Spix’s Macaw, photo by Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation
Following a review of 51 bird species considered Critically Endangered, a team of ornithologists recommends that eight such species be declared Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, or Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).
The most familiar of these species is likely Spix’s macaw. Fans of the 2011 movie Rio will remember Blu, a captive-raised Spix’s macaw, who seeks to mate with Jewel, the last remaining wild bird of his kind. In actually, Spix’s macaw was likely extinct in the wild by 2000. There is hope for the species, however, since about 50 Spix’s macaws remain alive in captivity. The ornithologists recommend that this species be classified as Extinct in the Wild, although there are long-term plans to reintroduce the species within its previous natural range.
Poo-uli, photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The report notes that in the past few centuries, most extinctions were island endemics, but the species studied demonstrate a growing trend of continental species decline from unsustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
The researchers recommend that these species be reclassified from Critically Endangered to Extinct:
- cryptic treehunter (Cichlocolaptes mazarbarnetti),
- Alagoas foliage-gleaner (Philydor novaesi)
- Poo-uli (Melamprosops phaeosoma)
They recommend that these species be reclassified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)
- Javan lapwing (Vanellus macropterus)
- Glaucous macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus)
- New Caledonian lorikeet (Charmosyna diadema)
- Pernambuco pygmy-owl (Glaucidium mooreorum)
Read BirdLife International’s news release here: https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/spixs-macaw-heads-list-first-bird-extinctions-set-be-confirmed-decade?utm_source=BirdLife+International+News+Notifications&utm_campaign=315c3c764e-Nest_Quest_Appeal_to_news_list7_6_2017_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4122f13b8a-315c3c764e-133889469&mc_cid=315c3c764e&mc_eid=36200170e1
Read the scientific report here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320718308012
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