Project: |
Behavioral Ecology of Micronesian Kingfishers on Pohnpei:
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Leader: | Dr.
Susan Haig, susan_haig@usgs.gov
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Overview: | Among the four described subspecies of Micronesian
Kingfisher, one is extinct, the Guam birds are only in captivity (n= 50),
birds on Palau are doing poorly, and Pohnpei birds may be declining. Thus,
our efforts have been to study the behavior and ecology of the healthiest
population (Pohnpei) so we can begin to mitigate future loss of wild populations,
improve husbandry for the captive program, and facilitate reintroduction
of Guam birds to the wild. This project ties in with Species at Risk goals set by USGS and is carried out in close collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy on Pohnpei, the Guam Division of Wildlife and Aquatic Resources, and many U.S. zoos. |
Nest measurements were recorded for all nests located during fieldwork. These measurements later led to a subsequent analysis and findings of bird preferences that were used to assist in the recovery of birds in the captive rearing program. In order to understand life history traits such as survival and dispersal of Micronesian Kingfishers, individuals are marked with unique combinations of coloredleg bands as chicks. |
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USGS Mission Tie In: |
The project ties in with USGS Species at Risk
program and with the overall mission of USGS to restore or enhance vulnerable
or declining populations and habitats. |
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Discipline: | Biology | ||
Locations: | Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia; Guam | ||
Web Sites: | None created | ||
Partners: | FSM
Historic Preservation Office and Pohnpei Forestry Department The Nature Conservancy on Pohnpei |
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