New strategy to keep birds alive

THE International Council For the Preservation Of Birds has announced a strategy for the conservation of bird species in the South Pacific, which they say has more endangered species in relation to its land area than anywhere else in the world. Among those threatened are the exotically named

Ponape mountain starling, the San Cristobal mountain rail, and the toothbilled Marquesas pigeon. Of special concern is deforestation in the larger islands which destroys the habitat for many species. Until now ornithologists have not collated data on a regional basis, so the first step is for data base of

bird species there. It has been argued that the South Pacific Regional Environ ment Programme will be responsible for coordinating surveys and planning for conservation of endangered species. So far the concerns are immediate the plans do not include the potential consequences of global warming. □