With the increasing destruction and fragmentation of forests in both the tropical and temperate regions of the western hemisphere, the need to understand the impact of these changes on the total ecosystem is urgent. Neotropical migrant landbirds are particularly susceptible to these alterations because of their migratory habits. For these species, survival depends on suitable habitat in both regions. This dependence is manifested in a complex ecology that incorporates spatially separate and often physiognomically different habitats. This symposium will bring together an international group of scientists with diverse expertise in research on migrant landbird ecology, but who have a common goal of species and habitat conservation. The goal is to understand the ecology of this diverse group in light of their international migratory habits, so that avian biodiversity can be maintained and so endangered status can be averted or forestalled. Essential to the success of this meeting will be participation by Latin American researchers who study these species in their "wintering" habitats. Documenting population trends in migrant landbirds, and establishing causes of such change, are both formidable tasks. However, this knowledge will be of limited value without participation of Latin American scientists who bear the direct responsibility of taking conservation action in their countries. Interaction between North and Latin American scientists at this conference will provide a perspective that otherwise would not be possible, it is difficult for North American scientists to appreciate the socioeconomic realities of conservation action in Latin America. Latin American contingent at this meeting is essential for understanding of neotropical migrant landbird ecology, and in helping to establish a realistic international conservation agenda.
