The number of seabirds is steadily declining worldwide, clearly showing that these birds have become very susceptible due to natural and human burdens. The main problems are degradation of their essential habitats, ocean pollution, over-fishing, weather changes due to climate change, and the introduction alien (invasive) species into their areas. Especially the wetlands, where these birds depend for breeding and food, are deteriorating rapidly. This not only affects their breeding, but it also impacts the entire ecosystem. Seabirds are considered an indicator of the ecological health of marine and coastal ecosystems by exchanging nutrients between the sea and land. Their numbers and health are deeply linked to the condition of these places. Therefore, integrated conservation strategies are needed. To prevent the current situation from recurring, scientific, local monitoring programs must identify the underlying causes and mechanisms of change in small populations. Protecting the birds is not enough, but protecting their habitats and implementing a comprehensive biodiversity policy is also essential. This chapter emphasizes that scientific monitoring, well-planned interventions, and adaptive approaches can protect the future of seabirds and the entire ecosystems on which our lives and theirs depend.

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Evaluation of Diminishing Seabird Abundance Trends: Implications for Monitoring

  • Sheetal,
  • Savita Sihag,
  • Parveen Kumar Nimbrayan,
  • Nisha Kumari

摘要

The number of seabirds is steadily declining worldwide, clearly showing that these birds have become very susceptible due to natural and human burdens. The main problems are degradation of their essential habitats, ocean pollution, over-fishing, weather changes due to climate change, and the introduction alien (invasive) species into their areas. Especially the wetlands, where these birds depend for breeding and food, are deteriorating rapidly. This not only affects their breeding, but it also impacts the entire ecosystem. Seabirds are considered an indicator of the ecological health of marine and coastal ecosystems by exchanging nutrients between the sea and land. Their numbers and health are deeply linked to the condition of these places. Therefore, integrated conservation strategies are needed. To prevent the current situation from recurring, scientific, local monitoring programs must identify the underlying causes and mechanisms of change in small populations. Protecting the birds is not enough, but protecting their habitats and implementing a comprehensive biodiversity policy is also essential. This chapter emphasizes that scientific monitoring, well-planned interventions, and adaptive approaches can protect the future of seabirds and the entire ecosystems on which our lives and theirs depend.