A world without birds - how would it look like?

Extinction of birds has long term negative effects on flora and fauna, is seeking urgent measures to protect endangered species

Every eight bird species is threatened with extinction, according to a research of Bird Life International, and the main causes can be found in deforestation and urbanization. Particularly affected by New Zealand on which they were in the 17 and 18 century, together with colonies of people arrived mammals, especially rats, who assailed the birds' eggs. It is believed that it was precisely because of bird populations in New Zealand halved. New Zealand scientists have therefore decided to investigate the impact of birds on the world ecosystem, and reached the conclusion that we should be worried.

Birds pollinate many plants, certain species of birds are even specialized for a particular plant. It would be logical that the survival of plants depends primarily on the survival of birds, but this claim has not yet been any clear evidence. The five-year investigation led by New Zealand scientists Sandra Anderson brings us the first concrete evidence, reports the journal Science. The study focused on the bush Rhabdothamnus solandri with delicate orange flowers, and only three species of birds that pollinate them, and whose survival is threatened.

Scientists track changes in spreading shrub, depending on the existence of certain birds in a given area. On the main island, which has survived only one bird species, the number of bush fruits was significantly lower, and one bush has produced only 37 seeds. In contrast, the island where the presence of all three species is one of Bush even gave 232 seeds. Similar results are obtained when we compare the number of new and old shrubs, which indicated that the birds directly affect his long-term survival.

In Europe, responsible for the pollination of bees (which are also endangered) and bumblebees, but the birds and an important element of the ecosystem because they provide dispersal of seeds in the wider area. Furthermore, many birds feed on insects that damage agricultural crops. As shown in a New Zealand study, the extinction of birds has long term negative effects on flora and fauna, and the process will continue if not take appropriate protective measures.