The Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus was once an abundant species in the Cabo Verde Islands. Since the 1960s though, and especially during the 1980–1990s, it consistently declined to near extinction. Evidence collected indicates a remnant population of about a dozen pairs or less, scattered through the desert rangelands of only three islands. Extensive enquiry work revealed that this likely resulted from the concomitant effects of the rise in unnatural mortality due to the formerly widespread and long-lasting use of dangerous pesticides and the (still on-going) poisoning of stray dogs and other nuisance animals, and a decrease in food resources associated with factors linked with development, such as urbanisation, rural abandonment and better sanitation. Avoiding imminent extinction calls for emergency action against current threats to the remaining vultures, such as poisoning and electrocution, but also potential causes of impaired fecundity such as hazardous pesticides and shortage of food resources.

Thirty-two percent of bird species in South-East Asia are likely to become extinct by the end of this century. However, due to a lack of data this number may be an underestimate. The Chestnut-headed Partridge Arborophila cambodiana found in south-west Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountain range is a largely unknown potentially at-risk species. We used line transects and camera traps to survey A. cambodiana in four protected areas in the Cardamom Mountains to estimate population densities. We also assessed their current distribution range and broad scale habitat changes from 1996 to 2016. We found A. cambodiana in evergreen and semi-evergreen forest at a density of 1.23 calling males/km2, and at altitudes above 400 m and where the slope was between 11 and 43o. From 1996 to 2016 A. cambodiana’s potential habitat decreased by 11%, whilst the total evergreen forest cover in the Cardamom Mountains decreased by 20%. A. cambodiana has a very restricted range within which the habitat has been fragmented. Compounded by human disturbance and development activities that negatively affect the species, we suggest a revision of its IUCN Red List status from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Near Threatened’ as it partially meets a range of threatened Red List species criteria.

The global decline in psittacid populations highlights the need for monitoring programmes that allow us to estimate the level of confidence that can be placed in a non-detection observation in order to assess changes in range status. We used the detection/non-detection records for 26 psittacid species detected during the first national bird monitoring programme in Venezuela carried out in 2010 by the Neotropical Biodiversity Mapping Initiative. We fitted occupancy models and evaluate the suitability of the data to explain the lack of detections given the current sampling effort, and the expected occurrence probabilities due to environmental conditions (conditional probability of occurrence; ΨCONDL). We were able to fit reliable models for 13 of the 26 species detected. For Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus, Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstrus, and Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica, the probability of detection (p) under the current sampling effort was too low (> 0.2) in areas where environmental conditions would imply high ΨCONDL (< 0.3). This suggests that sampling effort should be increased to generate reliable estimations of occurrence. In contrast, for Scarlet Macaw Ara macao, Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala, Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis and Brown-throated Parakeet Eupsittula pertinax the model estimated high p (< 0.3) and low ΨCONDL (> 0.2), suggesting that the species are reliably detected and better models could be obtained by including other predictive variables related to temporal use of resources and habitat heterogeneity. To improve the effectiveness of parrot monitoring programme in Neotropical countries, we suggest increasing the sampling effort, developing several surveys per year, and including variables related with temporal use of resources and habitat heterogeneity.

Sarawak is known as the “Land of Hornbills”, having the Rhinoceros Hornbill as the state emblem and with hornbills also being closely associated with important cultural symbols and beliefs among various local communities. However, up to date there is limited understanding on the perception, awareness, and beliefs of local communities towards hornbills. This paper aims to describe the aforementioned factors in western Sarawak, in hope of acquiring the socio-cultural information needed to fill the gap, and to clarify misconceptions towards hornbill conservation efforts in Sarawak. Data collection was accomplished using Open Data Kit (ODK). A total of 500 respondents were approached in five administrative divisions in western Sarawak, namely Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong. The questionnaire was carefully formulated to control acquiescence bias that might arise. Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) modelling was conducted to evaluate the strongest demographic predictor variables influencing the answers and word clouds were used to visualise hornbill species by the local community. Sarawakians acknowledge the importance of hornbills as a cultural symbol (95%) despite hornbills being used for food, medicine, and decoration. Whilst this study describes the perceptions of hornbills in local communities, a comprehensive assessment throughout Sarawak is recommended for better understanding of hornbill importance in other communities. Such socio-cultural information is vital to ensure the success of conservation efforts and for effective management strategies of hornbills within Sarawak.

We studied the habitat preferences of breeding Yellow Buntings Emberiza sulphurata, taking into account the effects of paddyfield abandonment in hilly rural areas within the heavy snow region of northern Japan. Across 30 transects located in valley bottoms, we investigated the relationship between Yellow Bunting abundance and landscape characteristics. The results of generalized linear mixed models showed that forest edge density and landslide sites positively affected Yellow Bunting abundance. These habitats were associated with bush vegetation (forest edge, shrub land, and tall grassland) and were adjacent to the forest. Paddyfield abandonment showed a hump-shaped effect with a peak at the middle succession stage, which was covered primarily with tall grass and some shrubs, but the effect on Yellow Bunting abundance was not statistically significant. To conserve Yellow Bunting habitats in hilly rural areas, it is necessary to protect the forest edge and landslide sites from urbanisation and exploitation. It is also necessary to continue crop cultivation in such areas, to maintain the edges between open land and forest. If cultivation can no longer be continued, the abandoned paddyfields should be kept bushy, using reed beds and shrubs, by active management.

The Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus is a ‘Critically Endangered’ caprimulgid endemic to coastal dry and lower montane forests of southwest Puerto Rico. I studied nest habitat use of this nightjar at the Guánica Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Puerto Rico. Nightjar nests (n = 23) were located in evergreen and deciduous forest and were more common at elevations above 100 m. Nests were located from 2 m to 125 m into the forest from the nearest road or trail and were characterised by a deep layer of leaf litter, and an open midstorey beneath a closed canopy. Six of the 10 nests found in evergreen forest were located within abandoned mahogany (Sweetenia mahogany) plantations. Habitat structure and vegetation composition were quantified at each nightjar nest and an equivalent number of randomly selected sites. Four of 13 habitat variables differed significantly (P < 0.05) between nest and random sites and included: elevation, leaf litter biomass, midstorey stem density, and canopy closure. Stepwise logistic regression generated a best model describing nightjar nest habitat. Leaf litter biomass, midstorey stem density, and canopy closure correctly classified 77.3% of nightjar nests. Management of forest stands at higher elevations to promote nightjar nest habitat structure, protection of private lands in the periphery of the Guánica Biosphere Reserve, and acquisition of privately owned forest tracts in other portions of the nightjar's range will ensure the long-term persistence of the species.

Documenting phylogenetic diversity for conservation practice allows elucidation of ecosystem functioning and processes by highlighting the commonality and divergence of species’ functional traits within their evolutionary context. Conserving distinct evolutionary histories has intrinsic value, and the conservation of phylogenetically diverse communities is more likely to preserve distinct or relic evolutionary lineages. We explored the potential for anthropogenic forest fragmentation to act as a selective filter of avian phylogenetic diversity within the community of forest-dependent birds of the critically endangered Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Forest (IOCBF), South Africa. We conducted avian point count surveys during the austral breeding season, and calculated fragmentation metrics of forest structural complexity, patch size and isolation. We constructed a maximum likelihood phylogeny using the combined analysis of two mitochondrial genes and three nuclear markers and measured the influence of the fragmentation metrics on six measures of phylogenetic diversity. Our results indicated that the avian community was variously affected by anthropogenic forest fragmentation, with the different metrics of phylogenetic diversity responding with no definitive overall pattern. However, forest structural complexity emerged as an important metric explaining phylogenetic structuring. While the avian community’s phylogenetic diversity displayed resilience to anthropogenic fragmentation, previous research showed a reduction in functional diversity along the fragmentation gradient. Therefore, we recommend studies that especially aim to guide conservation management, incorporate both phylogenetic and functional diversity measures to sufficiently interrogate communities’ resilience to the threats under investigation.

The South-East Asian ranges of two narrow-geographical range species, Germain’s Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron germaini (GPP) and Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi (ONP) have been shrinking due to pressures from anthropogenic activities. To improve our knowledge of population densities of Germain’s Peacock Pheasant and the Orange-necked Partridge in their remaining habitats, their current and historical distribution range, and the contraction of their distribution range as a surrogate for population declines, we carried out line and point transect surveys in protected areas in southern Vietnam to estimate their density and subsequently model their habitat associations. Our results consistently showed that the density of the GPP was not significantly different among mosaic, evergreen, or mixed deciduous forests, but appeared to be notably lower in bamboo forest, while the density of the ONP was highest in evergreen and mosaic forests and lower in bamboo, with no detections in mixed-deciduous forest. GPP was mostly found close to water sources in mosaic, evergreen and mixed-deciduous forests. The presence of ONP was positively associated with elevation, evergreen and mosaic forest. Primary forest loss, mainly in the lowlands, within the ranges of both species was at least 70% over the last 70 years, suggesting that suitable habitats within the range of both species may have shrunk by at least 60–70%. In addition, a number of threats still occur in their remaining suitable habitats, making them increasingly vulnerable in the long-term, if conservation interventions, such as increased protection, are not implemented.

The ‘Critically Endangered’ Cone-billed Tanager Conothraupis mesoleuca was described in 1939, based on a single specimen collected in the state of Mato Grosso, western Brazil. Not seen again in the wild until 2003, this poorly-known species was rediscovered in Emas National Park, in the Brazilian state of Goiás. We describe here the discovery of a new population of Cone-billed Tanager in Chapada dos Parecis, along the upper Juruena River basin, in the state of Mato Grosso. The birds were always detected in (or near) flooded habitats along rivers. At least 40 individuals were found, but the population may be larger, since areas of potential habitat are available in the upper Juruena basin and these have not yet been surveyed. We also provide here the first information on the biology and behaviour of the species based on observations in Juruena and Emas, as well as a first description of the female. Historical documents and our records support our suggestion that “Juruena”, i.e. the type locality of the Cone-billed Tanager, refers to the Juruena telegraph station (12°50’S, 58°55’W). Considering that the range of the species is being settled, research on different aspects of its biology are urgent.

New Caledonia hosts a large part of the world’s breeding population of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata. This rare, cryptic and little-studied seabird nests locally in the mountains up to 1,200 m in altitude, particularly in ultramafic (i.e. nickel-rich) areas where mining activity is a major threat. The considerable development of mining activities in New Caledonia over the past decade raises concerns about its potential impacts on breeding populations through both direct habitat destruction and side effects such as pollution or repeated disturbances. This context calls for a dedicated assessment of the persistence of local populations to guide the design of an adapted conservation strategy and potential restoration programmes. We investigated the impact of mining activities on a Tahiti Petrel population when surveyed pre-mining (2004–2007) and following a period of full mining (2017–2018). The vocal activity was assessed at a total of 114 night-call count stations spread over the Koniambo massif. Areas with ground-originated vocal activity were then searched during daytime for nesting evidence. Finally, georeferenced aerial photos were used to estimate habitat degradation as the percentage of bare soil cover (PBSC) within a 400-m radius around each call count station. Our study revealed a dramatic decline in the Tahiti Petrel vocal activity and a desertion of breeding habitats during the full-mining period compared to the pre-mining period. In light of these results, we recommend designing safe breeding areas and combining restoration methods including social attraction, predation control and artificial burrows at mining sites.

The forest-associated Yellow-throated Apalis Apalis flavigularis is the only bird endemic to Malawi. The species is confined to three mountain massifs in the south of the country and is classified as globally ‘Endangered’. This study re-evaluates its conservation status by assessing its population size and habitat preferences on Mount Mulanje, where forest patches are threatened by illegal logging and an increasing frequency of uncontrolled fires. These fires also cause a proliferation of invasive plant species, especially the Himalayan yellow raspberry Rubus ellipticus. We surveyed the Yellow-throated Apalis in 41 forest patches during the breeding season. The apalises favoured forest edge habitat, occurring in forest patches as small as 0.01 ha. Their occurrence was positively correlated with the presence of R. ellipticus, although this relationship may be driven primarily by canopy architecture and the existence of an understorey shrub layer. At a conservative estimate, 7,900 Yellow-throated Apalises were calculated to be present in cedar forest habitat alone on Mount Mulanje. Given that the birds occurred in other native forests at the same altitude at densities of 8.6–10.9 birds ha-1, the true population size on Mount Mulanje alone is likely to approach or even exceed IUCN’s most optimistic estimate of the global population (10,000).

Assessing the conservation status of a species is important for designing effective conservation measures. Consequently, it is often vital to review it to update biodiversity management initiatives. The Parana Antwren Formicivora acutirostris is a bird found in pioneering formations (coastal marshes) of Brazil’s southern flood plains. It is considered threatened in Brazil but near threatened globally. In 2007, its distribution, habitat, and population size were estimated based on aerial photographs from 1978 and 1980. Since the species is threatened and occupies a small area across a region under pressure, we aimed to reassess its conservation status and assess its Green Status. We compiled new records, conducted new density estimates, and compared them with the previous mapping with satellite imagery to estimate the current distribution in terms of extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), area of habitat (AOH), habitat loss, and population size, and review its conservation status. The species is distributed across 10 populations, including two new populations further south. We estimated the EOO at 26,655 km², AOO at 320 km², AOH at 41 km², and the population as 6,285 mature territorial individuals. The previously mapped AOH decreased by 15.35 km² due to ecological succession. The loss of habitat due to invasion by exotic grasses is the main anthropogenic impact. We recommend that the species be considered “Vulnerable”. The Green Status indicates that the Conservation Legacy of actions taken thus far and the Conservation Dependence of ongoing actions are inefficient due to their small scales, but it highlights the importance of future actions for species conservation. We propose the establishment of exotic-free zones as small areas with a significant amount of minimally invaded environments, which we suggest as priority areas for the conservation of the species due to their cost-effective management potential. We also propose assisted colonisation to enhance its long-term conservation.

Species restoration through reintroduction and reinforcement is widely considered as an effective method for the conservation of threatened animals. Although these approaches have been increasingly implemented over the last half-century, many attempts have failed. Dispersal behaviour is one of the key factors determining reintroduction success. We reported the demographic composition and dispersal pattern (i.e., post-release and natal dispersal) of a reintroduced Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana population in Japan and identified the determinants of breeding success in 2005–2019. We hypothesized that one of the key determinants of breeding success is the density-dependent effect through post-release and natal dispersal. The F1 generation occurrence corresponded to two years, F2 to seven, F3 to 11, and F4 to 14 years after initial reintroduction. Wild-born birds accounted for 74% of the reintroduced population at F4 occurrence. Post-release dispersal distances were shorter than natal dispersal. Inter-nest distance was selected as the key factor determining breeding success. These results may have been due to feeding habitat restoration and conspecific interactions. In conclusion, steady recruitment to the next generation is thought to be due to a moderate natal dispersal and the subsequent low breeding density of wild-born birds.

Understanding the movement ecology of threatened species is fundamental to improving management and conservation actions for their protection, mainly during the pre-adult stage and particularly when a species is subject to population reinforcement or reintroduction projects. An example is the case of the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus on the Iberian Peninsula, an endangered species that has been reintroduced in different regions during the last two decades. Here, we explore differences between the spatial ecology of reintroduced pre-adult Cinereous Vultures, according to age-class, sex, and season (breeding and non-breeding). We used GPS-tag data from 51 pre-adult individuals reintroduced into Catalonia (north-east Spain) to describe their use of space, i.e. home-range size, core area, and minimum convex polygon (MCP) and movement patterns, i.e. cumulative distance, maximum displacement, maximum daily dispersal, and maximum annual dispersal. Our study showed significant variation in the use of space and movement patterns among pre-adult birds and the influences of age, sex, and season. Age was the most influential factor, determining range areas and movement patterns. Similar to other vulture species, home range and core areas increase with age, with subadult vultures exhibiting larger ranges than young first year, juveniles, and immature birds, but the MCP measures were larger for juveniles. Movement patterns were also influenced by age-class, with juveniles making longer movements, followed by immatures and subadults (with similar values), and shorter movements for birds during their first year of life. Overall, males made shorter movements and explored smaller foraging areas than females. Season had an important effect on movement patterns, and the daily and dispersal movements were longer during the breeding period (February–August). Our findings fill a knowledge gap regarding the dispersal behaviours of Cinereous Vultures, information that will enable the improvement of management and conservation decisions.

IUCN (The World Conservation Union) published its first Action Plan more than a decade ago (Oates 1986). Many taxon-specific Specialist Groups working under the auspices of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) have since produced such documents, some of which are now in their second editions (e.g. Reeves and Leatherwood 1994). As we know only too well ourselves, Action Plans take a great deal of time and effort to compile, but what evidence is there to show that they are effective in achieving their prime objective of increasing the amount and quality of work that gets done to save threatened species from extinction?

Marquesan Imperial Pigeon Ducula galeata only survives on Nuku Hiva island in the Marquesas archipelago. It lives and nests mainly in small patches of forest with tall trees, in deep valleys. The population is likely to consist of only 80-150 birds. However, its forest habitat is in peril due to overgrazing, especially by goats, which precludes growth of young trees. Better control of feral herbivores should be a priority for the conservation of the species, as well as the cessation of poaching of this endangered pigeon. Introduced black rats Rattus rattus do not seem to be a threat for this bird.

Despite the widely recognized value of wetlands in providing vital ecosystem services, these are presently being degraded and ultimately destroyed, leading to a decrease in the biodiversity associated with these areas. Some species inextricably linked to wetlands, however, have been increasing and (re)colonizing areas across their range; a notable example being the Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia. In this study we aimed to identify the most important habitats for juvenile spoonbills fledging from a traditional colony in Portugal, located in Ria Formosa, during the period of their life with the lowest survival rates: the first months after leaving the colony. We deployed 16 GPS/GSM tags on juveniles captured in different years (2016 to 2020) and tracked them during post-fledging dispersal and first winter (average 166.4 ± 29.2 SE days). Using Corine Land Cover data, we were able to identify which habitats were most important. Several habitats were used in variable proportions by individuals originating from the same colony, but there was a general trend towards using fewer habitats along the first months of life. Intertidal wetlands were the most used habitat, but anthropogenic habitats such as Wastewater Treatment Plants, saltpans and rice fields were identified as alternative habitats for young spoonbills, and may had contributed to the recent expansion of this species in Portugal.

Long-term survey data can provide important information on temporal and spatial changes in bird populations and are needed for conservation management. We investigate population indices of seven landbird species using an 11-year dataset from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll. We analysed the associations of location, season and habitat with abundance, assessed population trends, and examined the influence of monitoring circumstances on results. Populations of all species except for the Aldabra Drongo Dicrurus aldabranus increased over this period. Abundance was associated with season and habitat, and interactions were found between season and location that differed for each species. Bird count results were affected by the timing of monitoring, number of observers and weather conditions. We use the results to review the strengths and weaknesses of the current monitoring programme and make recommendations for improvements. Overall our results indicate no immediate cause for conservation concern for the Aldabra landbird species monitored.

We distributed questionnaires and conducted interviews between July and November 1996 to develop a better understanding of the status and distribution of Bornean Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron schleiermacheri in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We found that many people were familiar with the species, that it is apparently widely distributed but rare in lowland forest, and that populations may be declining. We received reports of recent sightings of the pheasant at 23 locations in 9 survey areas. The primary threats to Bornean Peacock-pheasants are habitat loss within logging concessions and hunting. Recommendations for future conservation action include increasing the representation of lowland rainforest in Kalimantan's protected area system, specifically the proposed extension of Bukit Raya National Park, and control of hunting within logging concessions.

The preservation of genetic diversity is an important aspect of conservation biology. Low genetic diversity within a population can lead to inbreeding depression and a reduction in adaptive potential, which may increase extinction risk. Here we report changes in genetic diversity over 12 years in a declining population of the Corncrake Crex crex, a grassland bird species of high conservation concern throughout Europe. Despite a twofold demographic decline during the same period, we found no evidence for a reduction of genetic diversity. The gradual genetic differentiation observed among populations of Corncrake across Europe suggests that genetic diversity is maintained in western populations by constant gene flow from the larger and more productive populations in eastern Europe and Asia. The maintenance of genetic diversity in this species is an opportunity that may help the implementation of effective conservation actions across the Corncrake’s European range.