BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme

Birds are disappearing forever…

The natural rate of bird extinction is one bird per century. In the last thirty years alone, 21 bird species have become extinct. At present, 189 are classified as Critically Endangered. On the very edge of extinction. Without immediate action, many will not be here in ten years’ time.

The BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme can save them…

To prevent more species being lost, we have launched the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme. The BirdLife International Partnership is a global network of independent nature conservation organisations operating in more than 100 countries. We are able to operate across borders and beyond politics. We really make a difference.

We’re best placed to help…

BirdLife’s work to evaluate and monitor the status of the world’s bird species began many years ago. We now know the threats that face every globally threatened bird, and the main conservation actions required to protect them.

Species Guardians undertake the conservation…

The BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme is already delivering active conservation. To ensure the right protection is put into place we are appointing Species Guardians for each threatened species – organisations or individuals best placed to protect the bird. Find out the Latest news from the field.

Species Champions fund the work…

Preventing extinctions is neither quick nor cheap and BirdLife International relies entirely on charitable donations. We are actively recruiting Species Champions. These are a growing community of Companies, Institutions and Individuals who share our concerns and demonstrate their commitment to protecting the planet’s natural heritage by funding the work undertaken by our Species Guardians.

Help save birds today…

Species Champions are urgently needed. If you’d like to become a Species Champion please click here. If you’d like to make a donation to the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme please click here. The first Species Champions have already stepped forward - click here to view our roll of honour.

Download the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme brochure here (PDF 450KB). For Spanish version click here (PDF 609KB).

Download the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme Annual Report here (PDF 2.5MB)

To find out more about the science underpinning the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme click here