Birds

Threatened Birds


 * Philippine Eagle**  - //Pithecophaga jefferyi//



STATUS: CR

The species is listed as critically endangered due to its small population, decreasing numbers, and endemism to the region, which undergoes extensive deforestation.

Hunting, however, is the species' critical short term threat. Babies, and even adults are shot and killed, where it is intentional or accidental.

The Philippines has passed numerous initiatives that they think will be successful in saving this species, but more research is still needed.

BirdLife International 2009. //Pithecophaga jefferyi//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.

**Spix's Macaw**  - //Cyanopsitta spixii//



STATUS: EW, CR  The last Spix's Macaw was seen in 2000...and no others have been seen in the wild since. But, the IUCN claims that it is critically endangered because not ALL of its known habitats have been surveyed, so some may remain. It is endemic to a small portion of Amazonian Brazil.

The reasons for extinction are very specific: the destruction of its gallery woodland habitat and entrapment for the illegal bird trade.

Many conservation efforts have been enacted, along with a recent one aiming to release some captives into the wild as soon as 2013.

Citation: BirdLife International 2009. //Cyanopsitta spixii//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.


 * California Condor** - //Gymogps californianus//



STATUS: CR

The case of the California Condor is considered a success story. After a drastic decline from lead poisoning in the late 1980's and early 1990's, all hope was lost for this species. But now, its population is increasing and there is hope once again for this species, and others.

The U.S. and Mexican governments and environmental agencies have intense protection programs that designate the California Condor. They are currently monitoring the majestic bird and are anticipating a good future for the species, although it may never roam the same habitat it did decades ago.

BirdLife International 2009. //Gymnogyps californianus//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.