced is death on longline fishing hooks. "A single demersal [seabed] vessel may use a line extending for 10 km, from which can hang as many as 20,000 hooks", said Dr Ross Wanless - Southern Africa Coordinator for BirdLife's Global Seabird Programme. "Globally we estimate that around 300,000 seabirds grab baited-hooks and drown each year". Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/South-Atlantic-becomes-more-seabird-friendly.html Subject: Western Siem Pang - Land of the Giants From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:28:24 -0700 (PDT) Western Siem Pang - Land of the Giants 13-04-2010 Western Siem Pang in Cambodia is one of the few sites in the world that supports five Critically Endangered bird species. It is perhaps best known as the home of the world's largest population of White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davidsoni. However, its importance for another species of ibis is now becoming clear. A recent BirdLife survey team recorded an astonishing 16 Giant Ibis Thaumatibis gigantea over a ten day period during a rapid survey of the western sector of the site. "At the height of the dry season one would expect a greater encounter rate as Giant Ibis along with other wildlife become concentrated at seasonal wetlands (trapeangs) in the forest and grasslands, but to record so many birds in such a short period from such a small area suggests the population at Western Siem Pang is much larger than we previously thought", said Jonathan Eames, Programme Manager for BirdLife International in Indochina. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/giant-ibis.html Subject: A Ruddy Long Way to Fly From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 15:08:43 -0700 (PDT) A Ruddy Long Way to Fly 09-04-2010 A technological breakthrough has enabled researchers from the Australasian Wader Studies Group - a special interest group of Birds Australia [BirdLife Partner] - to study the amazing migratory routes of Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Four birds fitted with ultra-light geolocators took just six days to fly from Australia to Taiwan before continuing on to northern Siberia. One bird then completed its return trip back to Australia via the Central Pacific - a total round-trip of 27,000 km! Ruddy Turnstone is a small, highly-migratory wading bird with a large global range. It breeds in northern latitudes in open tundra habitat often close to water. Outside the breeding season it is found along coastlines, particularly on rocky or stony shores. It is the only species of turnstone in much of its range and is often called Turnstone. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/ruddy-turnstone-migration.html Subject: White Stork wait for FIFA World Cup From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:07:34 -0700 (PDT) White Stork wait for FIFA World Cup 01-04-2010 BirdLife South Africa (BirdLife Partner) have received numerous reports of White Stork Ciconia ciconia nesting on top of newly-built football stadiums in the country. This is seen as an omen of good luck and is fuelling hopes that an African country is destined to win this year's 2010 FIFA World Cup. "White Stork are usually arriving in their European breeding grounds at this time", said Mark Anderson - Executive Director of BirdLife South Africa. "However, we've received dozens of reports of White Stork failing to migrate; instead they've been observed nest-building on the top of football stadiums up on down the country". According to mythology, the White Stork is responsible for delivering babies to new parents. This story probably came about because White Storks have a habit of nesting on buildings in urban areas. "We're hoping the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be our 'new arrival' in Africa!", added Anderson. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/04/white-stork-football.html Subject: Thai local group urges Ramsar designation for Spoon-billed Sandpiper site From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:29:23 -0700 (PDT) Thai local group urges Ramsar designation for Spoon-billed Sandpiper site 25-03-2010 One of the most important non-breeding sites for Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus in the Inner Gulf of Thailand, Khok Kham, has taken a major step towards Ramsar designation, thanks to an appeal by Local Conservation Groups. "It is rather surprising that good sites still exist there, as it lies just at the outskirts of the mega-city of Bangkok", said Simba Chan, Senior Conservation Officer at BirdLife's Asia Division. Between 1979 and 1996, up to 90% of the mangroves were converted to shrimp ponds. But after ten years, the shrimp industry crashed. "The decline in catch made many fishermen understand the importance of mangroves, and that a balanced ecosystem is vital to their fishery", Simba Chan added. As a result, a local grassroots environmental movement started in the late 1990s. Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST, BirdLife Partner) supported this movement from the beginning. To date, there are four Local Conservation Groups (LCGs), working in coordination with BCST on the conservation of the Inner Gulf. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/thai_ramsar.html Subject: BirdLife Partners call to save the Wadden Sea From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:43:55 -0700 (PDT) BirdLife Partners call to save the Wadden Sea 17-03-2010 The Wadden Sea is one of the last true wilderness areas in Northwest Europe. Characterised by vast mudflats, it stretches over three countries: Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands and is a complex of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) which are threatened by human activities. In response, three BirdLife Partners - DOF, NABU and Vogelbescherming Nederland (BirdLife Partners in Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands respectively) - have joined forces to fight for the conservation of this area and have published an ambitious report entitled the: ‘Wadden Sea Vision - A vision for the conservation of a Natural Heritage'. The Wadden Sea is important for millions of birds. Species such as Red Knot Calidris canutus and Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica stop in the Wadden Sea to rest and refuel on their migrations between the Arctic and West Africa. The site is also important for species like Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta which breed on the salt marshes, beaches and islands found around the Wadden Sea. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/wadden_sea.html Subject: 'State of the birds 2010' highlights threats to migrants From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:51:26 -0700 (PDT) 'State of the birds 2010' highlights threats to migrants 15-03-2010 Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive species and other environmental threats, concludes a new report released by United States' Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. "For well over a century, migratory birds have faced stresses such as commercial hunting, loss of forests, the use of DDT and other pesticides, a loss of wetlands and other key habitat, the introduction of invasive species, and other impacts of human development", Salazar said. "Now they are facing a new threat - climate change - that could dramatically alter their habitat and food supply and push many species towards extinction." Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/state_of_the_birds.html Subject: Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:50:44 -0800 (PST) Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America By Matt Walker Editor, Earth News Songbirds in the US are getting smaller, and climate change is suspected as the cause. A study of almost half a million birds, belonging to over 100 species, shows that many are gradually becoming lighter and growing shorter wings. This shrinkage has occurred within just half a century, with the birds thought to be evolving into a smaller size in response to warmer temperatures. However, there is little evidence that the change is harmful to the birds. Details of the discovery are published in the journal Oikos. Full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8560000/8560694.stm Subject: Caribbean's first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve designated From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:21:16 -0800 (PST) Caribbean's first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve designated 12-03-2010 The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats – within Puerto Rico's Suroeste Important Bird Area – have been designated as the Caribbean's first site of regional importance for shorebirds by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN, an international shorebird conservation strategy). The nomination was submitted by Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña (SOPI, BirdLife in Puerto Rico) and supported by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), North Carolina State University and the BirdLife Caribbean Program. "This designation represents a significant step for the conservation of shorebirds in the Caribbean as it helps demonstrate the importance of wetlands on islands throughout the region for the conservation of both migratory and resident shorebirds", said Xicoténcatl Vega, subdirector of the WHSRN and Shorebird Recovery Program, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/puerto_rico_iba.html Subject: The World's Rarest Birds through the lens From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:04:54 -0800 (PST) The World's Rarest Birds through the lens 08-03-2010 A new international photo competition covering the world's 623 most threatened birds has just been launched. This is a follow-up to the photo competitions that led to the production of the highly acclaimed Rare Birds Yearbooks 2008 and 2009. The photos submitted for the new competition will feature in a landmark publication – The World's Rarest Birds – which will be produced by the not-for-profit publisher WILDGuides next year. The proceeds will be donated to BirdLife International's Preventing Extinctions Programme, as was the case with the Rare Birds Yearbooks. The World's Rarest Birds will be a lavishly illustrated hardback book, covering the 362 species categorised as Endangered and 65 that are Data Deficient, as well as the 192 Critically Endangered species and the four species that are Extinct in the Wild and only now exist in captivity. It will be a comprehensive directory of the world's most threatened bird species and include specially written feature articles on the key bird conservation issues in each of the world’s regions. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/worlds_rarest.html Subject: Brazil's mightiest biomes get mapped the IBA way From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:37:49 -0800 (PST) Brazil's mightiest biomes get mapped the IBA way 10-03-2010 Brazil is a country of superlatives: big and biodiverse. Three of the most extensive biomes in the entire world — the Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal Wetlands and the Cerrado savannas occur in Brazil. The Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of these three unique areas are now covered in a new publication Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part II – Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal. In 2004, SAVE Brasil (BirdLife Partner) was established with the mission of conserving birds, their habitats and biodiversity, and working with people towards the sustainable use of natural resources. One of the first tasks was to identify IBAs for Brazil. Not an easy task by any means. Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world at over 8.5 million square kilometres and also has the fifth largest population, mainly concentrated around the coastal strip. The first part of the study was completed in 2006, with the publication of Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part I – the Atlantic Forest Region. This book described 163 IBAs in the Atlantic Forest, the Caatinga, the Pampa, and portions of the Cerrado. The process has now been completed with the publication of the second volume that describes 74 IBAs. Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part II represents the first mapping of priority areas for bird conservation in the Amazon, the Cerrado, and the Pantanal. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/brazil_ibas.html Subject: Black-faced Spoonbill numbers up again as Action Plans are launched From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:11:33 -0800 (PST) Black-faced Spoonbill numbers up again as Action Plans are launched 05-03-2010 BirdLife International has compiled International Action Plans for three globally Endangered and Critically Endangered migratory waterbirds in Asia, under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species. The action plans for Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus and Chinese Crested Tern Sterna bernsteini were launched recently at the fourth meeting of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). On 5th March, the action plan for Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor was launched at the International Symposium on Ecology, Migratory and Conservation of the Black-faced Spoonbill. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/new_action_plans.html Subject: BirdLife seabird conservationist awarded 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:54:35 -0800 (PST) BirdLife seabird conservationist awarded 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation 03-03-2010 One man's quest to prevent one of the world's most threatened families of birds from slipping ever closer towards oblivion has been recognised with the award of a major international honour. Dr Ben Sullivan, the Tasmanian-based coordinator for BirdLife International's Global Seabird Program, has been awarded a 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation for his project to reduce seabird 'bycatch'. or the catching and killing of non-target species, in open-ocean longline and trawl fisheries. The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation is a prestigious program that gives recipients US$150,000 for a three-year scientific research or conservation project designed to address critical challenges facing our oceans. Dr Sullivan's fellowship will utilize the existing Albatross Task Force to conduct research and develop best practices for reducing the killing of seabirds in many of the bycatch 'hot spots' around the world. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/Ben_Sullivan_Pew_fellowship.html Subject: Saving rockhopper penguins From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:57:09 -0800 (PST) Saving rockhopper penguins 02-03-2010 Rockhopper penguin populations are in serious decline worldwide, and the causes have been largely unknown. BirdLife is launching a new report which identifies the key threats, and outlines the steps which must be taken to help save rockhopper penguins. "At last, in this new report we have an international action plan to address the catastrophic declines of rockhopper penguins", said Professor John Croxall - Chairman of BirdLife's Global Seabird Programme. Rockhopper penguins live in the Indian, South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. There are two distinct species: Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi (Endangered) and Southern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes chrysocome (Vulnerable). Both these species have been disappearing from the southern oceans. In the past 37 years alone, Northern Rockhopper Penguin has decline by 57% and Southern Rockhopper Penguin by 34%. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/03/rockhopper_report.html Subject: BirdLife protects biodiversity in the French overseas departments From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:33:02 -0800 (PST) BirdLife protects biodiversity in the French overseas departments 24-01-2010 BirdLife International and LPO (BirdLife in France), in cooperation with local conservation organisations, have just published Un patrimoine, un atout – Oiseaux des departements d’outre-mer, presenting the status of birds and biodiversity in the French overseas departments, and focusing on their added values and the threats they are facing. "More than ever it is now urgent to mobilise all the available legal, technical and financial tools at our disposal to halt the biodiversity decline both in Europe and in France", commented Angelo Caserta, Regional Director of BirdLife International European Division. Birds represent a unique asset to develop eco-tourism activities and boost local economies. Within the publication, some concrete financial and economic measures are also proposed in order to better preserve the biodiversity in those territories. For instance, including their species and habitats in the EU Birds and Habitats Directive will be essential to be in line with the European goals of halting the biodiversity loss and fighting against climate change. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/lpo_patrimoine.html Subject: Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:56:24 -0800 (PST) Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action 18-02-2010 The 2010 World Wetlands Day celebrations in Tanzania focussed on a meeting to support the conservation of Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor (Near Threatened) through the completion of a National Single Species Action Plan. "This is an important step in ensuring the protection of this important species not only for Tanzania but also for the world", said Lota Melamari - CEO of Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST, BirdLife Partner). "This action plan provides Tanzania with an opportunity to ensure that threats facing Lesser Flamingo are thoroughly addressed", he added. Tanzania is home to the most important breeding site in the world for Lesser Flamingo – Lake Natron. Of the world's global population of Lesser Flamingo, 75% breed at Lake Natron. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/flamingo_species_action_plan.html Subject: WeLoveBirds.org From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:16:10 -0800 (PST) Thought some of you might be interested in a new social site sponsored by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the NRDC, http://www.welovebirds.org/ Regards, Jeremy Subject: Radar station in Madeira threatens Zino's Petrel From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:55:07 -0800 (PST) Radar station in Madeira threatens Zino's Petrel 16-02-2010 After many years of uncertainty and inaction, the Portuguese Government has finally started building a military radar on top of Pico do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s most popular tourist destinations and the only home of Zino’s Petrel Pterodroma madeira, a rare endemic seabird. The Pico do Areeiro lies within a Natura 2000 site designated as a Special Protection Area, and therefore has the highest level of protection under European Union law. “It is the only known breeding site in the world of Zino's Petrel, a globally Endangered species whose total population of 65-80 pairs makes it the rarest seabird in Europe and one of the rarest birds in the world”, said Dr Ian Burfield – European Research and Database Manager at BirdLife International. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/madeira.html Subject: Industrial windfarm development in Puerto Rican IBA rejected by government From: Jeremy Taylor <jeremyjtaylor AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:04:13 -0800 (PST) Industrial windfarm development in Puerto Rican IBA rejected by government 15-02-2010 The Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc. (SOPI, BirdLife in Puerto Rico) and other organisations have applauded the decision made by the Planning Board of Puerto Rico to reject and suspend the siting permit for an industrial windfarm development in Karso del Sur Important Bird Area (IBA). At the same time, the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development is being legally disputed. The windfarm was proposed for construction on forested land that is both ecologically fragile and exceptionally important for biodiversity. This karst limestone area has been designated by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as a 'High Conservation Priority' and borders the Guánica Biosphere Reserve. The forests and shrubland in this IBA are home to 19 (of the 23) restricted-range species found on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including the largest known population (c.20% of the total) of the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus. The IBA also supports a regionally significant breeding population of Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii. Small numbers of Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis nest on Don Luis Cay—one of the few nesting locations for the species in Puerto Rico. Full story at http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/02/pr_windfarm.html