The world's rarest birds

Hirschfeld, Erik. (Author). Swash, Andy. (Added Author). Still, Rob. (Added Author). Cofta, Tomasz. (Added Author).

Summary: "This beautifully illustrated book vividly depicts the most threatened birds on Earth. It provides up-to-date information from BirdLife International on the threats each species faces, and the measures being taken to save them. Today, 590 bird species are classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered, or now only exist in captivity. This landmark publication features stunning photographs of 515 of these species--including the results of a prestigious international photographic competition organized specifically for this book. This is the first time that images of many of these birds have been published. It also showcases meticulously accurate illustrations by acclaimed wildlife artist Tomasz Cofta for the 75 species of which no photographs are known to exist. The World's Rarest Birds has introductory chapters that explain the threats birds face in a rapidly changing world, how their threat status is assessed, and how this information is used to set conservation priorities."--Dust jacket.

Record details

ISBN: 9780691155968
ISBN: 0691155968
Physical Description: print
360 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps ; 29 cm.
Publisher: Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, [2013]
Copyright: ©2013

Content descriptions

General Note:

Includes index.

Formatted Contents Note:

The World's Rarest initiative -- Introduction to the world's birds. Diversity and distribution -- Endemic bird areas -- Important bird areas -- Birds and humans -- The world's rarest birds. The IUCN/BirdLife species category assignment process -- Going or gone? -- The known unknowns -- The distribution of threatened birds -- Last chances to save -- The threats birds face. Agriculture and aquaculture -- Logging/plant harvesting -- Invasive and other problematic species -- Hunting and trapping -- Residential and commercial development -- Fire and fire management -- Climate change and severe weather -- Geological events -- Human disturbance -- Pollution -- Transport and other infrastructure -- Energy production and mining -- Dams and water abstraction -- Fishing -- The need for conservation -- Threats without borders -- The regional directories -- Appendix 1. Extinct species -- Appendix 2. The bird families with globally threatened species.