Study: humans have driven more than 1,400 bird species to extinction

A recent investigation by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) has brought to light a startling revelation, indicating that humans have been responsible for the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species. This figure is twice as high as previously estimated, shedding light on the extensive impact of human activities on avian biodiversity.

The research primarily focuses on specific regions, including Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores, where human presence has triggered severe consequences such as deforestation, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species. These anthropogenic factors have proven to be particularly detrimental to bird populations, resulting in the obliteration of numerous species that were previously unknown to science.

The study challenges prevailing estimates by proposing that one in nine bird species has vanished over the course of modern human history, dating back to the Late Pleistocene approximately 130,000 years ago. Notably, traditional fossil records offer limited insights into the true extent of global extinctions, as the lightweight bones of birds tend to disintegrate over time.

Dr. Rob Cooke, the lead author and an ecological modeller at UKCEH, emphasized the profound impact of human activities on avian diversity. He pointed out that habitat loss, overexploitation, and the introduction of disruptive species like rats, pigs, and dogs, which raided bird nests and competed for resources, have led to a rapid decline in bird populations.

Dr. Spren Faurby, a co-author from the University of Gothenburg, underscored the broader implications of historical bird extinctions on the ongoing biodiversity crisis. In addition to the loss of intriguing bird species, these extinctions have disrupted crucial ecological roles, affecting processes such as seed dispersal and pollination. Consequently, these disruptions have triggered cascading harmful effects on ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness of species and the delicate balance that human actions have disturbed.