The boreal forest of North America provides breeding habitat for billions of birds, such as this Semipalmated Plover. But the forest is under pressure. Many boreal birds are declining — while development and resource extraction are intensifying. Fortunately, there’s an upside. Conservation science contends that at least 50% of an ecosystem should be protected to preserve its health and biodiversity. According to Dr. Jeff Wells, Vice-president of Conservation at National Audubon, if governments adopt policies in keeping with that science, we still have a chance “to get conservation right” in the boreal forest.
