Editorial

Abstract

Bird Conservation International fills an important niche in the scientific literature by providing a forum for applied research of high utility to conservation biologists, often from research carried out as part of conservation projects. As such, it provides an outlet for research which might otherwise remain in the ‘grey’ literature. This is largely thanks to a cosmopolitan list of contributors, both amateur and professional, including academics and those working for conservation organisations, from all corners of the globe. To anyone reading this who is working in bird conservation research, I hope BCI is near the top of the list of journals you would like to publish your work in.

BCI's remit is to cover ‘subjects relevant to the conservation of birds’, allowing an eclectic mix of topics whilemaintaining a focus on bird conservation. In Volume 10 alone, 17 papers were studies of individual bird species, of which 15 are listed as globally threatened or near-threatened by BirdLife International (2000). A further nine papers were studies of habitats or regions. The focus of papers in the journal is diverse, and last year topics included baseline surveys, comparisons of bird communities in natural and disturbed habitats, conservation management advice, morphological variation, and molecular systematics. Additionally, regular ‘Opinion’ papers provide a forum for the discussion of conservation issues of the day. In covering such a wide range of subjects, every issue should include information of value to those involved or interested in conservation, not only of birds. The journal also has a truly international flavour: papers in Volume 10 resulted from studies in 17 different countries, from six of the world's seven continents, and were contributed by authors based in 14 different countries.