Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands - priority sites for conservation

Lincoln Fishpool & Michael Evans (Editors)
2001, Pisces Publications/BirdLife International, Cambridge
Hardcover, ISBN I 874357 20 X, 300mm x 210mm, 1144 pages

Because they are so well known (in comparison to, say, beetles and even mammals - most of which are small and nocturnal) birds are ideal tools for assessing the biodiversity of a given area. They are sensitive to environmental disturbance and can be used to monitor potentially harmful changes to the environment. In a nutshell, if a certain bird species becomes extinct in a particular place, it is likely that numerous other organisms are also in decline, if they have not already been lost. Conversely, a place with five species of resident kingfisher is very likely to have a very diverse range of other species, including those which serve as prey to the kingfishers.

Since 1993, the BirdLife International partnership has been identifying Important Bird Areas (IBAs) throughout Africa, on the basis of whether 'globally threatened' or 'restricted-range' species are present. This evaluation has now culminated in the publication of this monumental work which profiles the most important sites for bird conservation (1228) in 58 African countries and territories. Each site account describes the features of the IBA with estimates of the numbers of threatened birds (and, in some cases, other animals).

A comprehensive introduction covers topics such as Conservation in Africa, the methodology employed in this huge undertaking in terms of criteria and data collection, and an illustrated section of Africa's biomes. Each country or territory begins with a detailed description of its geography and vegetation zones, as well as its conservation infrastructure. This information is the most up to date, to be found anywhere, and immediately renders the publication of huge value to anyone involved in conservation on the continent.

Because it is more of a directory than anything else, the book is not profusely illustrated, although each country is treated to a charming ink drawing of a characteristic species by Mark Andrews, Nick Borrow and others. The bibliography is vast and underlines the great amount of work which has been undertaken on Africa's birds in recent years. The book also makes it clear where information is lacking, and this will hopefully prompt and direct future research efforts.

In this opening decade of the 21st century, our expanding human population is placing ever increasing strains of the natural world and the support systems upon which all life depends. Tough decisions will need to be made in Africa's developing countries as governments are put under pressure to make more land available for more people. Existing conservation areas may be sacrificed in this process, and it is therefore critical that the information in this valuable book gets into the hands and minds of the people who will ultimately decide upon the future of areas so rich in biodiversity. Priority must now be given to the twelve hundred sites listed in this book, when any development project is under consideration, and it is therefore crucial that foreign governments - which so often subsidise development in Africa - are made aware of the information presented here.

- Duncan Butchart -

Posted: Birds by CC Africa, Date: 22 November 2006