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Boreal Birds Need Half
We still have a chance “to get conservation right”
© Dave Frederick
The boreal forest of North America provides breeding habitat for billions of birds, such as this Semipalmated Plover. But the forest is under pressure. Many boreal birds are declining — while development and resource extraction are intensifying. Fortunately, there’s an upside. Conservation science contends that at least 50% of an ecosystem should be protected to preserve its health and biodiversity. According to Dr. Jeff Wells, Vice-president of Conservation at National Audubon, if governments adopt policies in keeping with that science, we still have a chance “to get conservation right” in the boreal forest.
Support for BirdNote comes from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Curious about birdwatching? Find the tools to get started in "Joy of BirdWatching," an online course from the Cornell Lab Bird Academy.
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Boreal Birds Need Half
Written by Dominic Black
This is BirdNote.
[Boreal ambience]
Many birds common to the US rely on North America’s boreal forest, the huge ecosystem of forests, wetlands, rivers and stretching from Alaska to Newfoundland…
[Boreal ambience]
Often referred to as North America’s bird nursery, the boreal forest is the critical breeding ground for billions of North America’s birds. But it's under pressure. Many iconic boreal birds are declining, while development and resource extraction are intensifying.
[Boreal ambience]
But here's the upside - with the boreal forest it's not too late. Dr. Jeff Wells is the Vice-president of Boreal Conservation at National Audubon. Conservation science contends that at least 50% of an ecosystem should be protected to preserve its health and biodiversity. Dr. Wells says that if governments adopt policies in keeping with that science, we still have a chance to get conservation right.
[Boreal ambience]
Jeff Wells: We don't usually have that in most of the world where we're trying to build back lost habitats. But in the boreal forest, these are habitats that have never been lost. We have the opportunity to balance conservation and development and really protect these big, large intact landscapes.
Groups, businesses, and individuals across America are joining the effort to protect boreal birds. Find out more at BirdNote.org.
[Boreal ambience]
Support for BirdNote comes from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, presenting its new “Bird Photography” online course, featuring Melissa Groo. Learn more at academy dot all about birds dot org.
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Bird sounds provided by The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Recorded by
BirdNote’s theme music was composed and played by Nancy Rumbel and John Kessler.
Producer: John Kessler
Executive Producer: Dominic Black
© 2015 Tune In to Nature.org May 2015/2020 Narrator: Michael Stein
ID# boreal-03-2015-05-09 boreal-03b
Dominic Black
Writer