Habitat Conservation Issues

The biggest threats to birds in the United States and globally are habitat loss and degradation due to human actions. Without sufficient habitat, bird species cannot survive, thus habitat conservation is a fundamental component of conserving our birds. Each habitat is unique, facing distinct threats, and posing specific conservation challenges.

Some of these threats and challenges are outlined in this section of the Website. Global climate change, for example, has perhaps the largest potential to influence birds on a massive scale in a relatively short time, but other issues can affect bird habitats locally or regionally, such as mountaintop mining and invasive species.

As land stewards, we have tremendous potential to influence how habitats are managed, particularly where federal lands are concerned. We have at our disposal some valuable tools such as Bird Conservation Regions, Joint Ventures, and the Farm Bill that can help us address these habitat-based threats, and ensure that bird populations across our landscape are adequately protected.

Read ABC's report on the Top 20 Most Threatened Bird Habitats in the United States.