International Biodiversity Day
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Posted by Rosemary Drisdelle May 19, 2007 |
Biodiversity—the vast and wildly varying array of living species on Earth—is dwindling. Scientists tell us that extinctions are happening at a faster rate than at any time in recorded history, and every day we hear of another threatened species. The IUCN Red List tells us that one fifth of mammals are threatened with extinction, one third of amphibians and reptiles, and at least 12% of birds. Species are dependant on each other—when one disappears there is an immediate effect on others, including humans. We need to do something.
International Biodiversity Day is a day to celebrate the diversity of life on Earth, to put a spotlight on what is happening to Earth’s biodiversity, and to make commitments for change to halt the downward spiral we are in. For bird watchers, there is a lot to think about: birds are a mirror of ecological loss because the places that are important for them are typically areas of great biodiversity. When birds decline, it’s a sign of a decline in biodiversity in general.
On May 22, think about the things that birders and bird organizations can for birds and for biodiversity:
- Promote research to find out how birds are doing and what factors are causing declines in threatened species.
- Lobby government to include issues of biodiversity in policy decisions.
- Work to protect populations of threatened species.
- Work to protect the habitat of birds—habitat for diverse other species is protected at the same time.
- Educate other people about the importance of protecting birds and conserving biodiversity in general.
- Collaborate with other groups—groups in different geographic locations can pool resources and protect migratory birds in all parts of their range.
Do you have a special activity for International Biodiversity Day? Tell us about it in the Discussion area.
Read about other special days for birders:
Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival
National Wildlife Week in Canada