Conserving the evolutionary history of birds

• DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14141
• Publication Date: 2023-07-10T07:19:43Z
• Authors: Christopher J. W....; Igor Berkunsky; Evan R. Buechley; Leah Dunn; Jeff Johnson; Jennifer McCabe; Steffen Oppel; Brian W. Rolek; Luke J. Sutton; Rikki Gumbs
• Keywords: Extinction (optical mineralogy)

In the midst of sixth mass extinction, limited resources are forcing conservationists to prioritize which species and places will receive conservation action. Evolutionary distinctiveness measures isolation a on its phylogenetic tree. Combining species' evolutionary with globally endangered status creates an EDGE score. We use scores that should be managed conserve bird history. analyzed all birds in countries important areas. examined parrots, raptors, seabirds depth because these groups especially threatened relatively speciose. The three focal had greater median history than other taxa, making them for conserving Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, New Zealand, Philippines were critical they most endemic seabirds. Increased enforcement international agreements is needed protect hundreds millions years Decisive action required into Anthropocene.