Falklands Conservation

New Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Falkland Islands

We're pleased to announce publication of the Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Falkland Islands by Robin & Anne Woods, a milestone in the study of the birds of these Islands. It is the first atlas of breeding birds for any South American country. It shows the importance of the Falkland archipelago as a haven for species that have declined dramatically in southern South America.

Many Falkland bird populations, seabirds in particular, are of international significance. The Islands support over 80% of the world population of Black-browed Albatross. They remain the most important global site for the Rockhopper Penguin and hold the bulk of the world population of landbird species such as the Ruddy-headed Goose and Black-throated Finch. The rare Striated Caracara (right) is considered to be near-threatened globally with only a small population with a restricted range. Its behaviour is very unusual for a bird of prey and it is a candidate for protected status in forthcoming conservation legislation. Known locally as Johnny Rook, the Striated Caracara is one of 75 Falkland species examined in detail.

The Atlas is based on records from about 160 observers who sent reports equivalent to more than 550 Breeding Birds Survey forms over a period of ten breeding seasons between 1983/84 and 1992/93. About 80 observers (51%) were Falkland Islanders or contract workers, 47 (30%) were military personnel and 29 (19%) were visitors to the Falklands. The results are substantial, considering that this country of 12,200 square kilometres (4,700 square miles), with land in 255 10km grid squares, has a small permanent human population of only about 2,200.

The wealth of information will be an essential reference for studies associated with offshore oil exploration and the Falkland fisheries. It will be of interest to Falkland Islanders and visitors, to ornithologists worldwide, to students of Island fauna and to anyone concerned about the future of regions of global conservation importance.

"This book is an important and timely contribution to our knowledge of the status and conservation requirements of the breeding birds of the Falklands. Future development plans and the environmental policy for the Islands and their surrounding seas must ensure that the critical wildlife habitats identified are secured".

World Wildlife Fund UK (whose funding has supported the cost of publication)

"This is a pioneering study and foundation for future work on the status and conservation of Falkland Island birds"

Dr Michael Rands, Director & Chief Executive, BirdLife International

247 x 175mm, 192pp, casebound and jacketed. ISBN 0 904 614 60 3 Price 25.00 pounds sterling (plus postage and packing). Published by Anthony Nelson, PO Box 9, Oswestry, Shropshire SY1 1 1BY, England in association with Falklands Conservation

For further information or to order a copy please contact us. or use the Order Form

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