birding-aus

Crashes in Migrant numbers may be World Wide

To: Birding-Aus Aus <>
Subject: Crashes in Migrant numbers may be World Wide
From: Carl Clifford <>
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:55:46 +1000
Dear All,

There are signs that species on the Australia-East Asia flyway are not the only ones experiencing drastic reductions in numbers. A report from the 'Independent" in the indicate that similar crashes in numbers of species using the Europe-Asia flyway are occurring, see http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-great-migration- crisis-812640.html

I do not know if similar reductions in numbers are occurring in species using the North America-Neotropics flyway are happening, but one would imagine that it may be so. Can anyone on the list add any information on this flyway?

These reductions in numbers on the Europe-Africa flyway are very worrying, not only for birders. So many of the species are insectivores and are important in controlling insect pests in food crops. Reduction of yields in Africa's food crops would lead to even greater risks of famines on the continent, not a pleasant thought. Increases in pests in Europe's food crops would lead to higher production costs and therefore higher food prices in the third world. A drop in bird numbers certainly has the potential for disaster if you look at all the implications.

Carl Clifford

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