Important Bird Areas In Asia

Compiled by S Chan, MJ Crosby, MZ Islam, and AW Tordoff.Birdlife's Red Data Book - Threatened Birds of Asiaidentified that one quarter of all bird species in Asia were aconservation concern, 323 species, about 12% were at risk ofglobal extinction. Clearly it is imperative that important birdareas be identified and then prioritised on the basis ofscientific evidence.Important Bird Areas in Asia is the first comprehensiveinventory of Asia's key sites for birds and biodiversity.Country-by-country, the book details the region's 2,293 ImportantBird Areas (IBAs), of these 976, or 43% are lacking any formalprotection. This book presents a sound basis for the developmentof national conservation strategies and protected area programmes,and highlights areas which should be safeguarded through wisepolicies and land-use planning.Review'...much valuable information for each country...a wonderfulbook' - Alula.

Important Bird Areas and Important Plant Areas have already been identified in more than 170 countries. The Key Biodiversity Areas approach builds on the work done to date, in order to provide practical guidance to governments in identifying those sites which must be protected to ensure the future of both biodiversity and humanity.

This book documents the major forest, grassland andwetland regions of Asia and the globally threatened birdspecies which they support. The most important conservation issuesin each of these habitat regions are outlined, based upon theanalysis in BirdLife's Asia Red Data Book, and recommendations aremade for actions to address these issues. The role ofinternational and regional conventions in the conservation ofAsia's birds and habitats is discussed, and the priority actionsto prevent the extinction of the region's most highly threatenedbirds are identified. The book is illustrated with about 200colour photographs of Asia's birds, habitats and conservationissues, plus maps of key habitats and sites for conservation.Review'...the book is visually lush and easy-to-use practicalreference...' - Endangered Species UPDATE.`BirdLife is earning a world-wide reputation for deliveringhigh quality publications to raise awareness among decision-makersabout the need to conserve biodiversity.' Wildfowl andWetlands`A vital step towards the implementation ofconservation policies in the region.'Birdwatch'Theactions required to protect these key bird habitats are presentedin regional accounts and we hope will be supported by the localpopulation and acted upon by the relevant governmentagency.'Ibis

Authoritative and concise, this beautifully illustrated atlas captures the dazzling diversity of bird life around the world.