Framework for Landbird Conservation in Canada

Full PDF version of the Framework for Landbird Conservation in Canada (580 KB) Table of Content Conservation Concern Management Concern A Coordinated Landbird Conservation Program Requisites for Canadian Landbird Conservation How to obtain a copy of the Framework

Conservation Concern

There have been long-term declines in neotropical migrant birds over the last 30 years. These declines have been documented both in the United States and Canada by the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).

Landbird Populations have been affected by many changes to their environment, including:

• Habitat fragmentation, modification or loss 
• Toxic chemical use
• Non-native species
• Brood parasitism and nest predation
• Anthropogenic mortality

Management Concern

Efforts in Canada have fallen behind the efforts to conserve other groups of birds. For example, programs are already underway to address the conservation requirements of many waterbirds, including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

Approximately 220 of the more than 420 Canadian breeding species can be classified as landbirds, those having principally terrestrial life cycles. Until now, no national conservation effort has been organized for these species. As the program develops, it may link with others to include all species of birds, including waterbirds that are not currently included in existing programs.

Broad-based support from stakeholders is necessary to successfully change existing conditions. Cooperation among all those with an interest in landbird conservation will be the only means to foster new programs. Every effort will be made to tie in to existing programs.

Conservation of species and habitats on their migration and wintering grounds will require international cooperation and communication on monitoring, management and research programs, as well as promotion of effective legislation and policies. Canadian efforts will be integrated into international programs such as Partners in Flight and Birdlife International to address conservation issues of mutual concern.

A Coordinated Landbird Conservation Program

It was agreed that implementation would logically occur at several levels: national, regional, and local. The Canadian Wildlife Service is committed to working with provincial and territorial wildlife agencies, and other partners at the regional level, to deliver landbird conservation programs.

Requisites for Canadian Landbird Conservation

This section outlines some of the activities that should be undertaken for landbird conservation. The requisites for Canadian landbird conservation are divided into five components: planning, outreach, monitoring, research, and applied conservation.

REQUISITE		OBJECTIVE		STRATEGY
I. Planning		To provide a framework that supports conservation of and research on landbirds and their habitats.		Ensure that there are national and regional fora to implement landbird conservation.
II. Outreach		Gain widespread understanding of and support for bird conservation issues and initiatives.		Develop an informed and skilled pool of Canadians, and others, that can participate in landbird monitoring and conservation projects.
III. Monitoring		Increase knowledge of the status of bird populations across the country.		Fulfill the goals of the Canadian Landbird Monitoring Strategy. (PDF 699 KB)
IV. Research		Increase knowledge and understanding of factors affecting landbird populations and their habitats throughout the breeding and non-breeding parts of their range.		1. Identify populations of concern, causes of this concern, and actions required to remove the concern. 2. Identify habitat characteristics and other factors that may be implicated in landbird population change on the breeding, migration, and wintering grounds.
V. Applied Conservation		Ensure long-term survival of populations and habitats that indicate a trend toward non-viability, and maintain stable populations and their habitats.		1. Identify priorities for conservation. 2. Conserve and protect bird species or populations showing critical decline. 3. Conserve, protect, and restore habitat required to maintain viable bird populations. 4. Link Canadian and international projects and research to maximize the effectiveness of conservation action.

Illustrations by Jan Thornhill

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Framework for Landbird Conservation in Canada, write to:

Partners in Flight – Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service,
Environment Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H3
Fax: (819) 994-4445
Martin.Damus@ec.gc.ca

BACK