One-Half Of Planet's Waterfowl Species In Decline - AP

BANGKOK, Thailand - Nearly half of the world's waterbird species are in decline, mostly due to rapid economic development and the effects of climate change, according to a global survey released today.

The fourth Waterbird Population Estimate found that 44 percent of the 900 species globally have fallen in the past five years, while 34 percent were stable, and 17 percent rising. Altogether, 12 families of birds have half or more of their global populations showing a decreasing trend, including storks, shoebills and plovers.

The numbers are slightly worse than 2002 - when the last study was conducted. At that time, 41 percent of waterbird populations worldwide were found to be decreasing.

The worst decreases occurred in Asia, where 62 percent of the waterbird populations had declined or become extinct. That was followed by a 48 percent decline in Africa, 45 percent in Oceania, 42 percent in South America, 41 percent in Europe and 37 percent in North America.

EDIT

http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2007/01/23/news/news14012307.txt

But if you want to let Mallard Fillmore die, that's okay.

--p!

If Mallard Fillmore was a stand-up comic, he'd be dying every night.

The Audubon Society and Cornell's Lab of Ornithology join to sponsor the Great Backyard Bird Count every year. They use the data collected by citizens all over the country (and world) to study such things as species decline. I encourage all who care about this to participate this year. All you need to do is watch your backyard and see what kind of birds are flying through February 16-19.

More info here: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/