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Multi-Billion Dollar Benefits of Bird Watching At Risk

(Washington, D.C.)  Significant portions of the American landscape are no
longer providing adequate habitat for many native bird species, according
to the Top 20 Most Threatened Bird Habitats in the United States, a new
report by American Bird Conservancy (ABC).  ABC’s report is available
online at www.abcbirds.org/habitatreport.pdf

“Millions of Americans love to watch birds, whether on organized outings
or in their own backyards,” said George Fenwick, President of American Bird
Conservancy.  “Without action to conserve these dwindling habitats, there
will be fewer and fewer bird species for everyone to enjoy.”

Hawaiian forests topped the list as the most threatened bird habitat,
where 30 Hawaiian birds are listed under the Endangered Species Act as
Endangered or Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Rainforests in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, Florida wetlands, longleaf
pine forests in the Southeast, tallgrass prairies in the Midwest, sagebrush
in the Intermountain West, coastal beaches, and seabird nesting islands
were all among the most threatened habitats.

The primary causes for the loss of the 20 most threatened bird habitats
include invasive species, sprawling development, fire suppression,
agriculture, deforestation, poor habitat management, overgrazing,
pesticides, and water diversion.  The report identifies threats in each
habitat, lists birds of high conservation concern, and offers solutions and
opportunities to restore lost habitat.

Bird watching and other wildlife viewing by 66 million Americans
contribute $43 billion annually to the nation’s economy, according to a
2006 report by the Outdoor Industry Foundation.  Retail sales of birding
gear, birding trips, and state and federal tax receipts comprise a
substantial portion of this.

“As well as a biological imperative, it makes good economic sense to
conserve bird habitats,” said Fenwick.  “In addition to the direct economic
benefits of bird watching, birds play an important role in maintaining the
ecosystems on which humans ultimately depend.”

The most threatened habitats include:

1. Hawaiian Forests
2. Open Ocean/Sea Bird Nesting Islands
3. Sagebrush (WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, and NV)
4. Edwards Plateau Savannah (Central Texas)
5. Southwest Riparian (AZ, NM, CA, NV, and TX)
6. Tallgrass Prairies (IL, IN, OH, MO, KS, and IA)
7. Coastal Beaches and Marshes (U.S. coastline)
8. Gulf Coast Prairie (LA and TX)
9. Lake Wales Oak Ridge Scrub (Central Florida)
10. Mixed Longleaf Pine/Bottomland Hardwood Forest (NC, SC, GA, FL, MS, and AL)
11. Great Plains Wetlands (MN, ND, SD, NE)
12. California’s Central Valley (CA)
13. Florida Wetlands (FL)
14. Chaparral (CA)
15. Shortgrass Prairie (KS, NE, CO, OK, TX, and NM)
16. Bottomland Hardwood Forest (LA, AR, MS, and TN)
17. Ponderosa Pine (MT, ID, OR, and WA)
18. Oak Savannah (OR, WA, and CA)
19. Early Successional/Eastern Deciduous Forests (eastern states)
20. Northwest Rainforest (AK, BC, OR, WA, and CA)

The Top 20 Most Threatened Bird Habitats in the U.S. is available at
www.abcbirds.org/habitatreport.pdf

Steve Holmer
Director of Public Relations
American Bird Conservancy
202/234-7181 ext. 216 or
202/744-6459 (cell)
sholmer@abcbirds.org,