Appeal launched for Patagonian grebe

Recent surveys on its coastal Patagonian wintering grounds indicate that the Endangered Hooded Grebe Podiceps gallardoi has declined by 40% in the last seven years and this, along with alarming new threats detected on its breeding grounds during 2011, indicate action is now urgently required to prevent the rapidly increasing threat of its extinction.

In response to these worrying findings, Aves Argentinas (BirdLife in Argentina) has mounted a wide-ranging offensive to protect this highly-threatened migratory species from further decline. In support, we are launching an international online appeal through the BirdLife Preventing Extinctions Programme to help fund the urgently required conservation action that they have already begun.

Please click here to visit our appeal page.

We are also seeking BirdLife Species Champions for the Hooded Grebe. If you or your company would like to find out about this opportunity please email species.champions@birdlife.org.

Discovered only as recently as 1974, Hooded Grebe has declined by as much as 80% in the last 30 years and as a result of surveys conducted in 2006 and 2009, the species was uplisted by BirdLife to Endangered on the IUCN Red List in May 2009. Recent counts on the wintering grounds last year, suggest the decline is steepening further.

“Our teams started to become really worried when we realised that there was more than one cause to tackle if we were to conserve the Hooded Grebe”, said Gustavo Costa, President of Aves Argentinas.

In many of the lakes in the grebe’s core distribution, exotic trout have been introduced for industrial fish production. “Trout rearing has reached the most isolated places, and this industry is threatening not only the future of the grebe but also the rest of the wildlife present in those environments”, Gustavo Costa added. Also evident are the increasing numbers of Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus, a known predator of the grebe that has benefited from both the fish industry and poor waste management at human settlements.

As if these problems were not already enough to push this struggling species over the edge, a breeding colony which Aves Argentinas was studying at Laguna El Cervecero, Santa Cruz Province in March 2011, was devastated by a sinister and ferocious invasive pest that is now advancing in western Patagonia: the American mink, Neovison vison. More than 30 breeding adult Hooded Grebes were found killed by mink at this one site, and a further 40-plus eggs were abandoned.

Read more at: http://www.birdlife.org/community/2012/01/international-appeal-for-patagonian-grebe-in-crisis/

Study reveals alarm bells for Amazonian wildlife

The Amazon is currently experiencing the highest absolute rate of forest loss globally. Yet the proportion of Amazonian species assessed as ‘threatened’ with extinction on the IUCN Red List is below the global average. This list is used to set conservation priorities, and contributes to assessments of the state of the planet’s biodiversity. A new study is changing this picture.

A group of authors from the BirdLife International Partnership used an existing model that predicts where in the Amazon deforestation is projected to take place in the coming years under different scenarios to reassess the Red List status of all 814 forest-dependent Amazonian bird species. Their findings have been published today in the journal Diversity and Distributions. [1]

Using this model, the number of species qualifying as threatened rises substantially from just 24 (3% of species assessed) to 64–92 (8–11%), depending on different forest loss scenarios. The number of species ‘of conservation concern’ (threatened plus Near Threatened species) increases from 60 to 117–172 species. Of particular concern are the species that appear to qualify for uplisting (i.e. at greater risk of extinction than thought) to Critically Endangered or Endangered, such as Hoary-throated Spinetail Synallaxis kollari and Varzea Piculet Picumnus varzeae, as these are the species projected to decline fastest because they will lose suitable habitat most rapidly.

Incorporating projected deforestation into assessments provides a more accurate reflection of the extinction risk facing species in the region. The revised estimates of extinction risk to Amazonian birds brings them closer in line with the global average of 12% of birds considered threatened.
By overlaying distribution maps for these apparently threatened species, the authors identified ‘crisis areas’ (areas of forest that are projected to be lost, but which support the highest numbers of threatened species) and ‘refugia’ (areas projected to retain forest, but which support the highest numbers of threatened species). Over half of the most important areas for threatened species are currently legally protected, including two thirds of refugia. But the unprotected areas should be priorities for new protected areas, particularly the ’crisis’ areas where important forest will be lost imminently, such as those in the Brazilian states of Rondonia, Mato Grosso and Para.

“It is clear that until now we have underestimated the risk of extinction that many of the Amazon’s species are facing”, said lead author Jeremy Bird of BirdLife International. “Now we have a better understanding, not only of the species that are threatened with extinction, but also the most irreplaceable and imperilled pockets of the Amazon’s remaining forest that we must protect in order to conserve its wildlife."

“As far as we are aware, no Amazonian bird species has been driven to extinction by human activities yet”, he added. “To ensure that none are, and that other groups of wildlife survive too, further investment is needed to protect effectively the priority areas of remaining habitat.”

[1] Integrating spatially explicit habitat projections into extinction risk assessments: a reassessment of Amazonian avifauna incorporating projected deforestation, Jeremy P. Bird, Graeme M. Buchanan, Alexander C. Lees, Rob P. Clay, Pedro F. Develey, Itala Ye´pez and Stuart H. M. Butchart.

http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/09/study-rings-alarm-bells-for-amazonian-wildlife/

 

The Magnificent Seven (rat free Fijian islands)

Two years after the BirdLife International Fiji Programme implemented an operation to eradicate rats from the Ringgold Islands, all seven islands have been confirmed rodent-free. Early monitoring also shows that the birds, people and wider wildlife of these remote islands are already benefitting from the removal of these invasive pests. BirdLife staff are continuing to work with local people to ensure the rats don’t return.


Located to the northeast of Taveuni, Fiji, the Ringgold Islands hold internationally important numbers of nesting seabirds. Seabird populations here, as elsewhere in the Pacific, were suffering because of rats, which eat eggs and nestlings. The Ringgolds are also an important source of natural resources and income for the islands’ landowners.

In August 2008, the BirdLife Fiji programme began working closely with the two landowning clans, Yavusa Naqelelevu and Mataqali Qilo, to eradicate the rats. A specially formulated rodent bait was dropped on the islands from a helicopter.

Among the positive changes recorded since 2008 Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus have been observed for two of the seven islands. This species was not previously known in the area, and its appearance is a promising sign that birds vulnerable to the impacts of rats will establish breeding colonies.

In mid-November 2010, BirdLife’s Fiji team led a survey of the Ringgold Islands. Colonies of Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel, Black Noddy Anous minutus and Brown Booby Sula leucogaster were recorded. These populations represent over 1% of the global number for each species, and qualify the island group as an Important Bird Area.


In addition, nationally significant numbers of Red-footed Booby Sula sula, Brown Noddy Anous stolidus, Common White Tern Gygis alba, and the globally Vulnerable Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis were also present.

Significant numbers of turtle nests were recorded on three islands and skink activity had also increased, particularly the Pacific Black Skink Emoia nigra, which is listed under Fiji’s Endangered and Protected Species Act.

The eradication programme was only the first step in keeping these islands free of rats and other foreign pests. Biosecurity plans have been developed for all the islands, and village representatives have been trained in techniques to prevent the introduction of alien species.

“BirdLife urges all visitors to these islands to check their boats and equipment for stowaway rats prior to departure”, said Mr Sialisi Rasalato, BirdLife Fiji programme Conservation Officer. “The introduction of just one pregnant rat would be enough to undo all the hard work, and set the clock back to a time where the islands were crawling with rats.”


Sia Rasalato added that the BirdLife International Fiji programme is grateful to the two land owning clans for their support. “Without this, the eradication and the islands’ ongoing pest free status would not have been possible.”

In association with the landowning communities, BirdLife has established a Site Support Group – the Ringgold Seabird Committee – to lead the islands’ management, communicate the results of the eradication, and champion the islands’ protection among the wider communities.

The seven islands are traditionally under the District (tikina) of Laucala. Mr Josefa Tale, the Mata ni Tikina (Laucala District representative), heads the SSG, and provides a link to the Cakaudrove Provincial Council in achieving support for the islands protection.

Mr Tale has affirmed the interest of the landowners in protecting the islands from invasive species such as rats.

“In order to achieve this, we the island owners must ensure that the islands continue to be rat free. On behalf of the Ringgold Seabird Committee and the Ringgolds Community, I therefore ask visitors to be especially careful when visiting the Ringgolds”, said Mr Tale.

Mr Tevita Mereti of Naqelelevu village thanked BirdLife International Fiji programme for eradicating rats off the islands, as they were damaging the islands unique biodiversity, and ruining their plantation crops and food stores. He urged fishermen and others who may visit the islands to check their boats and equipment for possible stowaways.


“It has taken years of preparation and work to get rid of rats; a careless visitor could bring it back in a day, so we ask visitors to be especially careful” concluded Mr Mereti.

The BirdLife Seabird Island Restoration programme is supported by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Darwin Initiative. Assistance to the programme has also been provided by the Pacific Invasives Initiative, the Pacific Invasives Learning Network, and the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The Fiji Department of Environment and wider Fiji Government have also supported the island restoration programme.

http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/12/the-magnificent-seven-rat-free-fijian-islands/

The Magnificent Seven (rat free Fijian islands)

Two years after the BirdLife International Fiji Programme implemented an operation to eradicate rats from the Ringgold Islands, all seven islands have been confirmed rodent-free. Early monitoring also shows that the birds, people and wider wildlife of these remote islands are already benefitting from the removal of these invasive pests. BirdLife staff are continuing to work with local people to ensure the rats don’t return.


Located to the northeast of Taveuni, Fiji, the Ringgold Islands hold internationally important numbers of nesting seabirds. Seabird populations here, as elsewhere in the Pacific, were suffering because of rats, which eat eggs and nestlings. The Ringgolds are also an important source of natural resources and income for the islands’ landowners.

In August 2008, the BirdLife Fiji programme began working closely with the two landowning clans, Yavusa Naqelelevu and Mataqali Qilo, to eradicate the rats. A specially formulated rodent bait was dropped on the islands from a helicopter.

Among the positive changes recorded since 2008 Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus have been observed for two of the seven islands. This species was not previously known in the area, and its appearance is a promising sign that birds vulnerable to the impacts of rats will establish breeding colonies.

In mid-November 2010, BirdLife’s Fiji team led a survey of the Ringgold Islands. Colonies of Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel, Black Noddy Anous minutus and Brown Booby Sula leucogaster were recorded. These populations represent over 1% of the global number for each species, and qualify the island group as an Important Bird Area.


In addition, nationally significant numbers of Red-footed Booby Sula sula, Brown Noddy Anous stolidus, Common White Tern Gygis alba, and the globally Vulnerable Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis were also present.

Significant numbers of turtle nests were recorded on three islands and skink activity had also increased, particularly the Pacific Black Skink Emoia nigra, which is listed under Fiji’s Endangered and Protected Species Act.

The eradication programme was only the first step in keeping these islands free of rats and other foreign pests. Biosecurity plans have been developed for all the islands, and village representatives have been trained in techniques to prevent the introduction of alien species.

“BirdLife urges all visitors to these islands to check their boats and equipment for stowaway rats prior to departure”, said Mr Sialisi Rasalato, BirdLife Fiji programme Conservation Officer. “The introduction of just one pregnant rat would be enough to undo all the hard work, and set the clock back to a time where the islands were crawling with rats.”


Sia Rasalato added that the BirdLife International Fiji programme is grateful to the two land owning clans for their support. “Without this, the eradication and the islands’ ongoing pest free status would not have been possible.”

In association with the landowning communities, BirdLife has established a Site Support Group – the Ringgold Seabird Committee – to lead the islands’ management, communicate the results of the eradication, and champion the islands’ protection among the wider communities.

The seven islands are traditionally under the District (tikina) of Laucala. Mr Josefa Tale, the Mata ni Tikina (Laucala District representative), heads the SSG, and provides a link to the Cakaudrove Provincial Council in achieving support for the islands protection.

Mr Tale has affirmed the interest of the landowners in protecting the islands from invasive species such as rats.

“In order to achieve this, we the island owners must ensure that the islands continue to be rat free. On behalf of the Ringgold Seabird Committee and the Ringgolds Community, I therefore ask visitors to be especially careful when visiting the Ringgolds”, said Mr Tale.

Mr Tevita Mereti of Naqelelevu village thanked BirdLife International Fiji programme for eradicating rats off the islands, as they were damaging the islands unique biodiversity, and ruining their plantation crops and food stores. He urged fishermen and others who may visit the islands to check their boats and equipment for possible stowaways.


“It has taken years of preparation and work to get rid of rats; a careless visitor could bring it back in a day, so we ask visitors to be especially careful” concluded Mr Mereti.

The BirdLife Seabird Island Restoration programme is supported by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Darwin Initiative. Assistance to the programme has also been provided by the Pacific Invasives Initiative, the Pacific Invasives Learning Network, and the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The Fiji Department of Environment and wider Fiji Government have also supported the island restoration programme.

http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/12/the-magnificent-seven-rat-free-fijian-islands/