With appropriate action, species can recover

Cath Mullen/BirdLife Careful management saved the Seychelles Magpie-robin from extinction Zoom In

Species can be saved from extinction, but this requires sound research, careful co-ordination of effort and, in some cases, intensive management.

Even species on the brink of extinction can be saved

By definition, Globally Threatened Birds face a high risk of extinction in the wild, but this does not mean that their extinction is inevitable. Species with very small populations face certain particularly acute threats, including genetic and social complications and extreme environmental events. Nevertheless, with sufficient resources, careful management and a sound understanding of their ecology and requirements, even Critically Endangered species can be saved (see box 1), as shown by recent examples such as the Crested Ibis, Mauritius Kestrel and Seychelles Magpie-robin.

If the causes of declines are identified and treated, species can recover

For many threatened species, the key step in their recovery is the correct identification, and subsequent treatment, of the causes of their decline. These often relate to habitat loss, invasive species or overexploitation, with incidental mortality a further significant threat for certain groups, such as seabirds. Treating declines may therefore involve creating suitable habitat (box 2), controlling or eradicating invasive species (box 3), or reducing the impact of human exploitation (box 4). For many species, however, a combination of measures may be necessary – co-ordinated and implemented with the help of a Species Action Plan (box 5). However, the process does not end there. Recovery programmes are accompanied by monitoring schemes, to document the response of species and to ensure that the recovery is sustained in the longer term.

Boxes: case studies and scientific analyses

Download SOWB pp.58–59 (PDF, 390 KB) containing the following:

1. Back from the brink: two Critically Endangered species saved from extinction
Intensive management has led to the recovery of both Black Robin and Rarotonga Monarch

2. Intensive habitat management has led to a spectacular increase in Kirtland's Warbler
As a result of intensive habitat management , the breeding population of Kirtland's Warbler more than tripled between 1990 and 2000

3. Eradication of introduced mammals From Clipperton Island led to dramatic recovery of seabirds

4. Simple changes to fishing methods can get seabirds off the hook
Seabird bycatch drops to zero and fish catch increases by over 30% with the use of an 'advanced bird-scaring line'

5. Hunting ban reversed decline of White-headed Duck in Spain
Recovery of the Spanish populationof White-headed Duck