Study warns of ‘unprecedented’ bird extinction crisis

MORE than 500 bird species face extinction within the next 100 years, researchers have warned.

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A study carried out by a team at the University of Reading, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, found that climate change and habitat loss could cause hundreds of species to disappear - with a predicted total of more than three times as many as became extinct over the last 500 years.

Scientists say that the extinction of vulnerable bird species such as the helmeted hornbill, the bare-necked umbrellabird and the yellow-bellied sunbird will harm ecosystems that depend on unique birds for vital functions.

The researchers found that, even with complete protection from human-caused threats such as habitat loss, hunting and climate change, about 250 bird species could still die out.