Good news for Socotra endemics 23 July 2008 The Socotra Archipelago, off the coast of the Horn of Africa and a part of Yemen, has been added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Natural Sites. Bird species restricted to Socotra include the near-threatened Island Cisticola, Socotra Warbler, Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird, the Vulnerable Socotra Bunting. Also only found on the island is the Socotra Grosbeak, part of the complex of species which Yemen recently appointed as its national bird, the Golden-winged Grosbeak. A further 11 subspecies are endemic to the island. Read more on www.birdlife.org
Sea eagle watchpoint opens 17 April 2008 A new hide for watching White-tailed Eagles has just been opened in the best location for viewing the birds in their Scottish home, announced the Forestry Commission. Read more on www.birdwatch.co.uk
Avitourism 'takes off' in South Africa 10 April 2008 Avitourism (birding’s ecotourism) is proving be one of BirdLife South Africa’s most powerful conservation tools. Tourism has outperformed all other sectors in South Africa’s economy, with two popular ‘Birding Routes’ generating an estimated US$6.4 million annually for local people. As a result, BirdLife South Africa has announced the development of six new Birding Routes in the Western Cape and Cape Town areas. Read more on www.birdlife.org
North African houbara release 'very exciting' 10 April 2008 Abu Dhabi: In line with the UAE's strategic efforts to increase the number of houbaras in the wild, General Shaikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has participated in the release of more than 5,000 North African houbaras. Read more on www.gulfnews.com
