The reintroduction of the Guam kingfisher, a species extinct in the wild for nearly 40 years, stands as a beacon of hope in the world of conservation. After decades of meticulous care and dedicated conservation efforts, this beautiful orange and blue bird, also known as the sihek (scientific name: Todiramphus cinnamominus), is finally taking flight in the wild once more.
The Extinction of the Guam Kingfisher: A Tragic Loss
Once native to Guam and its surrounding islands, the Guam kingfisher’s numbers began to plummet due to the predation of an invasive species—the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis). Introduced after World War II, the snake devastated local wildlife, including the sihek, driving it to extinction in the wild by 1988. With no natural predators to control their population, the snakes preyed upon many of the island’s native species, including birds, decimating the fragile ecosystem.
However, before the Guam kingfisher could be wiped out entirely, conservationists acted swiftly. A small population of 29 birds was rescued and placed in ex-situ conservation, meaning they were removed from their natural habitat and placed under human care. This intervention laid the groundwork for what would become a decades-long project to save the species from total extinction.
The Road to Reintroduction: A Conservation Success Story
Today, the fruits of those early efforts are visible. The Guam kingfisher breeding program has grown steadily, and the population now includes 127 adults spread across 25 institutions. This network of zoos and conservation centers has been instrumental in maintaining the species, keeping it from disappearing entirely.
In August, six hand-reared sihek were released into the wild for the first time in nearly 40 years. These birds, nurtured from hatchlings, traveled from Wichita, Kansas, to The Nature Conservancy on Cooper Island within the Palmyra Atoll, a remote location chosen for its predator-free environment. Before their release, each bird underwent a thorough health check and was fitted with a radio tracker, allowing researchers to monitor their movements as they acclimate to their new home.
Why the Palmyra Atoll? A Safe Haven for the Sihek
The Palmyra Atoll, part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge, was carefully selected as the site for the sihek’s release due to its predator-free status. Unlike Guam, where invasive species like the brown tree snake still pose a significant threat, Palmyra offers a safe environment where the birds can thrive without fear of predation.
Scott Newland, President & CEO of Sedgwick County Zoo, commented on the importance of this moment:
“Without the dedication of our aviculturists and the support of zoos, this release would not have been possible. Our work with this species has given us the knowledge to tailor this release for the best chance of success. For AZA, this represents nearly 40 years of collaboration, research, and dedication aimed at seeing the sihek flying back on Guam one day.”
The hope is that the sihek population will grow on the atoll, with the ultimate goal of eventually reintroducing the birds back to their native island of Guam, once the invasive snake problem has been mitigated. While Guam is still grappling with the brown tree snake issue, the reintroduction of the kingfishers to an environment free from predators is a significant step toward their long-term recovery.
A Delicate Process: Preparing Birds for the Wild
Reintroducing a species to the wild is a complex and delicate process. The six kingfishers released so far are only the beginning. Nine birds in total are being prepared for release, with more scheduled to follow in the coming years. The goal is to establish a population of at least 10 breeding pairs on the Palmyra Atoll, which will help bolster the numbers of this critically endangered species.
According to Professor John Ewen, Chair of the Sihek Recovery Program Team, the release is a monumental achievement:
“This is a momentous day that has been decades in the making. Wildlife globally is under threat, and the success of seeing these birds fly in the wild once more highlights just how zoos, scientists, and conservationists—working with governments—can protect species and bring them back from the brink of extinction.”
The team overseeing the sihek’s release and monitoring is composed of experts who have dedicated years to understanding the birds’ behavior and needs. Hand-reared in controlled environments, these kingfishers have undergone significant acclimatization to ensure their survival in the wild. Every aspect of their care has been carefully planned, from their diet to their flight training, in hopes that these birds can flourish and eventually thrive in the wild once again.
The Future of Guam Kingfishers: What’s Next?
While the release of these six Guam Kingfisher birds marks a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of a long-term recovery effort. The Palmyra Atoll offers a stepping stone, allowing the species to reestablish itself in a safe, predator-free environment. However, the ultimate goal remains the reintroduction of the Guam kingfisher to its original home on Guam.
This will require a multi-faceted approach, including continued work on eradicating or controlling the brown tree snake population on Guam. Efforts are underway to address this invasive predator through a combination of methods, including trapping and biological controls. Once the threat from the snakes is minimized, the sihek can hopefully be reintroduced to Guam, restoring balance to the island’s ecosystem.
The gradual expansion of the population through future releases is critical to ensuring the long-term success of the species. As more birds are released and breeding pairs are established, the species will have a greater chance of adapting to life in the wild, free from the constant threat of predators.
The Role of Zoos and Conservation Partnerships
The success of the Guam kingfisher reintroduction highlights the importance of collaboration between zoos, scientists, conservation organizations, and governments. Without the collective efforts of institutions like the Sedgwick County Zoo and conservation groups worldwide, species like the sihek might have been lost forever.
Zoos have played a critical role in the survival of the species by providing a safe space for breeding and research. These institutions have allowed scientists to learn more about the birds’ behavior, breeding habits, and care requirements, information that has been essential in preparing the birds for their eventual release.
Conservation partnerships have also been essential in securing funding, developing release strategies, and ensuring that the birds are given the best possible chance to survive and thrive Guam Kingfisher in their natural environment.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Wildlife Recovery
The release of hand-reared Guam kingfishers after nearly 40 years of extinction in the wild represents a triumph of conservation. While challenges remain, including the ongoing threat of invasive species, the success of this initial release offers hope for the future of the sihek.
By creating safe havens like the Palmyra Atoll and fostering continued collaboration among conservationists, zoos, and governments, we can work toward the eventual goal of restoring the Guam kingfisher to its native island. This reintroduction serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we commit to protecting and preserving the world’s most vulnerable species.
