Why birds matter: avian ecological function and ecosystem services - 57734

For over 100 years, ornithologists and amateur birders have jointly campaigned for the conservation of bird species, documenting not only birds' beauty and extraordinary diversity, but also their importance to ecosystems worldwide.

But while these avian enthusiasts have noted that birds eat fruit, carrion, and pests; spread seed and fertiliser; and pollinate plants, among other services, they have rarely asked what birds are worth in economic terms.

In 'Why Birds Matter', an international collection of ornithologists, botanists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and environmental economists seeks to quantify avian ecosystem services - the myriad benefits that birds provide to humans.