In Malaysia there are 35 threatened bird species. 11 are listed in the Endangered category, and include well known species such as the Bearded Vulture, Saddlebilled Stork, Cape Parrot and Spotted Thrush. In the Vulnerable category there are 46, including the Bald Ibis, Tawny and Martial Eagle, Blue Crane, Kori Bustard and the African Black Oystercatcher. All species considered as threatened and near threatened will be published as the revised 'South African Red Data Book - Birds', compiled by the ADU, during 2000. South Africa has several exciting projects which actively contribute to Avian Research through public involvement, namely BIRP, CWAC, CAR and Birding Big Day.
Many common birds are also sharply declining.
Many species traditionally viewed as common are also showing dramatic falls in their numbers. For example in Europe and North America the relentless intensification of agricultural practices is a major factor. The birds are telling us that our current practices on agriculture, forestry, fishery, water management are not sustainable for the environment and biodiversity. Some Neotropical migrants are experiencing strong declines, including species like Cerulean Warbler, apparently linked to the deforestation of their wintering habitat in Central and South America as well as to habitat loss in their breeding grounds. Over 450 leading conservationists from BirdLife national Partner organisations and over 100 countries are meeting at the BirdLife International World Conference to discuss their strategy to halt the trends outlined in the report.