A recent study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reveals a staggering revelation: humans have caused the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species—twice the previously estimated number.

The study focuses on regions like Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores, where human presence has led to profound consequences such as deforestation, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species.

These impacts have proven devastating for bird populations, leading to the obliteration of many previously unknown species.

The study challenges existing estimates, suggesting that one in nine bird species has vanished over modern human history, starting from the Late Pleistocene around 130,000 years ago. Traditional fossil records are limited in reflecting the true scale of global extinctions, as the lightweight bones of birds disintegrate over time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/long-distance-relationships-and-promiscuous-males-leading-cause-behind-bird-divorces-study-612379">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: Bird divorces are on the rise. Here's the fascinating reason behind avian breakups</a>

<h2>Extent of human impact on bird diversity</h2>

Lead author Dr&nbsp;Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH, highlighted the&nbsp;profound human impact on avian diversity to the Independent.&nbsp;

“Humans have rapidly devastated bird populations via habitat loss, overexploitation and the introduction of rats, pigs and dogs that raided nests of birds and competed with them for food," he said.&nbsp;

Co-author Dr&nbsp;Spren Faurby of the University of Gothenburg also stressed on&nbsp;the major implications of historic bird extinctions on the current biodiversity crisis.

Beyond losing fascinating bird species, these extinctions have disrupted ecological roles, affecting functions such as seed dispersal and pollination, leading to cascading harmful effects on ecosystems.

Also watch | Singapore halts poultry from parts of Japan on bird flu; France on 'high' alert for bird flu

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The research suggests that significant extinction events occurred during the 14th century and the ninth century BC, corresponding to human arrival in the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific regions, respectively. These events, driven by habitat alterations and the introduction of invasive species, mark the largest human-driven vertebrate extinction event in history.

Published in Nature Communications, the study estimates that around 570 bird species were lost in the Eastern Pacific after human arrival.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reveals a staggering revelation: humans have caused the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species—twice the previously estimated number.

A recent study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reveals a staggering revelation: humans have caused the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species—twice the previously estimated number. The study focuses on regions like Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores, where human presence has led to profound consequences such as deforestation, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species. These impacts have proven devastating for bird populations, leading to the obliteration of many previously unknown species. The study challenges existing estimates, suggesting that one in nine bird species has vanished over modern human history, starting from the Late Pleistocene around 130,000 years ago. Traditional fossil records are limited in reflecting the true scale of global extinctions, as the lightweight bones of birds disintegrate over time. Also read | Explained: Bird divorces are on the rise. Here's the fascinating reason behind avian breakups Extent of human impact on bird diversity Lead author Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH, highlighted the profound human impact on avian diversity to the Independent. “Humans have rapidly devastated bird populations via habitat loss, overexploitation and the introduction of rats, pigs and dogs that raided nests of birds and competed with them for food," he said. Co-author Dr Spren Faurby of the University of Gothenburg also stressed on the major implications of historic bird extinctions on the current biodiversity crisis. Beyond losing fascinating bird species, these extinctions have disrupted ecological roles, affecting functions such as seed dispersal and pollination, leading to cascading harmful effects on ecosystems. Also watch | Singapore halts poultry from parts of Japan on bird flu; France on 'high' alert for bird flu The research suggests that significant extinction events occurred during the 14th century and the ninth century BC, corresponding to human arrival in the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific regions, respectively. These events, driven by habitat alterations and the introduction of invasive species, mark the largest human-driven vertebrate extinction event in history. Published in Nature Communications, the study estimates that around 570 bird species were lost in the Eastern Pacific after human arrival. (With inputs from agencies)

On the brink of bird apocalypse? Study says humans have driven more than 1,400 bird species to extinction

Research suggests that more than 90% of bird species mate with only a single partner over at least one breeding season, if not longer. However, some monogamous birds switch to a different partner, as in, they 'divorce' their spouse. Why do they do that? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Are birds bad at long-distance relationships?

According to a new report, almost half of all bird species are in decline globally and one in eight are threatened with extinction. Most bird populations face a combination of human-caused threats.

WION Climate Tracker | Report: Half of world’s bird species face decline

Warmer temperatures are affecting bird migrations and scientists are tracking the changing patterns in bird migration. Bird species that used to leave UK for winter are staying.

WION Climate Tracker: Birds are changing migratory routes due to climate change

Social distancing has become the new norm. In fact, the pandemic-driven changes in society&nbsp;are expected to leave a long-lasting imprint on our modes of interactions in the near future. While many were relieved at the scope of limited contact with others, the indefinite distance became a challenge for many in a civilisation heavily dependent on social capital.

Now, a study sheds light on why a rare parrot species may have migrated to the mountains.

Alpine parrots are a rare and highly endangered species found in New Zealand and researchers believe the parrots’ ability to adapt could tremendously help them as the climate crisis deepens. Turns out, the parrots adjusted to a life in the mountains to simply escape the hustle and bustle caused by human societies.

Colloquially known as “the kea”, they are considered the only alpine parrots in the world, even though research suggests the birds were earlier found in different parts of the country.

Climate change’s long-term consequences on the alpine parrots are diverse and dire. The kea could perish in the face of competition to survive! Scientists are therefore pleased that the bird left for other territories, calling it a hallmark of its adaptability, for if the bird was able to move to the mountains to simply escape humans, it could continue to migrate suitably as warming sets in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australias-greta-thunberg-steps-up-climate-change-activism-388693" hreflang="en">'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism</a>

Due to heating induced by climate change, alpine environments will retreat, with many species facing the threat of extinction.

In the study, which was published in the journal called Molecular Ecology, scientists compared bird's DNA to the kākā, a sister parrot species that lives in the forests. They found that there wasn’t much difference between them, suggesting that the birds &nbsp;"adapted to using such an open habitat&nbsp;because it was least disturbed by human activity".

European researchers have&nbsp;warned against the ill-effects of warming on Alpine species, claiming that 22 per cent of glacial species in the Italian Alps would disappear after the melting of glaciers. But even then, scientists worry about the future of the species solely on the grounds that it may have nowhere to go once the glaciers melt.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/climate-change-will-shoot-up-cases-of-brain-eating-amoeba-heres-how-388610" hreflang="en">Climate change will shoot up cases of brain-eating amoeba. Here's how</a>

Social distancing has become the new norm. In fact, the pandemic-driven changes in society are expected to leave a long-lasting imprint on our modes of interactions in the near future.

Social distancing has become the new norm. In fact, the pandemic-driven changes in society are expected to leave a long-lasting imprint on our modes of interactions in the near future. While many were relieved at the scope of limited contact with others, the indefinite distance became a challenge for many in a civilisation heavily dependent on social capital. Now, a study sheds light on why a rare parrot species may have migrated to the mountains. Alpine parrots are a rare and highly endangered species found in New Zealand and researchers believe the parrots’ ability to adapt could tremendously help them as the climate crisis deepens. Turns out, the parrots adjusted to a life in the mountains to simply escape the hustle and bustle caused by human societies. Colloquially known as “the kea”, they are considered the only alpine parrots in the world, even though research suggests the birds were earlier found in different parts of the country. Climate change’s long-term consequences on the alpine parrots are diverse and dire. The kea could perish in the face of competition to survive! Scientists are therefore pleased that the bird left for other territories, calling it a hallmark of its adaptability, for if the bird was able to move to the mountains to simply escape humans, it could continue to migrate suitably as warming sets in. Also read: 'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism Due to heating induced by climate change, alpine environments will retreat, with many species facing the threat of extinction. In the study, which was published in the journal called Molecular Ecology, scientists compared bird's DNA to the kākā, a sister parrot species that lives in the forests. They found that there wasn’t much difference between them, suggesting that the birds "adapted to using such an open habitat because it was least disturbed by human activity". European researchers have warned against the ill-effects of warming on Alpine species, claiming that 22 per cent of glacial species in the Italian Alps would disappear after the melting of glaciers. But even then, scientists worry about the future of the species solely on the grounds that it may have nowhere to go once the glaciers melt. Also read: Climate change will shoot up cases of brain-eating amoeba. Here's how

World's only alpine parrot species actually left for the mountains to avoid humans

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