Human activity including land clearances and illegal logging risk are wiping out hundreds of species of Asian birds, a new study warned on UN World Environment Day on Tuesday.

Conservation group Bird life International said 323species were threatened out of a total of 2,700in Asia, with Indonesia home to the world's highest number of endangered birds.

"All 323threatened species are at risk of extinction from human activities, particularly habitat loss or degradation resulting from unsustainable and often illegal logging, and land and wetland clearance for agriculture or exotic timber plantations, “the statement said.

The survey, which Bird life International said comprised the most comprehensive data ever on the subject, was sponsored by Japan's environment ministry and published to coincide with World Environment Day.

Altogether 664species or 25percent of all Asian bird life are rated as a conservation concern, the report said.

Indonesia holding the dubious distinction of having the highest number of threatened species, not only in Asia but worldwide, at 115.

China is second in the region with 78,India third with 73and the Philippines fourth with 69.

(Eastday.com.cn 06/06/2001)