The extinction planned for 1,300 birds in the next 200 years can cause significant damage to the ecosystem, due to the loss of essential roless such as pollination, seed dispersal and control of pestsaccording to a study.
These are the conclusions of a study led by the University of Birmingham and the Spanish Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), which analyzes the impact of the disappearance of birds since the first steps of human beings, 130 thousand years agoand makes future projections.
In total it is estimated that At least 610 species have already disappeared since the appearance of human beings, almost all of them due to human causes, and it is estimated that only in the next two centuries others could become extinct 1,305 speciespractically double.
The investigation points out that 20 percent of functional diversity has already been lost -the loss of diversity and roles in nature- globally and projects that the next 200 years may add an additional 7 percent.
The study, published in the journal Science, warns that the consequences of extinction They are larger than previously believed.
In this sense, the researchers highlight that birds “they play a unique role in the ecosystem” and that, therefore, when a species disappears, its role in the natural environment dies with it.
Among the most common examples Birds that control pests are found by feeding on insectsthe scavengers that are responsible for eliminating organic waste and those that feed on fruit and disperse seeds, contributing to the sprouting of new trees.
The researchers conclude that “as more species with different roles disappear, greater functional diversity is lost”.
“Understanding the impact of past extinctions will help us better gauge future consequences on ecosystems and, therefore, improve global conservation and restoration strategies,” says University of Birmingham researcher and first author of the study, Tom Matthews.
The most affected areas are the islands, where 80 percent of extinct species come from these environments, which translates into a 31 percent loss of functional diversity in these places.
However, the Spanish ecosystem could also be affected with the disappearance of the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), a vulture which feeds on bone remains and helps recycle nutrients.
JCM
