The extinction of hundreds of bird species over the past 130,000 years has led to a significant decline in the functional diversity of birds, according to a new study. So what does the term “functional diversity” mean? Simply put, it refers to the various roles and functions that birds perform in their environment. From pest control to pollination, our furry friends play a critical role in maintaining a healthy planet.

The research reveals that this wave of extinction destroyed approximately 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history. Researchers stated that this is similar to cutting off a branch from the tree of life. So what does this mean for us?

Stages of extinction of birds

While it is true that humans have reduced species richness over the centuries, the side effects of these extinctions are less obvious. Latest research from the University of Birmingham highlights the serious consequences of the current biodiversity crisis and the need to recognize the role we are losing in the environment through extinction.

Do you remember the Dodo? Or the Kaua‘i ōō songbird, declared extinct in 2023? Scientists have confirmed that at least 600 bird species have been lost due to human intervention since the late Pleistocene, when modern humans began to spread across the world.

Loss of functional diversity

The lead author of the study is Dr. from the University of Birmingham. Tom Matthews.

“Of course the sheer number of extinct bird species is a big part of the extinction crisis, but we also need to focus on the fact that every species has a job or function in the environment and therefore plays a really important role in its ecosystem,” said Dr. Matthews.

From insectivorous birds that fight off pests to scavengers that recycle dead matter, these are just some of the functions that birds perform in their ecosystems. Some birds, such as hummingbirds, are important pollinators. When they disappear, these valuable contributions (functional diversity) go with them.

Cascading effects of bird extinction

With the extinction of bird species, we are not only losing unique creatures. Researchers found that human-induced extinction of birds has led to the loss of an estimated 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history and 7% of the global functional diversity of birds; This number is much higher than would be predicted based on the number of extinctions. only.

These losses can trigger a domino effect, resulting in reduced flower pollination, reduced seed dispersal, increased pest populations, and disease outbreaks due to reduced carrion consumption. Additionally, declining global bird populations may hinder the ability of many plant species to adapt to current and future climate change.

The importance of informing the public

To truly address the bird extinction crisis and its wider environmental impact, we must first address the biodiversity knowledge gap. Many people are unaware of the complex ecological functions that birds perform and the consequences of their loss.

Public education and broad dissemination of scientific findings are critical to changing our approach to biodiversity conservation.

Awareness campaigns and community engagement can support understanding of how our survival is linked to the natural world and encourage greater support for conservation efforts.

As awareness grows, so does the potential for policy change and increased funding for conservation projects aimed at preserving our planet’s natural heritage.

route change

In response to this crisis, scientists and conservationists are developing innovative strategies to stop further extinctions and restore bird biodiversity. Habitat restoration and the creation of bird-friendly environments are important components of these efforts.

In addition to policies to protect critical habitats from development and pollution, policies to repair degraded habitats to support bird populations are also important.

Additionally, breeding programs and wildlife corridors can facilitate the reintroduction and regional distribution of endangered bird species. Technology also plays an important role, as advances in data collection and analysis help identify priority areas for conservation. A concerted international effort is needed to address the global nature of this crisis, emphasizing that diverse and thriving bird populations are vital to the health of our planet.

conservation and restoration

“These results are a timely reminder that the current extinction crisis is not just about species numbers,” Dr Matthews said.

“Our findings revealing human-caused reductions in functional and phylogenetic diversity of birds highlight the urgent need to understand and predict the impact of past anthropogenic extinctions on ecosystem functioning to prepare for the scale of expected future losses of an estimated 1,000 bird species expected to become extinct within the next two centuries.”

“This information is vital to setting effective targets for ecosystem restoration and wildlife recovery, as well as global conservation strategies.” The study was published in the journal Science.