BirdLife International

After more than 30 years, the Guam Rail is back: breeding naturally beyond the confines of captive breeding enclosures – making it only the second bird species ever to recover from extinction in the wild. How did conservationists do it, and what can we learn about the threat of introduced predators?View the full article

This October, world leaders will meet in China to discuss a new set of biodiversity targets that will decide the fate of nature on this planet. A first draft of the targets was released this week: here's everything you need to know about this critical turning point for conservation.View the full article

The rock-solid criteria we use to identify Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) is now being used as the foundation for Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) – a new standard in site-based conservation which expands the concept beyond birds to all life on our planet.View the full article

In October 2019, the Marsh Antwren was given its first ever protected area in the town of Guararema, Brazil. This tiny, Critically Endangered antbird lives in isolated populations on marshland just 50km from São Paulo, the largest city in South America.View the full article

The recent news of devastating wildfires sweeping across Australia has been hard to ignore. Samantha Vine, Head of Conservation for BirdLife Australia, provides an update of the situation so far, and the urgent actions needed to help Australia’s birds and habitats to survive.View the full article

We’ve all heard of species brought back from the brink of extinction, but have you ever wondered how impactful conservation actually is? A new study shows that global conservation action has reduced the effective extinction rate of birds by an astonishing 40%. But is it all good news?View the full article

In late 2019, a team of scientists and conservationists undertook a mission to capture and fit tracking equipment to Madagascar Pond-herons. This ongoing study, the first of its kind on a global level, is building upon the knowledge of the species and will aid its conservation.View the full article

Anyone who’s ever doubted the point of children’s nature education only has to look at Spring Alive. This year, we haven’t just helped to run fun activities – we’ve helped our community to restore habitats and share innovative new ideas to make the world safer for nature and people.View the full article

The Yellow-breasted Bunting used to flock in its thousands across Asia’s paddy fields. Now, due to hunting and changes in farming practices, it is Critically Endangered. A new project is bringing rice paddies back to Hong Kong, along with the birds that depend on them.View the full article

Our list of Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas in Danger is so much more than a number. Each year we update this list and produce a Story Map, enabling you to immerse yourself in the unique tales of some of these areas. Find out what has happened to last year’s spotlight IBAs in Danger and discover new incredible but imperilled habitats in our latest instalment.View the full article

If you have been following along with #AlbatrossStories and watching the nest cams of Greta, you will have seen the extreme changeability of sub-Antarctic weather. We spoke with Alex Dodds, of British Antarctic Survey, living and working on Bird Island, to get her story about living with albatross.View the full article

Like many countries, Japan is making great strides in renewable energy – but at what cost? BirdLife supports sustainable energy sources – but it’s important to locate structures like wind farms out of harm’s way. Read how our Japanese Partner is using science and advocacy to change national decisions.View the full article

In India, an innovative community conservation experiment is helping to safeguard the globally threatened Indian Skimmer’s nesting colonies from free-ranging dogs and trampling cattle.View the full article

Captured from the wild for its beautiful voice, the Straw-headed Bulbul is now Critically Endangered. But at its final stronghold in Singapore, a new collaboration between NGOs, governments and businesses could help it to stage a comeback.View the full article

This year, our scientists worked around the clock to update the threat status of birds on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. While the amazing recovery of the Guam Rail might have taken centre stage, 2019 heralded plenty more important discoveries. From victims of climate change to exciting new information on unknown birds, here are the latest ups and downs of the avian world that might not have made the headlines.View the full article