A recent article highlighted the efforts to protect the cagou, a bird endemic to New Caledonia. Considered endangered with only about 2,000 left in the wild, the cagou faces threats from predators like stray dogs, cats, and wild pigs. However, conservation efforts in Farino have led to a significant increase in their numbers, with expert Jörn Theuerkauf estimating a triple in the population since 2017.
The conservation efforts include managing threats, tracking behavior, and eradicating predators. By closely monitoring the birds with transmitters and tracking their movements, researchers have been able to identify territories, monitor nests, and control predators effectively. Efforts to protect the population have been ongoing for decades, with key programs initiated in the 1980s to raise cagous in captivity and release them into the wild.
Currently, a zoo in Noumeā cares for 16 cagous, breeding them and releasing them into the Rivière Bleue park to adapt to the wild. The park manager estimates that more than 1,000 cagous now reside in the park, showcasing the success of conservation efforts. Authorities conduct regular pest eradication to protect the cagou population, leading to a constant expansion of their numbers.
Overall, the population of cagous in New Caledonia is on the rise, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts that have been ongoing for decades. By protecting the birds from predators and monitoring their behavior, researchers hope to ensure a thriving population for years to come.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com