Given the fundamental importance of biodiversity, we knowsurprisingly little about it. We are sure that it is disappearingfast, yet at present we cannot even measure progress (orotherwise) towards the 2010 target set by world leaders forslowing this loss. This BirdLife assessment examines what the bestknown group of living things, birds, can tell us about the stateof biodiversity, the pressures upon it and the solutions that arebeing, or should be, put in place. It is a synthesis of currentknowledge and provides a benchmark against which we can assess ourefforts to conserve biodiversity in the future.`Anexciting testimony to BirdLife's Intent and capacity to influencepolicy at the highest levels... gives a clear overview of howindividual observations contribute to the bigger picture...auseful digest of contemporary conservation science presented in aless technical way. Paul Jepson, Birding Asia`Thematerial is presented in such a clear, compact and exciting waythat everyone who turns the pages will have their mind focused onthe problems raised... should be in every school, academic andlocal library.'Biological Conservation`A 'Red Book' forthe state of the planet, using the best known group of animals,birds, as examples to show what has happened, what is stillhappening, and what we are starting to do about it.'BullABC`A most useful document for all involved in conservationand conservation education.' Ibis`Full of interestingstories... illustrates that BirdLife is not narrowly concernedwith saving birds from people, but tries to use the joy and appealof birdwatching as a vehicle for better management of this world,so that birds as well as people can thrive... BirdLife emphasizesthe need to work together with local people, engaging Site SupportGroupsaround their priority sites. The approach is well aligned withefforts towards sustainable development, and the publication iswell suited as hand-out material for aidinstitutions.'Oryx`The overall picture is grim, but thebook demonstrates that there is much we can do, concluding thatlasting solutions require lasting change, and the major challengesare not scientific, but social and political.'Wingspan

Authoritative and concise, this beautifully illustrated atlas captures the dazzling diversity of bird life around the world.

This book is the outcome of a major international conference on waterbirds held in Edinburgh in April 2004.

An illustrated survey of the world's most endangered birds This illustrated book vividly depicts the most endangered birds in the world and provides the latest information on the threats each species faces and the measures being taken to save them. Today, 571 bird species are classified as critically endangered or endangered, and a further four now exist only in captivity. This landmark book features stunning photographs of 500 of these species—the results of a prestigious international photographic competition organized specifically for this book. It also showcases paintings by acclaimed wildlife artist Tomasz Cofta of the 75 species for which no photos are known to exist. The World's Rarest Birds has introductory chapters that explain the threats to birds, the ways threat categories are applied, and the distinction between threat and rarity. The book is divided into seven regional sections—Europe and the Middle East; Africa and Madagascar; Asia; Australasia; Oceanic Islands; North America, Central America, and the Caribbean; and South America. Each section includes an illustrated directory to the bird species under threat there, and gives a concise description of distribution, status, population, key threats, and conservation needs. This one-of-a-kind book also provides coverage of 62 data-deficient species.

This comprehensive volume describes the present state of wildlife on a global scale, using a taxonomic approach.

This book brings together scientific evidence and experience relevant to the practical conservation of wild birds. The authors worked with an international group of bird experts and conservationists to develop a global list of interventions that could benefit wild birds. For each intervention, the book summarises studies captured by the Conservation Evidence project, where that intervention has been tested and its effects on birds quantified. The result is a thorough guide to what is known, or not known, about the effectiveness of bird conservation actions throughout the world. The preparation of this synopsis was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and Arcadia.

In this dazzling photo essay, Laman and Scholes present gorgeous full-color photographs of all 39 species of the Birds of Paradise that highlight their unique and extraordinary plumage and mating behavior.

This is the second in the series of annual reports linked to the UNEP Global Environment Outlook (GEO) which seeks to bridge the gap between science and policy by reviewing major global and regional environmental issues and policy developments during the year 2004. It also considers emerging issues from scientific research, focusing on the role of good environmental management in minimising the emergence of infectious diseases, and the impact of changes in ocean salinity. It then goes on to present the most recent available data on changes in the global environment, including new indicators on air quality, marine protected areas and ozone protection. The report also includes a feature focusing on the cross-cutting issues of gender, poverty and the environment; as well giving an overview of the Indian Ocean tsunami and its initial impact.