Declined Californian bird count due to climate change

Los Angeles, February 11: A recent study suggests that more than one-third of bird species in California may disappear from their habitats by the end of the 21st century.

The disturbing fact was disclosed by Audubon California researchers who say that global warming is a threat to the existence of many birds including the endangered species. The puffy-chested California gnatcatcher from the Southern California, yellow-billed magpie from the Central Valley are amongst the 110 listed species which are facing endangerment at present.

According to Audubon scientists, the number of puffy-chested California gnatcatcher may be halved by the century-end whereas yellow-billed magpie is at a 70 percent risk of disappearing from its dwelling places.

Lead researchers, William B. Monahan and Gary Langham, stated: "Future climate change threatens California's birds with massive range reductions and, in extreme cases, statewide extirpations and global extinctions."

The National Audubon Society came up with this comprehensive study, following a estimated annual Christmas bird count collected over 40 years. The study shows uncovers a significant shift in the range of birds across the nation. More than 50,000 volunteers pooled in for the bird count at 2,000 different locations.

National Audubon Society president John Flicker said: "Too many people hear about melting glaciers and polar bears and conclude that the impacts of global warming are far into the future and far from home. But the impact of climate change can be seen right now in the birds that are right outside our door -- or not."

The latest study data reveals that in the past 40 years, almost 58 percent of the 305 common North American bird species have shifted their ranges by 35 miles, both northward and inland. Most shockingly, the purple finch has reportedly shifted 300 miles to north towards Canada.

Some 100 species in California are known to have shifted considerably towards north. The varied thrush, red-breasted nuthatch, the house finch and the pine siskin have shifted their range about 200 miles north whereas the golden-crowned sparrow and the California quail have progressed more than 100 miles.

The researchers explained that average global temperatures have soared by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the last century and by the year 2100 a sharp rise of 4 to 11 degrees has been anticipated. This still depends on how the authorities tackle the greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting climate change.

Stanford biologist Terry L. Root is involved with analyzing effect of climate change on wildlife. She commented that of all the studies on the similar issue till date, this study is "unique in looking at all the wintering birds on an entire continent."

Though the study is not published yet, scientists at Audubon say that the early release of study is to get the government acting on controlling planet-heating emissions sourced from automobiles, power plants and other industries.

Authorities are trying to discover possible methods to help the willife adapt to these warming changes in the climate. Some efforts are by creating corridors to the shifted habitats or re-settling refuges in separate lands. Also, California government task force is working towards managing climate change disasters including sea-level rise, water shortages and droughts.