Study Reveals Hidden Human-Driven Extinction of Over 1,400 Bird Species

A new study reveals a devastating truth: human activities have driven the extinction of twice as many bird species as we previously knew. The disappearance of these birds signifies more than their vanishing, it also disrupts crucial ecological roles essential for the balance of ecosystems.

By Richard Cole · January 15, 2024

An AI-generated image of what the extinct birds might have looked like. Credit: UKCEH

Published in Nature, the groundbreaking research led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) estimates that approximately 1,430 bird species have vanished since the Late Pleistocene, around 130,000 years ago. This staggering number is double the previous estimations, painting a grim picture of the impact humans have had on avian biodiversity.

For many, islands like Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores were once untouched paradises. However, the study reveals the far-reaching consequences of human arrival on these previously pristine ecosystems. Deforestation, over-hunting, and the introduction of invasive species like rats, pigs, and dogs have taken a devastating toll. While records document some extinctions since the 1500s, the true picture is much bleaker. Many bird species, particularly those vulnerable to these threats, disappeared before any written records existed, leaving only silence in their wake.

The loss of these birds represents not just a sad disappearance of fascinating creatures, but also a disruption of vital ecological roles. Birds play crucial parts in ecosystems, from seed dispersal and pollination to pest control. Their absence can have cascading negative effects on entire food webs and the health of ecosystems.

The Great Auk is one of the already recorded extinctions. It lived across the North Atlantic including the UK but the last individuals died in Iceland in the mid-19th century. John James Audubon/Wikimedia Commons

The authors warn that up to 700 additional bird species could be lost in the next few hundred years if current trends continue. However, they also offer a glimmer of hope. Recent conservation efforts have successfully saved some species, and the study emphasizes the importance of scaling up these efforts, particularly through habitat restoration led by local communities.

By acknowledging the true extent of human-driven bird extinctions and understanding the ecological roles these birds played, we can better target our conservation efforts and prevent further losses. The fate of our feathered friends, and the ecosystems they depend on, lies in our hands. We must act now to ensure their songs continue to fill the skies for generations to come.

A nocturnal lemur from Madagascar, the aye-aye, uses its elongated middle finger for percussive foraging, aka getting to third base with female aye-ayes. Despite its fascinating adaptations, it faces threats from jealous locals who can’t please their women.