December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
Our new online shop is live!
Published on
August 11, 2017
Written by
Emily Heber
Photo credit
Emily Heber
On Mauritius conservationists have been working to prevent the Endangered Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) from going the way to the island’s famous Dodo. Endemic to the island and surrounding islets, the Pink Pigeon population was decimated by the introduction of invasive rats. In 1990 only twelve individuals remained, at which point conservationists stepped in and initiated a captive breeding program.
Now the population has grown to approximately 400 Pink Pigeons, but the conservationists’ goal is 600. Increasing the captive Pink Pigeon population has been ta primary conservation focus on the island. Christelle Ferriere, a bird expert with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation explains:
Captive breeding means they…had [the pigeons] breed in captivity and let the parents rear the squabs, or even hand-reared them…Another method was cross fostering, which is when the eggs were incubated and squabs were reared by another species–Barbary Doves.
Although the Pink Pigeon population has come a long way, conservationists still have hurdles to clear before the species can thrive again on Mauritius. The forests of Mauritius are overrun with invasive predators such as rats, and the Pink Pigeons face threats of disease that could wipe out the population due to their low genetic diversity.
Conservationists are now beginning to release small populations of the captive-bred birds. Spreading the individuals throughout the island and surrounding islets will ensure the conservationists don’t “put all their eggs in one basket.”
One day the conservationists hope that the Pink Pigeons will be able to thrive on the island without the helping hand of humans, but for now the species relies on the efforts of scientists to call Mauritius home.
Featured Photo: A Pink Pigeon. Credit: Thomas Berg
Source: Discovery Magazine Blog
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
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!
December 14, 2023
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
November 28, 2023
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
November 28, 2023
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!
October 24, 2023
For Immediate Release Conservation powerhouse BirdLife South Africa has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) – a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities – to support its work to save internationally significant albatross populations…