Red List of Breeding Birds in Jordan

The Red List of Breeding Birds in Jordan, completed in May 2026, is published by Jordan BirdWatch, in cooperation with the Jordan Species Specialist Group and under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment. This is the first national assessment of extinction risk of birds in the country based on IUCN/Red List criteria, serving as the foundation for species action planning and implementation in accordance with the National Biodiversity Action Plan and Strategy. The breeding populations of 168 bird species were assessed by the co-authors Fares Khoury and Ehab Eid. The best estimate of the proportion of threatened breeding bird species in Jordan is 47.5%, indicating a high risk of extinction for breeding bird populations and an urgent need for action at various levels. Raptors (diurnal and nocturnal) are among the most imperiled taxa, facing persistent pressures including persecution, poisoning, disturbance, and the destruction of nesting sites, as well as habitat degradation that reduces prey availability. The best estimate of the proportion of threatened breeding raptor species in Jordan is 71%, and breeding populations of five raptor species are already nationally extinct, and two of the Critically Endangered are labeled as possibly extinct. Wetland-dependent breeding species are also highly vulnerable, particularly those reliant on marshes, reed beds, and other well-vegetated aquatic habitats. An estimated 64% of the breeding wetland species are threatened, with a few already extinct as breeders at the national level. Illegal hunting continues to exert strong pressure on bustards, partridges, sandgrouse, and other game species, several of which are threatened or regionally extinct as breeders. Breeding populations of shrublands and woodlands also face major threats in Jordan, due to their restricted extent and location in the western parts of the country, which have the highest human population density. For more information and copies, please contact Jordan BirdWatch, avijordan2000@yahoo.com.