1. The Important Bird Areas Program in the U.S.

3. The IBA Program seeks to identify, protect, and conserve a network of sites that are important for the long-term viability of naturally occurring bird populations, across their geographical range…

4. Factors affecting Biodiversity

6. BirdLife International Partnership - Network of Global IBAs -

11. IBA Program Site Identification Status

14. Global IBA Criteria http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/criteria.html A1 - Species of Global Conservation Concern A2 - Assemblage of Restricted-range species A3 - Assemblage of Biome-restricted species A4i - ≥1% biogeographic (N. Am.) population of a waterbird simultaneously; ≥5% over a season A4ii - ≥1% global population of a seabird or terrestrial species simultaneously; ≥5% over a season A4iv - aerial bottleneck where ≥ 5% N.Am. population of a migratory waterbird, or ≥ 5% global population of a migratory seabird or terrestrial species passes during a season

16. IBA - Site Identification Status

18. Conservation Planning

19. 4 Elements of Assessment Birds – population status & trends for IBA trigger species Habitats – extent, quality, suitability for trigger species Threats – timing, scope, severity –> overall impact Conservation Actions – protection, planning, effectiveness

21. DO CONSERVATION by … Engaging people, groups, communities in taking action at and on behalf of Important Bird Areas

32. Highlights of IBA Adoption CALIFORNIA … San Jacinto Valley IBA - San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society Conservation plan focused on preserving agricultural lands, after agreement reached with local farmer, protecting large colony of Tricolored Blackbird ILLINOIS … Bartell Grassland IBA - Thorn Creek Audubon Tours, raised money for a viewing berm and some plantings, bird and butterfly monitors , stewardship volunteers there. “Vision” plan developed – leading to large habitat restoration project. NORTH CAROLINA … Highlands Plateau IBA -Highlands Plateau Audubon Long-term monitoring to help in understanding impacts of development and growth on species highly dependent on the forests, mountains and streams around Highlands