- Many of Asia's exotic and rare birds are facing extinction,
says a guide published to raise awareness of the threat.
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- From the pink-headed duck of Burma to the Bali starlings,
of which there are only 50 adults left, 41 of Asia's bird species "already
teeter on the brink of extinction", the guide, Saving Asia's Threatened
Birds, says.
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- It identifies more than 100 sites that are critically
important for the birds but remain unprotected.
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- Commercial logging of Asia's tropical lowlands has destroyed
the natural habitat of some species.The loss of wetlands to reclamation
projects in coastal areas is also a threat. And illegal trading for pets
has reduced the numbers of several species in the wild.
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- At risk are 324 species, or one in eight Asian birds;11
are believed to have already died out.
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- Princess Takamado of Japan, who launched the guide in
Tokyo, said: "Asia is blessed with a uniquely varied and abundant
number of bird species: treasures we are in danger of losing. It is imperative
that we act."
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- © 2003 Independent Digital (UK) Ltd
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- http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=464464
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