Extinct bird traits feature Image

A Review on Understanding Bird Extinction And Traits That Put Birds at Risk

Many bird conservationists have concerned themselves with birds’ extinction over the years. Now, a new University of Utah study hopes to identify a set of characteristics that make some birds more susceptible to extinction than others.

The study is well structured with respect to over 216 bird extinctions from 1500. It examines biological and ecological dimensions around the birds’ dynamics, helping to guide future conservation efforts.

Number of bird extinction since 1500
Number of bird extinction since 1500. Credit: Kyle Kittelberger, University of Utah

This study is the first one that compare bird traits with extinction timing. It showed how certain traits influenced the chances of survival and the chances of going extinct.

Key Traits Linked to Bird Extinction

The study highlighted specific traits that birds appeared to possess and these are the following:

  • Island Endemism: Birds that are confined to specific islands alone have the greatest chance of extinction. Islands tend to be diversity hotspots but they are the most susceptible to anthropogenic pressure.
  • Flightlessness: Birds that are either completely or to some degree unable to fly have also a high chance of extinction.
  • Large Body Size: Birds that appear to be large in weight have been exposed to the anthropogenic threat of hunting and cannot quickly adapt to rapid changes in the environment.
  • Pointed Wings: Species with sharper wing shapes, typically indicate strong flying abilities but they were more likely to have gone extinct earlier.
The proportion of 216 bird species globally extinct
The proportion of 216 bird species gone globally extinct. Credit: Kyle Kittelberger

Alarming Findings About Hawaiian Birds

Hawaiian birds, including the critically endangered ‘Akikiki, are among the most affected. Hawaii has recorded  34 loss in several bird species since 1500 and it is the only region to have had the most number of bird species lost.

The ‘Akikiki‘ birds are only found in Kauai; these are tree-inhabiting birds that are currently classified as functionally extinct, with one individual remaining in untamed forests.

Main Threats

  1. Invasive Mosquitoes: Invasive mosquitoes that transmit avian malaria to parasitic native birds are a significant threat to endemic birds’ survival. 
  2. Habitat Destruction: Habitat destruction by livestock and human beings is also an independent threat that is leading to changes to even geographical areas.

There is a need to effectively organize efforts directed to the remaining kinds which include site rehabilitation, control of mosquito population, and activities that are aimed at the preservation of endangered species.

Why Wing Shape Matters

It was also eye-catching that the risk of extinction was related to wing shape. Birds with comparatively longer and pointed wings which are useful in long distances, were expected to thrive throughout. The majority of these species went extinct because of the environment created by their islands.

On the other hand, the study discovered that birds with rounded wings, which are better suited for traversing expansive forests, were stronger. This knowledge brings to perspective the complications of evolution somehow and how it affects the species’ survival.

Global Context: The Role of Human Activity

Although longer pointed wings may be helpful in extended migrations, they would be unfavorable for the species’ survival in that region.

The research brings to the fore the negative consequences of human activity, which extends to;

Colonization and Exploration: Two main activities that accelerated bird extinction are the introduction of invasive species and habitat destruction.

Hunting: Another human activity is hunting due to which larger birds like the Great Auk and the Dodo, were hunted to extinction for food.

Currently, about 1,314 bird species, roughly 12% of all birds, are listed by the IUCN Red List as endangered.

A map of global bird loss since 1500
A map of global bird loss since 1500. Credit: Kyle Kittelberger

Conservation Lessons from the Past

The research brings to the fore the negative consequences of human activity, which extends to;

Looking at the features and the past period of extinctions, the researchers are hopeful to provide a better strategy for the conservation of critically endangered species. “Understanding the factors that led to past extinctions gives us a roadmap for conservation,” said lead author Kyle Kittelberger.

These findings may assist all those seeking to save species such as the “Akikiki” and other species that are in danger and live in the diverse but delicate habitats provided by islands.

Conclusion

The study at the University of Utah provides important implications for the international conservation system. It shows the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure that the precarious species do not add to the list of Dodo birds.

By counteracting threats such as invasive species and habitat destruction,  we can ensure that the sad epics of Kauai O’o and ‘Akikiki do not exist in the future.

Source

This review article is based on research by Brian Maffly, a research communication specialist University of Utah published on Nov. 27, 2024.

References & External Links

  1. University of Utah Publication

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