Photo credit: explorersweb.com
A bird previously thought to be extinct in the wild has recently laid eggs in Hawaii.
The sihek, or Guam kingfisher, is distinguished by its vibrant burnt orange chest, electric blue wings, and sharp bill. Originally from Guam, this small bird flourished until the mid-20th century, when the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake led to a drastic decline in its population. By 1988, the sihek was officially declared extinct in its natural habitat.
This avian species serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of invasive species. Thankfully, a late intervention by conservationists saved the sihek from total disappearance. A team captured 29 individuals and initiated a meticulous breeding program aimed at reviving their numbers.
In recent years, several conservation organizations have been dedicated to raising siheks, with the goal of increasing their population. Last year, a number of eggs were sent to a specialized facility at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas, where the hatchlings received care until they were ready for their eventual release back into the wild.
In September 2024, researchers successfully reintroduced nine hand-reared siheks to the wild at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Palmyra Atoll Preserve, located approximately 1,600 kilometers south of Honolulu. This restoration site was selected for its lack of predators and its fully protected environment.
One lonely male
The released siheks comprised four females and five males, forming four breeding pairs, although one male remained without a mate. Just shy of a year later, each pair established its own territory, constructed nests, and laid eggs in the wild for the first time since the 1980s.
“This is a huge win,” stated John Berry from the Cincinnati Zoo. “It means the birds are not just surviving—they’re starting to thrive.”
While there is excitement surrounding the new eggs, experts acknowledge that the odds of survival are low. The young mating pairs, still less than a year old, have no prior experience in caring for eggs or incubating them. It often requires several attempts at nesting and caregiving before eggs successfully hatch.
Looking ahead, conservationists plan to release additional young siheks onto the atoll later this year.
Source
explorersweb.com