Hen Extinct within the Wild Returns to Nature After 40 Years

A chook species that was beforehand extinct within the wild has been launched again into its pure habitat for the primary time for the reason that Nineteen Eighties.

In response to a press launch from the Zoological Society of London, six sihek (Guam kingfisher) reside within the Palmyra Atoll tropical forests, which is due to the work accomplished by the Sihek Restoration Program, which appears to revive the species.

4 feminine and 5 male sihek birds had been beforehand cared for by specialists on the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kan. forward of their “historic rewilding.”

Following months of caring for the birds, six of the 9 sihek had been deemed wholesome sufficient to be launched. The birds, which have vivid cerulean and cinnamon colours, traveled from Wichita to “momentary aviaries” at Cooper Island on Aug. 28 the place they had been in a position to adapt to their new environment.

This species is understood to be territorial, so it is possible that they’ll choose their zones early on. The birds have a specifically fitted radio tracker connected to them, this fashion the Sihek Restoration Program can monitor their species’ return to the wild and study their foraging, habitat use and breeding.

The opposite three can be monitored and individually launched when they’re prepared.

The ZSL’s Institute of Zoology and Sihek Restoration Program Workforce Chair Professor John Ewen known as their historic launch “many years within the making” in a press launch. 

“Wildlife globally is underneath menace, and the success of seeing these birds fly within the wild as soon as extra highlights simply how zoos, scientists and conservationists – working with governments and decision-makers – have the ability to guard species and take large steps in bringing them again from the very brink of extinction.” 

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Charlotte James, one of many London Zoo birdkeepers who hand-reared the sihek chicks on the Sedgwick Zoo stated it was “an honor to be a part of this journey.”

“Having spent lengthy days working across the clock at hand increase these valuable birds, it’s so unbelievable seeing them not solely totally grown, but additionally now flying round Palmyra Atoll.”

The sihek had been listed underneath the Guan Endangered Species Act in 1982. Two years later, they turned a part of the U.S. Endangered Species Listing. In 1988, they had been believed to have been extinct as prey to the brown tree snake.

The mission of the Sihek Restoration Program is to ultimately return the birds again to their native dwelling of Guam.