More than half of world’s bird species in decline, as leaders meet on extinction crisis

Biodiversity losses are growing, the IUCN reports as summit opens, but green turtle's recovery reminds us conservation works'

More than half of all bird species are in decline, according to a new global assessment, with deforestation driving sharp falls in populations across the planet.

On the eve of a key biodiversity summit in the UAE, scientists have issued a fresh warning about the health of bird populations, with 61% of assessed species now recording declines in their numbers.