For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
November 28, 2007(323) 951-9620

Emeryville, CA – More than 70 bird species native to California appear on the latest Audubon WatchList of 217 imperiled birds in the continental United States and Hawaii. The WatchList is a joint effort of Audubon and American Bird Conservancy, and reflects a comprehensive analysis of population trends, distribution and threats for 700 bird species in the continental U.S.

The WatchList is intended to show those bird species that are in the greatest need of immediate conservation help to simply survive amid a number of environmental challenges, including habitat loss, invasive species and global warming.

“The large number of California birds on the WatchList is both an indication of the immense size and diversity of the state’s natural environment and the significant challenges facing wildlife here,” said Glenn Olson, executive director of Audubon California. “This list shows that we have a lot worth protecting in California.”

To see a complete list of the California WatchList birds, please visit www.ca.audubon.org. To view the entire Audubon list, visit www.audubon.org or www.abcbirds.org.

Among the 73 California birds on the WatchList are five that are particular conservation priorities for Audubon California: California Condor, Ashy Storm-Petrel, Tricolored Blackbird, Long-billed Curlew and Snowy Plover.

“Audubon California either has a program in place – or is about to implement one – to protect each of these five birds, as well as several others on the WatchList,” said Olson. “Moreover, as you go up and down the state, you will see our local chapters pursuing a number of programs to conserve these imperiled birds and advocate on their behalf.”

Unlike those on Audubon’s recent survey of Common Birds in Decline, the species on WatchList are often rare and limited in range. In combination with population declines and new threats, these factors make many of them acutely vulnerable to extinction.

All of the birds on the list are considered important conservation priorities. The list is based on the latest available research and assessment from the bird conservation community along with data from the Christmas Bird Count and the annual Breeding Bird Survey. The data were analyzed and weighted according to methods developed through extensive peer review and revision, yielding an improved assessment of actual peril that can be used to determine bird conservation priorities and funding.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.