The Story
Once a thriving and abundant bird throughout its range, the Cerulean Warbler is now a species in trouble. This charismatic warbler is receiving special attention from conservation biologists across North America due to the perilous nature of its future. Between 1966 and 1987, the Cerulean Warbler experienced the greatest annual population decline of any wood warbler in North America, averaging a 3.4% decrease in population size per year over that span . The species has continued to decline at a similar rate since then and is still one of the fastest declining bird species in North America. If these trends continue, it is estimated that Cerulean Warbler populations will be 8% of what they were in 1966. A species that could once be frequently heard singing high in the tree tops across North America suddenly doesn't have much to sing about at all.
Why should you care?There are many reasons to care about Cerulean Warblers and to want to help conserve them. Firstly, they are beautiful birds and have a soothing, characteristic song that makes them easily distinguishable from other species. Secondly, they are a local species. The Kingston region is home to one of the largest populations of Cerulean Warblers in the world, giving the local community the unique opportunity to witness these charismatic birds in the wild and actively participate in their conservation. Cerulean Warblers can commonly be seen singing from the tree tops along trails near the Queens University Biology Station. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Cerulean Warblers are not alone.
Cerulean Warblers are one of many declining bird species in Ontario. Though each of these species has its own story, many of the challenges Cerulean Warblers face are the same ones faced by hundreds of other species in the communities they share. Efforts to try and conserve a threatened species in need like the Cerulean Warbler will not only help prevent the extinction of one charismatic species, it will likely also positively influence many other declining species that are faced with similar challenges. Additionally, the majority of these challenges have been brought on by human activity (i.e. deforestation, habitat fragmentation), and there will be nobody to blame but ourselves when species like the Cerulean Warbler no longer inhabit our forests. The Cerulean Warbler is one poster child for a greater evil at work: the rapid loss of biodiversity on our planet. The real question is, why DON'T you care, and if you do, what are you willing to do to make a difference? |
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