One In Eight SE Asian Bird Populations In Grave Danger - Reuters

BANGKOK, Nov 18 (Reuters) - "Rampant illegal logging in Indonesia and the demands of a rapidly expanding population and economy in Indonesia are killing many of Asia's most exotic and rare birds, conservationists said on Thursday. Birdlife Asia estimates that the sprawling southeast Asian archipelago is home to more than a third of Asia's endangered avian species, the highest concentration in the region.

"Bird species across the Asian region are in serious trouble," said Richard Grimmett, the head of Birdlife Asia. "Of the 332 species of birds that are endangered in Asia, Indonesia alone has some 117 species." Speaking at a press briefing during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Bangkok, Grimmett said the world could not afford to lose Indonesia's unique ecosystem.

Conservationists estimate that species like the sky-blue Caerulean Paradise-flycatcher and the Sangihe Shrike-thrush, are unique to the tropical islands of southeast Asia and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

Grimmett said that while few ordinary people would lament the passing of the Sangihe Shrike-thrush, the decline of even the smallest of bird species suggested the wider environment is in trouble. "Like amphibians, birds are excellent indicators of wider biodiversity loss. When they're in danger, you can be sure that the environment as a whole is suffering," he said."

EDIT

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP136006.htm

On edit: fixed messy headline

birds and in the case of Thailand..'Bats' ..they will all have to pack up and take their disease somewhere else.. It Is Pay Back Time folks. and no Vaccines because the Bush people gave all the money to Halbertan and the only things the Drug Companies want to make are pills that give them a Hard On.