For Immediate Release: August 9, 2002

Contact: , American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 207

America's 500 Most Important Bird Areas Identified, Mapped for the First Time

For the first time ever, America’s most important places for birds have been named and mapped. The top 500 Globally Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been identified by scientists at American Bird Conservancy (ABC), in consultation with hundreds of biologists and wildlife managers across the country. ABC has produced a detailed map of the IBAs in conjunction with National Geographic Society, and the project will also result in a major publication with full details on bird populations and conservation issues at each IBA. Together, the book and map will serve as the definitive source for the most valuable places for bird conservation in the U.S.

To find out which sites near you have been named Globally Important Bird Areas and see a sample image of the IBA map, visit www.abcbirds.org/iba/aboutiba.htm, or contact: Gavin G. Shire, American Bird Conservancy, (202) 234-7181 x 207. High resolution color scans of the map are available on request for selective reproduction by the print and web media.

Important Bird Areas are places that have concentrations of either endangered or declining birds, significant populations of birds with very small ranges, or large concentrations of migratory birds. The Important Bird Areas project seeks to raise awareness of the need to conserve these precious natural areas, and to ensure that the most important places for birds receive the full attention of conservation groups and agencies.

In addition to the IBAs themselves, the new ABC/National Geographic map also depicts Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) which are larger landscapes designated for their unique bird populations and habitats. By developing conservation partnerships in these regions, and fully protecting all the IBAs, the U.S. can make a huge step towards conserving bird populations for the future. Similar projects are also underway in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

The project is funded in part by The Nature Conservancy and the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. It also has the support of a range of organizations including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Department of Defense, which manage many of the lands identified as IBAs. Other partners in the IBA project include the American Birding Association, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, Partners in Flight, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, and the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan.

The map is being made available to the public, priced $7.50, through American Birding Association Sales at http://americanbirding.org/abasales/ibamap.htm, tel: (800) 634 7736.