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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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Thursday, May 20, 2010
The International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May 2010
The United Nations proclaimed May 22 ‘The International Day for Biological Diversity’ (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The theme for the International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) in 2010 is “Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation”. This year, IDB is part of the “International Year of Biodiversity”.
Designation of IDB 2010 on the theme of development provides Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and those dealing with development, opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and increase practical action.
The theme for the International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) in 2010 is “Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation”. This year, IDB is part of the “International Year of Biodiversity”.
Designation of IDB 2010 on the theme of development provides Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and those dealing with development, opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and increase practical action.
Download IDB 2010 Booklet.
Friday, May 7, 2010
World Migratory Bird Day 2010 focuses on globally threatened migratory birds
The Secretariats of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (UNEP/AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) announced the countdown for World Migratory Bird Day 2010. This two-day awareness raising campaign will take place globally for the fifth consecutive year from8-9 May 2010.
This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!” It is closely linked to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) declared by the United Nations for 2010.
The WMBD 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds. In line with the International Year of Biodiversity, the 2010 WMBD theme also highlights how migratory birds are part of the biological diversity of our world and how the threat of extinction faced by individual bird species is a reflection of the larger extinction crisis threatening other species and the natural diversity that underpins all life on earth.
The Secretariats of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (UNEP/AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) announced the countdown for World Migratory Bird Day 2010. This two-day awareness raising campaign will take place globally for the fifth consecutive year from8-9 May 2010.
This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!” It is closely linked to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) declared by the United Nations for 2010.
The WMBD 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds. In line with the International Year of Biodiversity, the 2010 WMBD theme also highlights how migratory birds are part of the biological diversity of our world and how the threat of extinction faced by individual bird species is a reflection of the larger extinction crisis threatening other species and the natural diversity that underpins all life on earth.
For more information visit http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/
This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!” It is closely linked to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) declared by the United Nations for 2010.
The WMBD 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds. In line with the International Year of Biodiversity, the 2010 WMBD theme also highlights how migratory birds are part of the biological diversity of our world and how the threat of extinction faced by individual bird species is a reflection of the larger extinction crisis threatening other species and the natural diversity that underpins all life on earth.
The Secretariats of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (UNEP/AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS) announced the countdown for World Migratory Bird Day 2010. This two-day awareness raising campaign will take place globally for the fifth consecutive year from8-9 May 2010.
This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!” It is closely linked to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) declared by the United Nations for 2010.
The WMBD 2010 theme aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds. In line with the International Year of Biodiversity, the 2010 WMBD theme also highlights how migratory birds are part of the biological diversity of our world and how the threat of extinction faced by individual bird species is a reflection of the larger extinction crisis threatening other species and the natural diversity that underpins all life on earth.
For more information visit http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/
Thursday, May 6, 2010
America’s Oil spill affects birds
Oil spill at the Gulf of Mexico became the news of the month, especially among the environmentalists. Two weeks after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig caught fire and sank off the coast of Louisiana, 210,000 gallons (5,000 barrels or 794,937 liters) of oil per day are still gushing, creating giant ribbons of thick, oily sludge spreading across the Gulf of Mexico and posing a grave danger to marine life and wildlife in the area.
Scientists warns that more than 600 species are at risk from the deadly oil spill, including the blue fin tuna, dolphins, whales, oysters, shrimp, birds and reptiles. As the oil slick continues to spread, it also threatens the coastlines of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Louisiana. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, up to 20 National Wildlife reserves could be affected by the oil spill. However, biologists are increasingly alarmed for wildlife offshore, where the damage from the spill can be invisible but still deadly. And they caution that because of the fluidity between onshore and offshore marine communities, the harm taking place deep at sea will come back to haunt the shallows, whether or not they are directly hit by the slick.
Few animal casualties have been reported, but the planes of 'National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration' recorded dolphins and turtles in areas covered by oil.
Scientists warns that more than 600 species are at risk from the deadly oil spill, including the blue fin tuna, dolphins, whales, oysters, shrimp, birds and reptiles. As the oil slick continues to spread, it also threatens the coastlines of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Louisiana. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, up to 20 National Wildlife reserves could be affected by the oil spill. However, biologists are increasingly alarmed for wildlife offshore, where the damage from the spill can be invisible but still deadly. And they caution that because of the fluidity between onshore and offshore marine communities, the harm taking place deep at sea will come back to haunt the shallows, whether or not they are directly hit by the slick.
Few animal casualties have been reported, but the planes of 'National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration' recorded dolphins and turtles in areas covered by oil.
Two birds, a Brown Pelican and a Northern Gannet, were saved by rescue workers. Fortunately two birds are in good condition after being treated by the members of International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC). Rescue groups, mainly volunteers are in full swing trying to save as many animals as they can. "There's no way to know how many birds have been oiled because the slick is so big and offshore," says Larry Schweiger, CEO and president of the National Wildlife Federation. "When oil collides with wildlife," he added "oil always wins."
The worst of the all is, this catastrophe is hitting the gulf at its most sensitive time of the year - when sea turtles and commercially important species of fish and shrimp are spawning, and many of the bird species including the Brown Pelican, state bird of Louisiana, starts to breed. According to BirdLife International, Brown pelicans and beach nesting Terns and Gulls, have already started there breeding season. Beach nesting shorebirds, Marsh birds and large wading birds such as Spoonbill, Ibises, Herons, and Egrets are also in danger. Migratory song birds and shorebirds could also be affected as their return trip of migration has already started.
Ingesting oil can be deadly, and just a dime-sized glob of oil can kill a bird. Learn how it happens.
Photos: International Bird Rescue Research Center
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Bibliography of Sri Lankan Ornithology
Sometimes it is very difficult to find a particular reference of a research paper or a book, especially old publications. Although there are several bibliographies on various subjects for Sri Lanka, there was no bibliography for Sri Lankan birds or ornithology. To fill this vacuum a “Bibliography of Sri Lankan Ornithology” was compiled by FOGSL researcher C.D. Kaluthota. It is published online and will be updated frequently. This bibliography comprises papers, popular articles, books, theses/dissertations, published and un-published reports.
Visit “Bibliography of Sri Lankan Ornithology”
Visit “Bibliography of Sri Lankan Ornithology”
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