New report shows habitat conservation is for the birds…and people
OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MB, May 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) today released The State of North America's Birds 2016, the first comprehensive report assessing the conservation status of all bird species that occur in Canada, the continental United States and Mexico.
The NABCI report shows that more than one-third of all North American bird species need urgent conservation action and calls for a renewed, continent-wide commitment to saving birds and their habitats.
Despite the many challenges faced by North American birds, this report also shows that conservation works. Waterfowl and other waterbirds are generally doing well, thanks in part to effective investment in conservation of wetlands through programs like conservation stamps sold to waterfowl hunters and others interested in supporting conservation, and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, considered the most successful model of international conservation partnerships in the world.
Healthy environments for birds also provide benefits to other wildlife and people, such as clean air and water, flood and erosion control, and coastal resilience.
Since 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has understood the links between habitat conservation and a healthy environment for waterfowl, wildlife and people. Today's report underscores the importance of DUC's science-based, partnership-focused, wetland conservation work.
"Thanks to a century of continental conservation efforts, most waterfowl populations today are considered healthy," says DUC CEO Greg Siekaniec. "But our work is far from over. Wetland habitat continues to be lost in all four continental migratory flyways. Continued investments in wetland conservation will ensure that waterfowl and other wildlife species can thrive into the future, and, at the same time, improve the overall health of our environment."
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.
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Video with caption: "Video: Canada's boreal forest is a vital ecosystem that touches all of our lives. It's home to the largest area of intact wetlands in the world: critical habitat for millions of birds, animals and plants.". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKSb_7Y0bc
Image with caption: "The State of North America's Birds Report reveals that because of investments in wetland habitat conservation, waterfowl and other waterbirds are doing well and most populations have grown over the past 50 years. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160518_C7614_PHOTO_EN_693918.jpg
Image with caption: "Thanks to partnerships between countries, governments, companies, organizations and individuals to conserve their habitats, populations of most migratory waterfowl species, including the beautiful wood duck, are considered stable. (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160518_C7614_PHOTO_EN_693920.jpg
Leigh Patterson, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Telephone : 204-467-3306, email : [email protected]
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