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Conservation of tropical birds: mission possible?

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Abstract

Worldwide habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation are operating on a massive scale—and are accelerating. Many scientific studies have shown or predicted that such habitat destruction will have dire consequences for the future of global biodiversity. Habitat loss in the tropics especially is unprecedented, which is of particular concern because the tropics have the greatest diversity and are centers of endemism. We briefly review bird losses due to land-use changes in the tropics. We also discuss the likely effects of invasives, fire, overharvesting, and climate change on tropical birds. We conclude with a discussion of options for tangible conservation of tropical birds.

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Acknowledgments

Research for this review was supported by the National University of Singapore (R-154-000-264-112). K. Smith’s participation in this symposium was made possible by an award from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, University of Arkansas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, Singapore, 117543

    Navjot S. Sodhi

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    Kimberly G. Smith

Authors
  1. Navjot S. Sodhi
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  2. Kimberly G. Smith
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kimberly G. Smith.

Additional information

Communicated by C. Rahbek.

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Sodhi, N.S., Smith, K.G. Conservation of tropical birds: mission possible?. J Ornithol 148 (Suppl 2), 305–309 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-007-0180-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-007-0180-y

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