The Value of Birds

Wildlife tourism is an increasingly important source of foreign exchange for developing countries, while in the industrial world revenues from birdwatching run into hundreds of millions. Birds are hunted for recreation and subsistence, their eggs harvested, their feathers used in traditional ceremonies. Birds are also recognised as one of the most important indicators of the state of the environment. This book provides many examples of the value of birds as socio-economic resources and bio-indicators, while never losing sight of their intrinsic value. Crammed with bracing counter-arguments to those who see conservation as indifferent or hostile to human interests.