Other Global Seabird Programme projects

26 February 2010

Soft-plumaged petrel — Image: Graham Catley

Below we highlight other projects that the Global Seabird Programme is involved with:

Alien eradication

Two-thirds of threatened bird species on oceanic islands suffer in some form, or another, from invasive species. By far the greatest impact comes from introduced mammalian predators. Around the world, pigs, cats and rats have decimated many once-great seabird colonies.

In addition, introduced non-native plants can dramatically reduce available nesting habitat.

Building on the success of techniques for removing many of the mammalian invasive species that threaten seabirds, we are seeing that eradication is now possible on even large islands. BirdLife International Partners are invoved in projects worldwide to restore seabird numbers.

BirdLife Species Champions

Conservation initiatives to protect the world's Critically Endangered birds are urgently needed. This BirdLife initiative identifies and supports organisations or individuals to be Species Guardians, to take or stimulate conservation action to protect a Critically Endangered bird species.

Eighteen species of seabird are currently listed as Critically Endangered.

Pterodroma/Pseudobulweria forum

Pterodroma petrels face numerous threats, chiefly from habitat loss and introduced predators. BirdLife International is assisting experts working with these birds to share information and experiences with each other, and to investigate means of sourcing funds to deliver conservation action for this highly threatened group of species.

Climate change

Shifts in the distribution and abundance of seabird prey species are already evident. The long-term implications of climate change on seabird populations are difficult to predict but are likely to be significant. The Global Seabird Programme is considering the influence of climate change on future conservation strategy.

Consumer choice

BirdLife International Partners aim to harness consumer power by promoting fish caught in ecologically sustainable fisheries, such as those certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.