ABC's International Programs

Bird conservation in any one country cannot work in isolation.  Neighboring countries and those separated by thousands of miles are intrinsically linked through bird migration, as well as shared environmental elements such as climate, and geographical features such as rivers and mountain ranges. Even in the case of isolated endemic or range-restricted birds, seemingly unique conservation problems often have common solutions if only these can be shared.

Since 1995, ABC's International Program has built a strong partnership network between North American, Latin American, and Caribbean organizations. By working in tandem with local, in-country organizations, ABC ensures the most efficient and effective bird conservation action.  Today, ABC is the only US-based group with a major focus on the conservation of threatened resident and migratory birds in Latin America and the Caribbean.

ABC has one of the most cost-efficient international programs of its size. ABC manages over 50 projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, with the maximum possible proportion of funds raised going directly to on-the- ground conservation efforts.

Of 67 Critically Endangered bird species listed by IUCN in Latin America , ABC is directly working with partners to protect 48%. Similarly, for 140 IUCN-listed Endangered species in the region, ABC is presently working to save 43%. In 2005 alone, ABC worked with five partners to acquire 46 properties, totaling 21,718 acres, at 13 reserves in four countries; an effort that resulted in the establishment of four new reserves at Alliance for Zero Extinction sites.