Wetlands, partnerships critical to keeping migratory birds part of our lives

The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) today released The State of North America’s Birds 2016, the first comprehensive report assessing the conservation status of all bird species that occur in Canada, the continental United States and Mexico.

The NABCI report shows that more than one-third of all North American bird species need urgent conservation action and calls for a renewed, continent-wide commitment to saving birds and their habitats.

Despite the many challenges faced by North American birds, this report also shows that conservation works.  Waterfowl and other waterbirds are generally doing well, thanks in part to effective investment in conservation of wetlands through programs like conservation stamps sold to waterfowl hunters and others interested in supporting conservation, and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, considered the most successful model of international conservation partnerships in the world.

Healthy environments for birds also provide benefits to other wildlife and people, such as clean air and water, flood and erosion control, and coastal resilience.

Since 1938, DUC has understood the links between habitat conservation and a healthy environment for waterfowl, wildlife and people. Today’s report underscores the importance of DUC’s science-based, partnership-focused, wetland conservation work.

“Thanks to a century of continental conservation efforts, most waterfowl populations today are considered healthy,” says DUC CEO Greg Siekaniec. “But our work is far from over. Wetland habitat continues to be lost in all four continental migratory flyways. Continued investments in wetland conservation will ensure that waterfowl and other wildlife species can thrive into the future, and, at the same time, improve the overall health of our environment.”