75 percent of North America’s bird species are in decline, study says

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🗞️ Driving the news: Three-quarters of North America’s bird species are in decline, according to a new study published in Science
• Researchers analyzed data from nearly 495 bird species between 2007 and 2021 and found that declines were most severe in areas where birds had previously been most abundant, raising alarm about a broader ecological crisis

🔭 The context: This study builds on earlier research from 2019 that reported the continent had lost over 3 billion birds since 1970
• The latest findings, derived from the eBird citizen science platform and enhanced with machine learning, offer a detailed geographic view, highlighting losses across strongholds once considered safe
• Habitat loss, pesticide use, coastal development, and climate change are among the primary threats identified

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Birds play crucial roles in ecosystems, including pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal
• Their decline signals widespread habitat degradation and environmental stressors that also endanger human health
• Identifying regions where bird populations remain stable offers pathways for targeted conservation efforts, yet systemic threats like climate change and deregulated habitat destruction continue to pose risks

⏭️ What's next: Scientists and conservationists are urging policymakers to strengthen environmental protections rather than roll them back
• With granular data pinpointing resilient bird subpopulations, future conservation strategies could become more targeted
• However, ongoing policy shifts under recent U.S. administrations that weaken migratory bird protections remain a significant concern
• Monitoring these regulatory trends and reinforcing sustainable land-use practices will be critical

💬 One quote: “Those locations where species were once thriving, and where the environment and habitat was once really suitable for them, are now the places where they’re suffering the most,” — Alison Johnston, lead author and ecological statistician at the University of St. Andrews

📈 One stat: 75% of North America’s bird species analyzed between 2007 and 2021 are experiencing population declines

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