Citing climate change, widespread habitat loss, and the increasing number of invasive species, Cagan H. Sekercioglu of the Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology, predicts the decline and extinction of bird species, according to the Associated Press. Sekercioglu and colleagues say that 10 percent of all bird species face extinction by the end of the century and 15 percent more are on the brink of extinction. This could have serious impact on various ecosystem processes, including pollination and seed dispersal which, in turn, could lead to the extinction of dependent plant species. Another concern is the loss of scavenging birds. They consume the flesh of decomposing large animals and lead other animals to the bodies, which helps prevent the spread of disease. Since birds also feed on millions of insects, a decline the bird population could result in dangerous increases in damaging pests.