Final answer:
The cardinal rule in bird restraint is to ensure the bird's safety and minimize stress, with careful consideration of the specific species' behavior, such as whooping crane chicks' imprinting process. Conservation efforts also play a critical role in protecting bird species from extinction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one rule with bird restraint is ensuring the safety and well-being of the bird during the process. Since some birds have sophisticated balance systems and all birds can become stressed during handling, it's crucial to use gentle techniques and to be familiar with the biology and behavior of the species. For example, whooping crane chicks undergo imprinting, where they bond with the first object or being they see, which necessitates handlers wearing special costumes to be identified correctly by the chicks. Efforts to protect birds extend beyond individual handling and involve addressing broader conservation issues such as habitat destruction, illegal trafficking, and the spread of avian diseases. To help protect birds from extinction and preserve this important natural resource, one can engage in activities such as supporting habitat conservation, opposing illegal bird trade, and promoting awareness of avian wellbeing.