Data Zone
In 2004, agricultural expansion constituted a higher proportion of all threats (57%) impacting Near Threatened bird species than it did for species in higher categories on the IUCN Red List, implying that pressures associated with agriculture are set to become increasingly important in the future.
The conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land is currently the most important threat to globally threatened birds. In 2004, agricultural expansion constituted a higher proportion of all threats impacting Near Threatened species than it did for species in higher categories on the IUCN Red List (see figure). Hunting and alien invasive species were the most frequent threats (61% of threats) for Extinct birds whereas for Near Threatened birds, habitat loss through agricultural expansion was the most frequently listed threatening process (57% of threats; analysis of data held in BirdLife’s World Bird Database 2004). If the same threatening processes identified in recent assessments have been operating over a long period of time, this indicates that pressures associated with agriculture are set to become increasingly important in the future.
Related Case Studies in other sections
Compiled: 2004
Recommended Citation:
BirdLife International (2004)
Agricultural expansion is a major threat to birds, and appears to be increasing in importance.
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