October 29, 2025
Data Shows Endangered Palau Ground Doves Swiftly Recovering After Successful Palauan Island Conservation Effort
Astounding evidence of recovery on Ulong Island in Palau after just one year!
Published on
February 20, 2016
Written by
diego
Photo credit
diego
Unless you have visited the remote island of Alejandro Selkirk, Chile, you might not know the Masafuera Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma exsul), a subspecies of the Red-backed Hawk endemic, to the island. This raptor measures 50-60 cm and is the only top predator native to the island. Adults—which have a steel grey back and a white breast—and juveniles—mottled brown with a brown and white spotted chest—patrol the volcanic slopes and grasslands for prey at all elevations. These curious creatures often make for an imposing and beautiful companion as we work across the island!
A menos que hayas visitado la remota isla de Alejandro Selkirk, Chile, seguramente no conoces al Blindado (Geranoaetus polyosoma exsul), una subespecie del aguilucho común, endémica de la isla. Esta rapaz mide unos 50-60 cm y es el único predador tope nativo de la isla. Los adultos –que tienen el dorso gris y pecho blanco- y los juveniles –moteados en café con un pecho con manchas blancas y café- sobrevuelan las laderas volcánicas y praderas buscando alguna presa en cualquier elevación. ¡Esta curiosa ave a menudo es una bella e imponente acompañante cuando trabajamos alrededor de la isla!

Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
October 29, 2025
Astounding evidence of recovery on Ulong Island in Palau after just one year!
July 31, 2025
Our Seasonal Monitoring Specialist, Cozette Romero, shares her experience on Tofua in Tonga!
May 19, 2025
Read our position paper on The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) to see why we're attending and what we aim to accomplish!
December 4, 2024
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
November 22, 2024
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
October 3, 2024
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
September 10, 2024
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
September 5, 2024
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
August 27, 2024
Three Island-Ocean Connection Challenge projects in the Republic of the Marshall Islands bring hope for low-lying coral atolls!