The Slender-billed Curlew, a migratory shorebird last seen in 1995, has been declared extinct, marking the first bird extinction from mainland Europe and neighboring regions. The investigation reveals contributing factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and possibly climate change, necessitating urgent conservation actions to prevent further avian extinctions.
Recent research confirms the extinction of the Slender-billed Curlew, a migratory shorebird that once flourished in western Siberia and wintered in the Mediterranean region. This bird was last observed in north Morocco in 1995, marking it as the first officially recognized bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently recognizes 164 bird species that have become extinct since the year 1500, out of more than 11,000 species that have been assessed by BirdLife International.
The plight of the Slender-billed Curlew draws attention to the broader issue of avian extinction and the urgency of conservation efforts. The reasons for the decline of this species remain largely speculative; they may include habitat destruction through agricultural expansion, loss of coastal wetlands, hunting pressures, along with other potential factors like pollution and climate change. Understanding the specific causes of this extinction is crucial for better informing future conservation strategies for other migratory birds facing similar threats.
The extinction of the Slender-billed Curlew serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing biodiversity crisis affecting our planet. It underscores the necessity for enhanced international conservation actions to preserve migratory species and their habitats. As habitats continue to deteriorate and climate change escalates, it becomes ever more critical to unite efforts globally to halt further avian extinctions.
Original Source: www.birdlife.org
