Prothonotary Warbler is on PIF’s D-Yellow Watch List. The species likely faces its gravest threats from the deforestation and degradation of wintering and breeding habitats. © Laura Kammermeier
Partners in Flight takes a highly scientific approach to conservation planning and action –
one that is built on a foundation of scientific knowledge about birds and the threats they face. PIF follows a step-by-step planning approach and a logical process for setting objectives, working with partners to implement conservation actions, and evaluating progress toward these objectives. PIF’s step-by-step approach, applied through a broad collaboration among avian scientists from universities, agencies, and non-governmental organizations, includes:
- Assess conservation vulnerability of all landbird species;
- Identify species and habitats most in need of conservation attention;
- Set numerical population objectives for species of continental and regional importance;
- Set habitat-based objectives and identify conservation actions for priority species;
- Identify suites of focal species that are representative of desired habitat conditions;
- Work with partners to implement strategies for meeting species and habitat objectives at continental and regional scales;
- Evaluate conservation outcomes using bird and habitat monitoring measures;
- Revise conservation priorities, objectives, and actions as new data and evaluation results become available.
This scientific approach is the basis for PIF’s Landbird Conservation Plan, which summarize the latest species and habitat priorities, threats faced by North American landbirds, and guidelines for implementation at continental and regional scales.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker is on the PIF Red Watch List, meaning it’s a species of the highest conservation concern. PIF’s population goal for these 19 Red Watch List species is to RECOVER populations well above current levels. © Mark Herse
A key element in these plans is the PIF Watch List, which identifies the bird species most at risk of severe population decline, range reduction, or extinction. All of the most relevant scientific data and information that form the biological foundation for PIF’s science approach are hosted in the easily accessible PIF Databases.
PIF conducts its science through an active International Science Committee, which is open to all scientists interested in advancing PIF’s fundamental science tools and concepts, updating our databases, and developing future PIF conservation plans.