Surfbirds News: BirdLife International Archives
January 10, 2005
BirdLife assesses the tsunami`s impact on biodiversity
In the wake of the terrible tsunami that struck around Asia and parts of East Africa on 26 December, BirdLife wishes to offer its deepest sympathies to all those people whose lives have been affected by the disaster.We have now been in contact with all members of the BirdLife Network in the affected region. I am pleased to say that no staff or volunteers appear to have been lost to the tsunami, although the events have obviously caused enormous trauma, shock and damage to communities, property, habitats and some wildlife. said BirdLife`s Director, Dr Mike Rands The immediate priority is to prevent further disease, suffering and mortality amongst the people in the affected areas, and to begin the process of rebuilding livelihoods and basic services.
Mangrove Pitta from the Surfbirds galleries by J??¡nos Ol??¡h Jr.
Although it is too close to the tragedy to make detailed assessments of how the region`s birds might be affected, a preliminary study from BirdLife`s scientists highlights a number of species and important areas that could suffer after-effects. 27 Globally Threatened Bird species regularly occur in the regions and habitats of Asia potentially affected by the tsunami. There are also three Endemic Bird Areas ??€“ areas which contain a unique concentration of biodiversity including bird species which are found nowhere else on the planet. |
