What is the current state of conservation of hummingbirds?

2024-12-16

The conservation status of hummingbirds varies from region to region and species to species. Overall, hummingbirds face multiple threats globally, but their conservation status varies between regions and species.

Global Conservation Status:


The hummingbird family includes 361 species in 112 genera, mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

The populations of many hummingbird species are difficult to assess because they mostly live in remote areas.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, significant declines in populations of many species of hummingbirds have been observed.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there are 2 extinct (EX), 8 critically endangered (CR), 12 endangered (EN), 7 vulnerable (VU), 10 near threatened (NT), and most of the rest are classified as least concern (LC).


Major Threats:


Habitat loss: Agricultural expansion, urbanization, and deforestation have led to a decrease in habitat for hummingbirds.

Climate change: Changing the habitat and food sources of hummingbirds, affecting their survival and reproduction.

Glass collisions: Hummingbirds can be injured or killed by hitting glass in buildings.

Insecticides: The use of pesticides can cause poison to hummingbirds.

Predators: Domestic cats, praying mantises, sharp-tailed hawks, snakes, frogs, large fish, dragonflies, and round-web spiders, among others, are all predators of hummingbirds.


Protection measures:


Protected areas: The establishment of protected areas is one of the important measures to protect hummingbirds. For example, the Hummingbird Sanctuary in Puebla, Mexico, is home to 27 species of hummingbirds.

Artificial feeders: In some areas, people have set up artificial feeders to supplement the hummingbird's food source.

Education: Raising public awareness and conservation awareness of hummingbirds is also an important part of conservation efforts.


Regional differences:


In some areas, hummingbirds are more abundant and widely distributed, so they are not listed as protected animals.

In other areas, especially those where hummingbird populations are severely threatened, stricter conservation measures may be in place.


In conclusion, the conservation status of hummingbirds is a complex issue that requires a global effort to protect these unique birds and their habitats.

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