Black-necked pheasant pigeon survived. It has been 140 years since a specimen of this species was sighted, but a scientific expedition a few weeks ago confirmed its existence in a remote forest on an island in Papua New Guinea.. A video and a few photos prove it. The surprising finding excited the explorers: “It was like discovering a unicorn“.
It is not known how many specimens of this subspecies of pigeons, whose scientific name is pheasant, have survived. Otidiphaps nobilis insularisbut obviously critically endangeredand that its distribution is probably limited to a small corner of Fergusson Island, mostly mountainous areas and tropical forests.
The expedition in search of this bird was carried out in September. It was co-directed by Jordan Boersma of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. for most of the journey there seemed to be no chance of finding the bird..
In fact, the journey on which the discovery was recorded was near the end of the journey. “We were just two days from the end of our time on Fergusson Island when one of our remote cameras recorded the bird hovering around and wagging its tail,” explains Boersma.
Researchers have managed to take photos and videos of this large bird. lives on the ground It has a bonito-colored back, black head and body, and a wagging tail like a pheasant.
The expedition suspects that only specimens of the species are found in the interior of Fergusson Island. “The hot and extremely rugged geothermal terrain is teeming with winding rivers and dense with biting insects and leeches,” Cornell University notes.
“A once in a lifetime experience”
“Seeing those first pictures of a pheasant pigeon after a month of searching was like finding a unicorn.“Remembers Mittermeier.”It’s the kind of moment you’ve dreamed of your entire life as a conservationist and bird watcher.“, Add.
The black-necked pheasant pigeon is largely unknown to scientists. It was last seen in 1883. Little is known about this species. Two specimens collected in 1882. Survived in memory of the islanders who preserved his name, ‘Wow‘ and the many stories and legends of which he is the protagonist.
Although researchers believe it may resemble a different species of pheasant pigeon on mainland Papua New Guinea, there are no records of their voice, a sound that locals have compared to the “desperate cry of an outcast woman for her community.”
Full indigenous knowledge was key to the success of the expedition. A few locals said they had heard of a black-necked pheasant pigeon. Doka Nason, a local bird expert, joined the search and advised the team on where to look. Nason also installed the camera that eventually recorded the bird. “I was incredibly excited when I saw the photos,” she recalls. “‘We did it!’ I was jumping around screaming,” she exclaims.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience Working with the Fergusson Islanders to find the pheasant pigeon and having conversations in schools and villages about our search was crucial,” said Jason Gregg, another of the expedition leaders.
“The children whispered the local name of the bird”Wow‘ and everybody was talking about it. I am delighted to know that this species has survived, creating opportunities to learn more about it and its magnificent home,” comments Gregg.
Threat from a logging company
But conservationists worried about the future of the species. mother landowner He explained the situation to the search team from the area where the bird was found. had signed a new deal with a lumber companyA measure that could destroy the black-necked pheasant’s habitat and lead to extinction.
The team is seeking funding to go back to Fergusson and try to find out how many people are left. “The reason I care is the reason I think we all care, this bird made sense and continues to mean something to localsIt draws attention to Boersma.
“This species is part of their legend and their culture. If we lose it, cultural significance It will disappear with the role it plays. fantastic ecosystem“, he adds. Locals were also very excited about the discovery.
“This ‘rediscovery’ is an incredible glimmer of hope for other birds that have been missing for half a century or more.”, underlines Christina Biggs, director of the search for lost species at NGO ‘Re:wild’.
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Source: Informacion
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