One mild concern is that, because this report is unusually well suited to practical 
use by decision makers, its findings will be closely scrutinised - the more so the 
more it is referred to. Clearer explanation on such matters as threat assessment, 
or at least reference to where underlying concepts are discussed more fully, 
would be helpful. 
Another question arises from the case that is made out for birds being valuable 
indicators of biodiversity in general. Our relatively high level of knowledge of 
birds, and their wide distribution, are obviously major advantages. Further, from 
the evidence available it appears that, where avian endemism is pronounced, 
there is likely to be a high degree of endemism in other life forms. But the authors 
admit that the data to support this are fairly limited . The arguments for conserving 
places holding concentrations of restricted range birds are powerful in their own 
right. It would be disastrous if the findings of this report were called into question 
because the 'indicator species' assertion had been over-played. Further work to 
support the thesis might be judicious. 
Written from Sandy, UK, this review would not be complete without the 
northwest European perspective. Vital as the protection of EBAs is, care must be 
taken not to give decision makers the message that this is sufficient to conserve 
global biodiversity. The EBA concept is a very important part of a package that 
must also include measures to conserve more widely distributed and migratory 
species. 
The most important point to make, however, is summarised in one sentence in 
the Foreword: 
'The ICBP maps can be used right now as a reliable 
general blueprint for increased action in the field.' 
The onus is on all members of BirdLife International to extract the maximum 
conservation value from this powerful new analysis. 
Graham Wynne 
The Birds of Cyprus (1992). By Peter Flint and Peter Stewart. 
BOU Check List No 6 (Second Ed). 234 Pages 24 B/W, 15 
Colour Plates. Available from British Ornithologists' Union. 
£18 UK. £20 Overseas inc P & P. 
The BOU should be congratulated for its continuingpublication of these extremely 
useful guides based around 'check lists'. This is far more than an annotated guide 
to the 'Birds of Cyprus'. The authors have been meticulous in their presentation 
and updating of the information. 
The introduction covers 35 pages of well-researched topics, from the history of 
Cyprus ornithology, geography and vegetation through migrationand movement 
to bird killing and conservation. 
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