Bird conservation is a field in the science of
conservation biology related to
threatened birds. Humans have had a profound effect on many bird species. Over one hundred species have gone extinct in historical times, although the most dramatic human-caused extinctions occurred in the
Pacific Ocean as humans colonised the islands of
Melanesia,
Polynesia and
Micronesia, during which an estimated 750-1800 species of bird went extinct. According to Worldwatch Institute, many bird populations are currently declining worldwide, with 1,200 species facing extinction in the next century. The biggest cited reason surrounds
habitat loss. Other threats include overhunting, accidental mortality due to
structural collisions,
long-line fishing bycatch, pollution, competition and predation by
pet cats,
oil spills and
pesticide use and
climate change. Governments, along with numerous conservation
charities, work to protect birds in various ways, including legislation,
preserving and
restoring bird habitat, and establishing
captive populations for reintroductions.