Conservation Success Stories
Around the world, scores of endangered birds continue to be signals
of ecosystems that are on the brink of collapse. For many of the most
endangered birds, conservation measures are under way.
Efforts include:
- Cracking down on illegal trade in popular pets such as parrots
- Establishing public and private reserves to protect native forests and watersheds
- Trapping, poisoning, snaring, and shooting introduced mammals
- Promoting nondestructive harvesting of tropical forest resources
- Developing ecotourism in and around protected areas as an incentive for local and indigenous people to maintain these habitats in their natural state
It is also true that we have learned from our mistakes. Snowy Egret and Great Egret numbers began growing immediately after the ban on plume hunting. Ducks that were rare at the turn of the century occur by the millions across North America today.
Conservation success stories are now evident all over the world, attesting to the resilience that bird populations can exhibit when agents causing their declines are removed, and when birth and death rates come back into balance. The following success stories illustrate how real-world actions can reverse even the most desperate situations.
