an imminent threat to ecosystems and global biodiversity

Bird extinctions, caused mainly by human activities, have led to the disappearance of species with crucial ecological roles. Indeed, the disappearance of these birds compromises pollination, seed dispersal and insect control. This loss of “ecosystem services” seriously harms the functioning of ecosystems.

More than 600 species of birds have disappeared over the last 130,000 years, we learn from a study which has just been published in the journal Science. Researchers warn that this trend will worsen with climate change and other human pressures, threatening more than 1,000 additional species over the next two centuries.

Bird extinction causes “cascading impacts” within ecosystems

Bird extinction is not simply a matter of biodiversity loss; it has tangible effects on ecosystems. According to a study just published in the journal Science(1)each bird species plays a unique functional role within the ecosystem. For example, some birds, such as fruit eaters, disperse the seeds of the plants they consume, facilitating the growth of new plants and the regeneration of forests. When these species disappear, these ecological functions also disappear, creating “cascading impacts”. For example, on Mauritius, the disappearance of the Dodo has led to a reduction in seed dispersal, threatening the survival of certain tree species.

In addition, the disappearance of certain bird species also leads to imbalances in insect populations and the proliferation of diseases. Vultures, for example, play a crucial role in disposing of dead animal carcasses. In South Asia, the decline of these birds has led to an increase in cases of rabies, due to the proliferation of uneaten carrion. These types of consequences highlight the importance of birds in maintaining public health and the balance of ecosystems.

Reintroduce extinct species into ecosystems where their “services” are lacking

The situation is particularly alarming on the islands, where 80% of bird extinctions have occurred. Isolation and the absence of natural predators have led to the evolution of species incapable of defending themselves against new predators introduced by humans, such as cats and rats. The extinctions of species such as the Dodo on Mauritius, moas in New Zealand, or even Hawaiian songbirds, clearly illustrate this destructive impact. The kakapo or owl parrot (illustration) is in critical danger of extinction due to rampant urbanization and the introduction of predatory species. These birds disappeared after the arrival of human settlers, who hunted these species and introduced domestic animals that became deadly predators.

Also read – 8 bird species confirmed extinct in just a decade

The loss of species is not only a tragedy for biodiversity, it also represents a loss of evolution. Bird extinctions have wiped out almost three billion years of evolution, according to researchers at the University of Birmingham. Each extinct species represents a severed branch from the tree of life. As a result, overall “functional diversity” has declined by 7%, a figure that could rise to 27% in the next two centuries if current trends continue.

Faced with this situation, conservation measures are more urgent than ever. Reintroducing extinct species into environments where their functions were essential is an avenue explored by certain scientists. Ecosystem restoration and rewilding efforts could offer hope, although the task is immense. As Professor Joseph Tobias of Imperial College London explains, these efforts are essential not only to protect biodiversity, but also to maintain the ecological functions vital to our planet.

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