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FW: Andean forests & world birding record
- To: "Carolinabirds-Owner" <carolinabirds@duke.edu>
- Subject: FW: Andean forests & world birding record
- From: "Kendrick Weeks" <kcweeks@unity.ncsu.edu>
- Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 16:29:48 -0600
- Importance: Normal
- Sender: carolinabirds-owner@acpub.duke.edu
Ok, after sending this to Will about 50 times and finally editing my address
book correctly... here is an interesting project that needs input. Sorry
about the cross-posting.
Peru, anyone?
Also, in reference to the discussion on photoperiod control of singing
behavior, a little known fact about birds is that sunlight stimulates the
hypothalamus directly through the skull (NOT visually as in mammals)
sometimes via a natural optic fiber as with the White-crowned Sparrow! The
hypothalamus then sends hormones to the pituitary and the pituitary releases
hormones that act on the gonads. Sex hormones enlarge and increase
sensitivity of nuclei in the brain responsible for song. Norm is probably
right that this light-controlled mechanism can be tempered by physiological
condition (i.e. warm days in temperate regions, rainfall in deserts, and
bumper cone crops for Pinyon Jays). More interesting facts from Gill (2nd
Edition)!
Kendrick
Kendrick C. Weeks
Graduate Student
Campus Box 7617
NC Coop Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Department of Zoology
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7617
(919) 513-2471
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/users/k/kcweeks/www/home.html
-----Original Message-----
From: ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology
[mailto:ORNITH-L@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU]On Behalf Of Callaghan, D.
Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2001 9:02 AM
To: ORNITH-L@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU
Subject: Andean forests & world birding record
Hi all,
I'm developing a project that will raise cash/awareness for the conservation
of tropical Andean forests and their birds, which as many of you will know
is a global hotspot for conservation action. The project will focus around
an event that will attempt to break the world record for the most number of
bird species recorded in a 24 hour period (see details below). I'm at the
stage of identifying potential sources of funds and sponsors for this
project. If any of you have any ideas in this regard I would appreciate
your input. I look forward to hearing from you and many thanks in advance
for your help.
All the best,
Des
World birding record in the tropical Andes
Why?
The forests of the tropical Andes are a global hotspot for biodiversity, as
indicated by the exceptional richness of bird species. Of the 10,000 bird
species present in the world, 1800 have been recorded in Peru alone.
Unfortunately, habitat destruction is also exceptionally high, which is
causing rapid degradation of the environment and extinctions of many
species. Hence, the conservation of the Andean tropical forests has been
recognised as a global priority for biodiversity conservation. The two main
aims of this project are to:
i) raise public awareness of the importance and plight of Andean tropical
forests;
ii) raise significant funds for local organisations working for the
conservation of Andean tropical forests.
What?
The project will focus around an attempt to break the world record for the
most number of bird species recorded in a 24 hour period. The current
record, as documented in the Guinness Book of World Records, is 342 species,
which was set in Kenya in 1986.
Where?
The record attempt will be made in the tropical forests of Peru.
When?
Early October 2001.
How?
A comprehensive set of rules governing bird races have been developed by The
American Birding Association (ABA); these will be followed for the record
attempt. A helicopter and 4x4 trucks will be used to transport the team
between sites, starting in the lowlands and finishing in the highlands.
Who?
The following team of four will attempt to break the record:
i) Gunnar Engblom - leader for Kolibri Expeditions and senior member of
Ecosystemas Andinos (a local ngo working for the conservation of Andean
forests)
ii) Des Callaghan - European Research Manager, BirdLife International (a
global partnership of ngo's working for the conservation of birds)
iii) Gerrard Bertrand - Chairman of BirdLife International
iv) Bill Oddie - Actor and TV personality