Bird populations are declining worldwide, affected by climate change and habitat transformation. However, the lack of accurate local data makes it difficult to understand and reverse this phenomenon.
A new study, published in the journal Science, suggests that the use of smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) could be key to monitoring bird populations and improving conservation strategies.
## The Role of Citizen Science
To obtain more detailed data, ornithologist and ecological statistician Alison Johnston, from the University of St. Andrews, along with other researchers, analyzed records from the eBird application, a citizen science tool used by over a million bird watchers in 2024.
The app allows users to record sightings, dates, locations, as well as upload photos and songs.
## An AI Model for Analyzing Millions of Records
The researchers examined 36 million observations recorded between 2007 and 2021, covering North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
To identify real changes in populations, they developed an AI model capable of distinguishing between demographic variations and fluctuations in user observation patterns.
The analysis focused on 495 species, with detailed resolution in 27 km² areas, allowing for more precise detection of local trends.
## Alarming Results: Decline in Former Refuge Areas
The study revealed that:
– 97% of species are decreasing in some regions, although thriving in others.
– 83% are declining faster in areas that were once strongholds for their survival.
– Non-native species have increased, suggesting a climate-linked geographical migration.
## Factors Behind Bird Decline
Although the causes are not entirely clear, scientists suggest that:
– Birds adapted to generous habitats may be less resistant to rapid environmental changes.
– The loss of grasslands, such as in the U.S. Midwest, affects key species like the Baird’s Sparrow.
– Rising sea levels and the expansion of predators also impact populations.
## Importance of Conservation
Birds play a fundamental role in ecosystems, participating in:
– Pollination of plants.
– Pest control and management of invasive species.
– Balancing the food chain.
This study underscores the urgency of coordinated global actions to protect biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change on wildlife.
*Cover photo: Mayela Lopez*
*Source: AFP*
