Traits, Threats, and Popularity Explain Extinction Risk of Birds Globally

Aim

This study aims to understand how biological traits, human-induced threats, and species popularity interact to influence the extinction risk of bird species globally. We seek to improve the accuracy of extinction risk assessments and inform conservation strategies.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Current.

Major Taxa Studied

Birds.

Methods

We predict extinction risk for bird species globally based on relevant biological traits, threats (based on the IUCN Red List), and species popularity estimated from Google search frequency using a Bayesian hierarchical phylogenetic model.

Results

We find that biological traits, human-induced threats, and species popularity all explain extinction risk. Some interactions are important (e.g., larger species are more likely threatened by hunting and small-ranged and migratory species are more threatened by agriculture). We also find that more popular species are more likely to be listed as at risk than unpopular species with similar traits and threats.

Main Conclusions

Our study highlights the need for incorporating biological traits, anthropogenic threats and human bias into extinction risk assessments. These factors interact in complex ways, influencing the vulnerability of bird species. By accounting for these interactions, conservation efforts can be more effectively targeted to protect species with the highest risk.