Story perspectives

Over 61% of Bird Species Declining Amid Urgent Conservation Needs

10/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

A recent assessment shows that over 61% of bird species are declining, up from 44% nine years ago, mainly due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Conservationists are meeting in Abu Dhabi for the IUCN congress, where experts urge governments to meet their environmental commitments.
Dr. Kit Kovacs warns that Arctic seals face extinction as melting sea ice disrupts their breeding and feeding, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global conservation efforts.

History

Historical Context

The 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawaii highlighted the urgent need for global conservation as over 1 million species faced extinction, driven by deforestation and agricultural expansion. Founded in 1948, the IUCN has played a pivotal role in shaping conservation efforts worldwide, influencing policies and fostering international cooperation to protect vulnerable species like Arctic seals amid ongoing biodiversity crises.

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Story summary

A recent assessment shows that over 61% of bird species are declining, up from 44% nine years ago, mainly due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Conservationists are meeting in Abu Dhabi for the IUCN congress, where experts urge governments to meet their environmental commitments.
Dr. Kit Kovacs warns that Arctic seals face extinction as melting sea ice disrupts their breeding and feeding, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global conservation efforts.

1 / 2