">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Bird discovery shows China's ecological potential
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Bird discovery shows China's ecological potential
By MICHAEL CASEY,AP Environmental Writer AP - 2 hours 38 minutes ago
BANGKOK, Thailand - A new species of the fist-sized, babbler bird has been found in network of underground caves in southwestern China, raising the prospect the country could become a hot spot for other new discoveries, a conservation group said Thursday.
Ornithologists Zhou Fang and Jiang Aiwu first spotted the dark bird, which has with white specks on its chest, in 2005 and have since confirmed its identity as an undescribed species. They named it the Nonggang babbler, or Stachyris nonggangensis, for the area of China in which they discovered it.
A formal description was published last year in The Auk, which is the quarterly journal of the Virginia-based American Ornithologists' Union.
"This is exciting evidence that there could be many more interesting discoveries awaiting ornithologists in China," said Birdlife International's Nigel Collar, which announced the discovery.
The new species resembles a wren-babbler of the genus Napothera in that it prefers running to flying, and seems to spend most of its time on the ground foraging for insects between rocks and under fallen leaves, Zhou said. About 100 Nonggang babblers have been identified so far in the Nonggang Natural Reserve in southwestern China.
A similar habitat exists straddling the border of northern Vietnam and southeast Yunnan, China, and it is possible the species may also be found there, Zhou said.
"I'm very pleased to be able to make some contribution to the ornithology research by discovering Stachyris nonggangensis," Zhou said in a statement. "The discovery shows that there are still some birds that haven't been (identified) yet in China, such a vast territory that is rich in biodiversity."
Xi Zhinong, the founder of conservation group Wild China, said he was "very glad, excited and surprised" when he learned about a new bird being found.
Xi said finds like Zhou's and Jiang's are likely to become even more common in China as laymen join professionals in the search for new species.
"In recent years, more and more bird lovers and photographers are participating in the research of wild birds," Xi said. "Without a doubt, the participation of those nonprofessionals has pushed forward the research of wildlife in China."
But Zhou warned the country's rapid development and worsening pollution could threaten many biologically rich areas like the karst _ a network of limestone sinkholes marked by underground streams and caverns _ before further discoveries are made.
"The fragility of the karst ecosystem and its destruction by people pose great threats to the bird's existence," he said. "Research and conservation of the birds in this habitat is very urgent."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Beijing orders operation costs freeze amid slumpAP - 23 minutes ago
Thailand grants UN access to Myanmar boat peopleAFP - 25 minutes ago
Filipino rebels want investment for hostagesAP - 34 minutes ago
Afghan presidential poll delayed for poor securityAP - 45 minutes ago
Sri Lanka says it captured key crossroad in northAP - 1 hour 17 minutes ago
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
New York state to probe 'billions' in Merrill bonuses
Obama lobbies for $825 bln stimulus to thwart recession
US House approves massive economic stimulus bill
Financial crisis bringing global economy to standstill: IMF
Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Thursday, 29 January 2009
Israel retaliation likely as envoy holds talks
Police and soldiers kick off Iraqi voting
House fails to pass DTV delay bill
'Crisis of values' helped economic downturn: EU's Barroso
Cuba to invite U.N. torture investigator to visit
| International
|
Cuba's Raul Castro on milestone Russia visit
Red ink for New York Times
U.S. Navy searches cargo vessel for Iranian weapons
| International
|
Financial crisis bringing global economy to standstill: IMF
China shuts 1,500 websites in porn crackdown: state media
Boeing to cut 10,000 jobs after loss
Canada govt survives as opposition coalition dies
| International
|
Citing threats, TechCrunch founder taking a break
Obama Afghan strategy to stress non-military role
| International
|
Chavez has slim lead for vote on re-election: poll
| International
|
Over 100 killed in Jan 16 Congo massacre: U.N.
| International
|
Odd planet's extreme global warming: Highs of 2240
Gore urges action on economy, global warming
Davos gathering muted by sobering economic reality
Pakistan's Zardari vows to restore order to Swat
Google begins effort to find Internet blockers
| Technology
|
Smokes now tax-free for foreign diplomats in US
Pakistan army chief vows to restore authority to Swat
House fails to pass digital TV delay bill
| Technology
|
Pakistan vows to restore order in Swat Valley
Football: Japan sink as Australia grind out draw
Obama urges passage of stimulus bill
China detains 81 people in Tibet crackdown
Japan ex-PM on rare Iraq visit
Biden Calls Justice Roberts To Apologize For Joke
Japanese fishing boat captured by Russia: official
Obama Defends Economic Stimulus In Speech After 'Sober' Meeting With Business Leaders
Senate Panel Endorses Attorney General-Designee Eric Holder's Nomination
Al Gore Calls For 'Bold Action' Ahead Of Copenhagen Climate Change Conference
Wiretaps Of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Publicly Played For The First Time In Impeachment Trial
China sets tough growth target to maintain order: Wen
Wen to defend China's role in battling economic crisis
Satyam boss created complex network to divert cash: minister
New films lighten up recession-weary audiences
| Entertainment
|
Thriller video director sues Jackson for profits
| Entertainment
|
Brad Pitt thrilled by Oscar nominations
| Entertainment
|
Indian author Kunzru says no more sari stories
| Entertainment
|
Brad Pitt "thrilled" by Oscar nominations
Author and Parade columnist James Brady dies at 80
Philadelphia Soul ex-manager sues Bon Jovi, others
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist dies at Florida home
Brad Pitt "thrilled" by Oscar nominations
'Thriller' director sues Michael Jackson
EU extends rules for supporting film industry
Berlin searches traces of Wall 20 years on
'Slumdog Millionaire' gathers speed in India: analysts
Dogs' dinner means big bucks in Mumbai
President Obama Not Amused By VP Biden's Joke About Chief Justice Robert's Oath Flub
FDA Finds Some ADHD Drugs Can Make Children Hallucinate
US envoy urges stronger Gaza truce amid airstrikes
Big turnout as Iraqis vote in first stage of election
Israel strikes in Gaza as Obama envoy holds talks
| International
|
Early voting begins in Iraqi provincial elections
Putin calls economic crisis a 'perfect storm'
Online advertisers hammered by "click fraud" in 2008: report
US House approves massive economic stimulus bill
For Obama, closed doors no match for Twitter
Cuba's Raul Castro on milestone Russia visit
Smart email figures out who should get messages
Canadian government survives budget crisis
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
In setback to Obama, House rejects digital TV switch delay
Google begins effort to find Internet blockers
The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group from Myanmar
AOL to cut 700 jobs: internal memo
| Technology
|
Muslim group flees Myanmar but faces more woe
'Difficult decisions' on Iraq, Afghanistan ahead: Obama
Biden's Munich role: Reinvigorate NATO ties
House Lawmakers Pass Obama's $819 Billion Stimulus Plan
Starbucks Still Losing Money, Will Slash 6,000 Jobs
Wall Street Extends Gains, Financial Surge On Stimulus Hopes
Federal Reserve Leaves Key Interest Rates Unchanged
Taiwanese billionaire to buy ATV stake -paper
S.Korea to offer Hynix stake to foreigners -paper
NZ govt. accounts deep in red in November
New Zealand rates fall to record low, more cuts seen
Final Oscar ballots mailed to voters
| Entertainment
|
NZ slashes 1.5 percent from key interest rate
Zappa family loses court battle in Germany
| Entertainment
|
Financial crisis slams global economy to near-halt: IMF
NBC says Super Bowl ad sales nearly done
| Entertainment
|
And the ballots go to ... 5,810 Oscar voters
Dallas Museum of Art adds contemporary pieces
Lord Lucan's desk to be auctioned in London
Oscars ballots mailed to voters
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Springsteen lightens music for Obama era
Youths rule Internet, but elderly making gains: study
And the ballots go to ... 5,810 Oscar voters
Lara Croft to return to big screen -- without Jolie
Zappa family loses court battle in Germany
Lynyrd Skynyrd pianist Billy Powell dead at 56: band
Cormac McCarthy's former home burns in Knoxville
Bits Of Bones Found In Medieval Walls In Spain
Iraqis vote in al Qaeda's last stronghold
SKorean firm claims advance in dog cloning
France faces 'Black Thursday' strike chaos
Israeli warplane bombs Gaza-Egypt border: army
Iraqis vote in al Qaeda's last stronghold
| International
|
Veteran TV Producer And Director Kim Manners Dies Following Battle With Lung Cancer
Sony Q3 PlayStation 3 sales fall
Obama's envoy calls for strengthening of Gaza truce
Fed keeps intervention options open
Google out to expose Internet traffic chokers
Harassment forces Afghan girls out of school
| International
|
Obama savors stimulus win but fights loom
Cuba to invite U.N. torture investigator to visit
| International
|
Public radio goes hi-tech to raise cash
Afghanistan to hold presidential poll on August 20
| International
|
U.N. convoy carrying Sri Lanka wounded leaves war zone
| International
|
Sony Q3 PlayStation 3 sales fall
Obama Afghan strategy to stress non-military role
| International
|
Australian girl, 4, thrown from bridge
| International
|
Japan executive loses 4 mln dlrs buried in garden
Sri Lanka says it captured key crossroad
Indonesian NGO backs villagers in fight against palm oil
LA Cardinal faces probe over abusive priests: report
CIA Algeria station chief faces sex assault probe
Philippine fireworks factory blast kills 6
Google lets users search for Internet blockers
| Technology
|
UN to visit boat people detained in Thailand
Nintendo cuts Wii sales target, raises DS target
| Technology
|
Bolivia seeks to rebuild strained ties with US
NKorean collapse might require 460,000 US, allied troops: study
Public radio goes hi-tech to raise cash
| Technology
|
CIA Officer For Algeria Under Probe For Alleged Rapes
Japan executes 4 convicted killers
Senate confirms new US intelligence chief
Sony Q3 PlayStation 3 sales fall
| Technology
|
Legislators Stall Passage Of Bill Postponing DTV Transition
International concern mounts for Sri Lanka civilians
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 571
Postmaster General Seeks 5-Day Mail Delivery Amid Deficit, Low Volume
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,236
Mississippi Mayor, Wife Indicted For False Katrina Claim
Spielberg, EA play Boom Blox sequel
| Technology
|
Japan's PM takes grilling over economy
New Zealand inmate stroll stopped by pole
Jan 28 Highlights In U.S. Economy
AOL to cut 700 jobs: internal memo
| Technology
|
IT industry joins energy efficiency push
| Technology
|
Shell posts 2.8 bln dlr loss in fourth quarter
Toshiba forecasts loss for year
Sony reports 200 mln dollar Q3 operating loss
South Korea vice fin min sees job market worsening
Seoul shares rise as banks, retail issues gain
Philippine growth slips to 7 year low in 2008
Thai parliament passes 3.35 bln dlr stimulus package
Deadly attacks shed light on Indonesia's human-animal conflicts
S.Korea end-Nov unsold new homes hit record high
SKorea government may sell Hynix stake to foreigners: report
Worst yet to come for SKorea economy: Lee
"X-Files" director, producer Kim Manners dies
Fox plans Gordon Ramsay cook-along
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood studio alliance to deliver online films on demand
X-Files director, producer Kim Manners dies
| Entertainment
|
Analog TV Shutdown On Schedule As Bill Delaying DTV Transition Blocked In House
Spielberg, EA play Boom Blox sequel
| Entertainment
|
N.Y. museums head to trial in rights over Picassos
| Entertainment
|
Vietnam's new wave of writers turns away from war
"X-Files" director, producer Kim Manners dies
Spielberg, EA play "Boom Blox" sequel
Mickey Rourke won't rumble with WWE superstar
Jacko sued by 'Thriller' video director Landis
N.Y. museums head to trial in rights over Picassos
Hollywood studio alliance to deliver online films on demand
OONY cancels remaining performances this season
Lyric Opera to begin season with Voigt as `Tosca'
Sudan accuses Chad of supplying Darfur rebels
Businesses risk $1 trillion losses from data theft: study
Iraq to deny licence to U.S. Blackwater guards
French strike nationwide over economic crisis
| International
|
Nokia unveils three new phone models
Madagascar deaths rise to 44, shops heed strike
| International
|
OPEC warns of further oil cuts: sec gen
Afghan presidential vote delayed to August 20
Nintendo cuts Wii sales target, raises DS target
After Mumbai, India boosts arms modernization
| International
|
Gaza truce under fire as US envoy meets Abbas
Small Israeli parties promote offbeat agendas
Over half of Zimbabweans need food aid: WFP
| International
|
Moderate Islamists seize Somali town from Shabaab
| International
|
Nokia unveils three new phone models
Beijing orders operation costs freeze amid slump
Thailand grants UN access to Myanmar boat people
Filipino rebels want investment for hostages
Afghan presidential poll delayed for poor security
Sony sinks to Q3 loss, Nintendo cuts outlook
| Technology
|
Sri Lanka says it captured key crossroad in north
OPEC warns of further oil cuts: sec gen
India boosts arms modernisation after Mumbai
Businesses risk $1 trillion losses from data theft: study
| Technology
|
DAVOS-BP's Hayward says world needs a carbon price
OPEC says it's ready for more oil production cuts
Nokia unveils three new phone models
| Technology
|
Japan hangs 4 convicted killers
Senate Confirms Former Navy Admiral As Nation's New Spy Chief
Japan's opposition: PM is 'out of touch'
Nearly 2,000 Employees, Visitors To Los Alamos Lab Being Tested For Beryllium Exposure
Massachusetts Plans To Impose New Taxes, Cut More Programs To Close Budget Gap
Japan executes four people: officials
Chicago Homeowners Give In To Price Reductions To Sell Units
Bird discovery shows China's ecological potential
House Republicans Reject Delay In TV Signal Switch
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich To Appear At Impeachment Trial Thursday
Wall Street Executives Still Got Hefty Bonuses In 2008
Most Of Long Island Companies In Survival Mode
FEATURE: Blagojevich's Senate Showdown
Layoffs Loom In California If State Workers Won't Agree To 2-Day Forced Leave
S.Korea puts exchange operator under state control
Nintendo's 9-month profit falls on strong yen
Hyundai Heavy's quarterly profit jumps 67 percent
Sony's quarterly net profit tumbles 95 percent
Bridgestone cuts profit estimate after EU fine
Philippine growth beat expectations in Q4
Digital Switch In U.S. Back To Feb. 17 Schedule After House Rejects 4 Months Shift Postponement
Cheap trip: TV adventurer aims for Super glory
Free online computer games win US fans in dismal economy
Tough times for Japan's hostess clubs
Fox plans Gordon Ramsay cook-along
Saudis Boycott Soccer After Prince Insults Commentators
Article not found
Ford loses $5.9 bln, won't seek US aid
Iraq: Artwork dedicated to shoe thrower
Writer Claims He Created "Hannah Montana" In New Lawsuit
NFL players get shot at a virtual championship
Obama team drafting letter to heal Iran rift: report
| International
|
Afghan presidential vote delayed to August 20
Bon Jovi Sued By Philadelphia Soul's Ex-Manager For Unpaid Wages
Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Billy Powell Dies Of Apparent Heart Attack
Obama team drafting letter to heal Iran rift
EU anti-terrorism chief: EU, U.S. need time on Guantanamo
| International
|
UN makes $613m appeal for Gaza
Pakistan police say three Indian agents arrested
| International
|
U.N. urges African economies to diversify
| International
|
Sarkozy ex-wife burgled by jewel thieves
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Sri Lanka forces advance into shrinking rebel area
Philippine town mayor, 2 others killed by gunmen
Police in India charge 10 men with raping nun
Official: New initiative for Iraqi students
Tight security for Islamic gathering in Bangladesh
Iraq scraps licence of US security firm Blackwater
NFL players get shot at a virtual championship
| Technology
|
Pakistan says it arrests 3 alleged Indian agents