100 MANGROVE FINCHES - HOW TO STOP THE COUNTDOWN
A new project began in late 2006 that aims to increase the knowledge about the needs and the ecology of the mangrove finch Cactospiza heliobates. The most endangered of "Darwin's" finches, the species is listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The fewer than 50 pairs of the mangrove finch inhabit the naturally scarce mangrove forests of the western Galapagos Islands where they are threatened by introduced animals.
CDF scientists in collaboration with Dr. Glyn Young from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and advisors, including ex-CDF ornithologist Dr. Hernan Vargas, are assessing the remaining mangrove finch populations. Their research will provide vital clues to guide management decisions about tackling threats and restoring the birds' critically low population as well as assist future planning for bird conservation in the islands.
CDF's Dr. Birgit Fessl, project coordinator, said "The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has a proven track record in the conservation and restoration of critically threatened birds. In combination with the CDF knowledge of this species and what we will learn during the project we feel confident that we can ensure the survival of this species".
Through exacting science supporting excellent management, the CDF aims to ensure that the mangrove finch does not become another sad addition to the extinct species of our planet. The Darwin finch logo of the British Government's Darwin Initiative that supports the project might well be the lucky charm for the mangrove finch.
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