This loss was probably caused by a combination of factors, including deaths during heat waves, reduced rainfall leading to more limited food and competition from birds from lower lying areas moving into higher ranges because of global warming.
The report finds that of the 1300 types of birds that live in or come regularly to Australia, 31 are now extinct, two more than the last time this research was done in 2010.
About 95 Australian birds are now critically endangered or endangered. In a decade, about 95 birds have been “uplisted” and had their status become more threatened, with 23 becoming less threatened.
The destruction of shorebird habitat has increased the threat to 10 migratory shorebirds, including the curlew sandpiper, Latham’s snipe and Alaskan Bar-tailed Godwit. And 26 species of birds have become more threatened as a result of the black summer bushfires, including about 16 on Kangaroo Island.
But there are notable exceptions to the downward trajectory for many species. Although the eastern hooded plover remains classed as vulnerable, populations of this little shorebird have been steadily increasing in Victoria in the past decade.
Efforts by government and the community, supported by Birdlife Australia, to protect their beach nesting areas in summer has led to hooded plovers being 10 times more likely to successfully produce young. Their numbers have increased from 500 to 750 in a decade.
Similarly, the Norfolk Island green parrot has moved from critically endangered to vulnerable following active protection of its nests. Southern cassowaries are now classified in the category of “least concern” 32 years after their habitat was made into a world heritage site.
Nine seabird species that breed on Macquarie Island have a better chance after the eradication of feral cats, rats and rabbits.
Birdlife Australia spokesman Sean Dooley said a striking number of birds were worse off than a decade ago, but the value of conservation programs was evident.
“It creates an ember of hope in me that this is being taken seriously ... at Birdlife Australia, the action plan is one of the cornerstones in how we prioritise species that need help,” Mr Dooley said.
Without changes, many species would continue to decline or to be lost altogether, Professor Garnett said.
“However, within our report we also have some clear instructions on how to avoid these outcomes. The 2020 report also illustrates how conservation action can turn things around when well-resourced and implemented.”
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.