In Brazil, researchers have hand-reared an extremely rare blue-eyed pigeon. There are probably only fifteen specimens of this bird species left in the wild worldwide. The British Chester Zoo announced on Friday that the chick was extensively fed after hatching and was healthy.
It was fed a diet modeled on the so-called crop milk that adult pigeons regurgitate for their young. “The efforts paid off and the chick is only the third of its kind ever raised under human care,” it said in a statement. There were no records for more than 70 years, but the animals were finally rediscovered in 2015.
Its habitat is the wet savannas of southeastern Brazil, but its main water source is threatened by livestock grazing and crop cultivation. “The fact is that we have to do something. Otherwise we will have to sit idly by and watch these beautiful birds become extinct. We refuse to let this happen without a fight,” said Andrew Owen, head of the park’s bird operations.
Eggs removed from nest
The egg was taken from a couple’s nest with permission from authorities in Brazil. Brazilian, British and American investigators are involved in the rescue efforts. Last year they raised two pigeons – brother and sister – by hand for the first time.
Since there are only a few specimens in the wild, not many eggs can be removed. “But the team hopes to repeat its success and gradually establish breeding pairs in secure aviaries to produce chicks that can boost the wild population and reduce the risk of extinction.” .
Source: Krone
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