Twenty-five species of birds that are on the verge of extinction will most probably be written in the third edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova. They include the red heron, white stork, oak tree woodpecker and the crested duck, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué issued by the Ministry of the Environment on the occasion of the World Migratory Bird Day that is celebrated on April 1, 20 of the 25 species are diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey - species from the top of the trophic pyramid whose disappearance may cause a functional imbalance of the natural ecosystems.

The fauna of vertebrates in Moldova includes 281 species of birds, 89 of which are rare species covered by the Law on Natural State-Protected Areas, while 39 are species contained in the second edition of Moldova’s Red Book.

The Ministry of the Environment said the birds can be protected by reducing pollution of water, soil and air, diminishing the quantities of chemicals used in agriculture and forestry and restoring the habitats of birds.