Understanding Bird Extinctions: Traits That Predict Future Threats

University of Utah biologists have conducted a comprehensive study to understand the traits linked to the extinction of bird species since 1500. This study is significant as it is the first to link bird traits with the timing of extinctions. **Endemic island birds**, those that cannot fly, have larger bodies, and particularly angled wings, are most prone to extinction. The study analyzed data from over 11,600 bird species, using the BirdBase dataset, compiled by esteemed biologists. The analysis considered an array of biogeographical, ecological, and life-history traits that were previously associated with extinction risks. Through this study, **insularity** emerged as the most critical factor, with island-specific species like the Hawaiian 'Akikiki' facing severe threats from introduced species like malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The correlation between wing shape and extinction risk was an unexpected finding. It highlighted that birds with pointed wings were more likely to have vanished earlier, challenging the hypothesis that these birds would respond better to environmental pressures. **Ecological specialists** are particularly vulnerable due to their inability to adapt to disruptions in their niche environments. Additionally, it was found that heavier birds were more likely to be targeted for hunting, leading to extinction in some cases. The study also revealed that the decades of the 1890s and 1980s saw the highest recorded extinctions. While global conservation efforts have reduced extinction rates since the 1980s, the number of globally threatened bird species continues to rise, underscoring the importance of this research in guiding conservation strategies.