Brazil has about 1,800 species of birds, representing 20% of 9000 species in the world. It is the third country in bird diversity, behind only Colombia and Peru. However, it is the first in number of species from extinction. According to the latest survey by BirdLife / IUCN, Brazil has 122 species of birds threatened with extinction, which corresponds to approximately 10% of all threatened birds in the world.

That figure reflects the many threats to the survival of Brazilian birds, including deforestation, the destruction of habitat, hunting and trafficking.

Keep the birds is to protect a heritage of humanity. Beautiful and inspiring, the birds have economic value, cultural, ethnic and spiritual for many people around the world. They are also an excellent indicator of the quality of our environment. In general, the places rich in birds are also rich in other forms of life and have air, water and soil healthy.

The birds are part of the immense diversity of our planet. This biodiversity is responsible for numerous environmental services - processes that occur in nature as the pollination of plants and supply of water - that we all enjoy no cost. To keep the birds, we are helping to protect these ecosystems and helping to improve the lives of other groups of plants and animals, and especially the people.

Seeking to mobilize society to the importance of birds and their conservation, a 3rd Concurso Avistar Itau BBA in 2009 highlights a special prize for the best click of endangered species.

Find out more about the lists of endangered species visiting the site of IBAMA and the BirdLife International.