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4mo ago

New Maps Reveal Severe Bird Population Declines in North America

A groundbreaking study using citizen science and machine learning shows bird populations are crashing in historical strongholds, with critical implications for conservation efforts.

Almost all species analyzed in the new study had areas where they were declining and other areas where population increased
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A major challenge with citizen science data is separating changes in bird populations from changes in how people watch birds
Double crested cormorants perch on pilings at the Mallows Bay Park in Maryland

Overview

  • Researchers analyzed 36 million eBird observations and satellite data to map population trends for 495 bird species from 2007 to 2021 at an unprecedented 27 km resolution.
  • Findings reveal that 83% of species are experiencing the steepest declines in areas where they were once most abundant, highlighting the vulnerability of traditional strongholds.
  • Grassland and Arctic tundra birds face the most alarming declines, underscoring the urgent need for targeted conservation in these biomes.
  • Nearly all species (97%) show localized areas of population recovery, offering opportunities for strategic conservation interventions.
  • The study exemplifies the power of citizen science and machine learning to inform precise, data-driven conservation actions on a continental scale.