Planet of Birds

Until recently, Becks Petrel Pseudobulweria becki was only known from two specimens: a female taken at sea east of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea in 1928, and a male taken in the Solomon Islands in 1929. After a long gap of nearly 80 years it was only definitively re-recorded when, in July and August 2007, […]

Documenting new seabird-colony Important Bird Areas, finding previously undocumented colonies and colonies thought to be extirpated: these are just some of the exciting discoveries reported within Environmental Protection in the Caribbeans (EPICs) ground-breaking Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles. read more at birdlife>

Zinos Petrel was Europes rarest seabird even before a ravaging wild fire hit the heart of Madeiras central massif, where this globally endangered bird breeds. The fire, in August 2010, had dire consequences: 25 young and 3 adults were found burnt to death, and of the 13 young birds found alive, only one survived to […]

Almost a year since thousands of endangered penguins? lives were threatened by an oil spill on Nightingale Island ? part of Tristan da Cunha, a UK Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic a survey to assess the birds population has taken place. The bulk carrier, MS Oliva, ran aground on 16 March last year, a […]

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has passed a crucial law that could transform how transboundary ecosystems and resources in East Africa are managed. EALA is the legislative arm of the East African Community, a regional block bringing together five countries, namely, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Hon. Dr. George Nangale, the former Chairman […]

The pacific islands of Mauke and Mangaia have been identfied as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) by Te Ipukarea Society (TIS; BirdLife in the Cook Islands) and BirdLife International. TIS Programme Manager Jacqui Evans recently travelled to the two islands to raise awareness in the community about the importance to the […]

The nocturnal calls of Black-capped Petrels Pterodroma hasitata have guided Haitian researchers to discover more nesting locations for this Endangered seabird. During November and December 2011, researchers from the Socit Audubon Hati (SAH) carried out field expeditions as part of their ongoing efforts to better understand and conserve Haitis unique biodiversity. read more at birdlife>

Wetlands are diverse habitats that are extremely important for biodiversity. They also provide vital benefits for millions of people, including food, fibre, flood protection, water purification and supply. Their importance is reflected in the designation of nearly 2,000 Wetlands of International Importance (or Ramsar sites: see www.ramsar.org) covering more than 191 million hectares. read more […]

This years World Wetlands Day (WWD) theme is Wetlands and Tourism and BirdLife Partners in the Caribbean are ready to be part of the experience. The Bahamas National Trust (BirdLife in the Bahamas) is showcasing the Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park (HWNP) to tourists in celebration of these very important ecosystems. The tourists from […]