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First Fledged Mangrove Finch Charles Darwin Research Foundation Photo |
It’s wonderful to be able to share another great success for
saving an endemic Galapagos species. The Charles Darwin Foundation (all photos
attributed to the foundation) has raised eight endangered mangrove finches and
released them onto Isabela Island.0
I can remember growing up seeing mangrove finches on just about every cruise trip. But that once frequent event has changed and, for years, a finch sighting has been rare, if indeed we see one at all. That these important symbols of evolution are, with help from scientists, reviving, is a monumental step toward rejuvenation of the species.
In February, scientists collected eggs from mangrove finch nests on Playa Tortuga Negra and incubated them as though they were in the wild. When they hatched, the little fledglings were hand-reared until they were ready for independence.
I can remember growing up seeing mangrove finches on just about every cruise trip. But that once frequent event has changed and, for years, a finch sighting has been rare, if indeed we see one at all. That these important symbols of evolution are, with help from scientists, reviving, is a monumental step toward rejuvenation of the species.
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Galapagos Foundation Photo |
Of all the Darwin finches, the mangrove finch is the rarest. Its population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals. Within these individuals, there are only 20 breeding pairs. And, equally significant is that even when the finches mate successfully, the mortality rate of the hatchlings has been a staggeringly high 95% because of the invasion of a parasitic fly. I wrote about this fly in a previous post.
In February, scientists collected eggs from mangrove finch nests on Playa Tortuga Negra and incubated them as though they were in the wild. When they hatched, the little fledglings were hand-reared until they were ready for independence.
But, they didn’t go directly from their Santa Cruz baby nursery to the wild. Rather, they were placed
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Released Finch in the Wild, Foraging for Food Galapagos Foundation Photo |
After three weeks, it was time for the experiment to continue. Tiny transmitters were placed at the base of the birds’ tail feathers to allow for monitoring. In addition, colored rings were placed on their legs for easy identification. The aviary was opened and the finches were allowed to come and go as they wished. Birds who returned found food waiting for them. Monitoring took place and at the beginning most returned. Eventually fewer returned as they adapted to the wild. Monitoring indicates that most of the juveniles stayed at Playa Tortuga Negra, but some went north and other south toward Darwin Volcano and Tagus Cove.
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Monitoring Released Finches Galapagos Foundation Photo |
“Releasing and monitoring eight mangrove finches bred in captivity, as they adapt to their natural habitat, is incredibly rewarding. Unfortunately, 2015 was a much more challenging year compared withour first attempt in 2014 and we have released fewer finches than hoped. However, eight young birds, released back into the wild once safe from the threat of P. downsi is a significant boost to the juvenile population, and from previous research we know that none of them would have survived as chicks in the wild.”
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Finch Photo from New Scientist |
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Baby Mangrove Finch Photo from Galapagos Conservancy |
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this breed of birds is very attractive! I hope it will have no difficulties in maintaining! thanks a lot for this article!
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