Declines in many
bird populations here in Arizona and across the
nation have led to concern about the future of
migratory and resident birds. The reasons for
the declines are complex. They include loss and
fragmentation of the birds’ habitat where
they breed, spend the winter, and migrate.
In 1990, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
brought together federal, state and local government
agencies; foundations; conservation groups; businesses
and the academic community to form a program
to address the problem. Thus, Partners in Flight
was created as a voluntary, international coalition
dedicated to “keeping common birds common.” The
Arizona Working Group of Partners in Flight (APIF)
developed a plan (see below) as part of the national
Partners in Flight effort. APIF has since been
incorporated under a larger umbrella known as
the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative (ABCI).
|