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Philippines: New Bird Species Discovered |
| August 17, 2004 |
 | The Calayan Rail has a bright red beak and legs, which contrast strikingly with its dark plumage. It is found only on the island of Calayan.
Photo: Des Allen |
A team of Filipino and British wildlife researchers has discovered a new species of bird on a remote island in the northern Philippines. Unlike its more familiar relative, the Moorhen, the Calayan Rail (Gallirallus calayanensis) is almost certainly flightless and found only on the small island after which it is named.
Calayan is part of the Babuyan group of islands, at the northern end of the Philippines archipelago, and 1,000 kilometres south of the Japanese island of Okinawa. The islands were last visited by ornithologists in 1904.
Based on a number of sightings within a two-kilometre range of their rainforest camp, the researchers estimate there are probably 100-200 pairs in the area. Appearing to be nearly or completely flightless, the birds were seen skulking in undergrowth or out on open trails, sometimes alone, sometimes in family groups.
Under the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List criteria, the Calayan Rail may be classified as "Vulnerable" – facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Although they are not thought to be under immediate threat, the development of roads on the island may lead to new settlements, resulting in loss of habitat and the introduction of predators such as cats and rats. The construction of two major roads on the island has already begun.
The team conducted a 10-week survey of the terrestrial fauna in the islands of Camiguin, Babuyan Claro, Calayan and Dalupiri with the aim of compiling inventories of the birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians present, identifying threats to the fauna and environment and identifying habitats for priority conservation.
“I felt sure the Babuyan Islands would hold some interesting discoveries, but I didn’t expect to find a totally new species!” said Genevieve Broad, co-leader of the expedition. “I’m thrilled for the team. I hope this will bring the recognition these islands deserve as an important site of biological diversity.”
She added that the Calayan community is concerned about the future of the island’s environment and natural resources.
“We received a lot of support from local people including the Mayor, who would like to see the island and the sea around it protected,” she said.
The research team plans to undertake further research to determine the conservation habitat requirements, distribution and population numbers of the rail, while working closely with local communities to minimize threats and to encourage long-term initiatives to protect the island.
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
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