🐦 The Guam kingfisher may soon be free in the wild after a 30-year absence

• The endangered bird may soon fly freely again, but not on Guam yet.
• A team is ready to do for the Guam kingfisher what has previously been done for the California condor.
• Almost 140 Guam kingfishers live today in 25 facilities worldwide.

Hope for reintroduction

The Guam kingfisher, known as Sihek in the native Chamorro language, was eradicated in the wild on its home island of Guam due to invasive brown tree snakes. These snakes were introduced to the American territory shortly after World War II, leading to a "silent forest" devoid of bird song.

Only 29 Siheks were saved to captivity to prevent total extinction. Today, nearly 140 Siheks live in 25 facilities around the world. Reintroduction into the wild and increasing the captive population are now necessary steps for the species' survival.

Challenges and solutions

The reintroduction of Sihek faces challenges, including the species' aggression towards each other, requiring separate housing, and inbreeding that reduces genetic diversity. However, these challenges are overshadowed by hope for success, similar to conservation efforts that have led to the recovery of other species like the California condor.

The Palmyra Atoll has been chosen as the new home for these birds, following a successful rat eradication in 2011. The atoll is free from predators and offers a rich supply of nesting material and food, creating an ideal environment for Sihek.

Future hopes

Despite the challenges of reintroducing Sihek, experts look forward to learning how the species adapts to a life of freedom after such a long time in captivity. The goal is not only to reintroduce Sihek to Palmyra but also to return them to Guam.

Source: Audubon

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