Changes in seasonal movements and population dynamics of migratory birds in response to ongoing changes resulting from global climate changes are a topic of great interest to conservation scientists and birdwatchers around the world. Because of their dependence on specific habitats and resources in different geographic regions at different phases of their annual cycle, migratory species are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In Bird Migration and Global Change, eminent ecologist George W. Cox brings his extensive experience as a scientist and bird enthusiast to bear in evaluating the capacity of migratory birds to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.
Cox reviews, synthesizes, and interprets recent and emerging science on the subject, beginning with a discussion of climate change and its effect on habitat, and followed by eleven chapters that examine responses of bird types across all regions of the globe. The final four chapters address the evolutionary capacity of birds, and consider how best to shape conservation strategies to protect migratory species in coming decades.
The rate of climate change is faster now than at any other moment in recent geological history. How best to manage migratory birds to deal with this challenge is a major conservation issue, and Bird Migration and Global Change is a unique and timely contribution to the literature.
Preface
PART I. Introduction Chapter 1. Bird Migration and Global Change: The Birds and the Issues
PART II. The Changing Environment Chapter 2. Global Climate Change Chapter 3. Global Climate Change and Alteration of Migratory Bird Habitats Chapter 4.Other Global Change Threats to Migratory Bird Habitats
PART III. Ecological Responses of Migratory Birds to Global Change Chapter 5. Physical and Biotic Challenges to Migratory Bird Responses Chapter 6. Northern Hemisphere Land Birds: Short-distance Migrants Chapter 7. High-latitude Land Birds: Nearctic-Neotropical Migrants Chapter 8. High-latitude Species of Land Birds: Palearctic Long-distance Migrants Chapter 9. Land Birds of the Temperate Southern Hemisphere Chapter 10. Tropical Land Birds Chapter 11. Raptors Chapter 12. Shorebirds Chapter 13. Waterfowl and Other Water Birds Chapter 14. Oceanic Birds: Northern Atlantic, Baltic, and Mediterranean Regions Chapter 15. Oceanic Birds: North Pacific Chapter 16. Oceanic Birds: Southern Hemisphere
PART IV. Evolutionary Responses of Migratory Birds Chapter 17. Land Birds: Evolutionary Adaptability Chapter 18. Water Birds: Evolutionary Adaptability
PART V. Prospects Chapter 19. Capacity for Adjustment by Migratory Birds Chapter 20. Conservation in an Era of Global Change
Appendix 1. Common and Scientific Names of Species Discussed in the Text Index Click here for the full list of citations and references
"Overall, this book is an excellent review that bird enthusiasts will appreciate as a comprehensive resource."
