In southern New Caledonia, the cagou bird, with its distinctive crest and unique call, symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of the French Pacific territory. However, the cagou faces threats to its survival, with predators such as stray dogs, cats, and wild pigs decimating its population. In recent years, efforts to protect and grow the cagou population have seen positive results, with numbers in the area of Farino tripling since 2017.
Scientists like Jörn Theuerkauf and conservationists like Henri Bloc have been monitoring and studying the birds in the sanctuary for over a decade. By implementing measures such as tracking behavior, managing threats, and eradicating predators, the cagou population has seen substantial growth.
In addition to conservation efforts in Farino, a key program initiated in the 1980s involved breeding cagous in captivity at a zoo and releasing them into the wild at Rivière Bleue provincial park. The success of this program has contributed to the significant increase in the cagou population in the park, with over 1,000 birds estimated to be living there now.
Overall, the concerted efforts to protect the cagou population in New Caledonia have been ongoing for decades, resulting in a positive impact on the bird’s numbers. By continuing to monitor and protect the cagou, conservationists aim to ensure the long-term survival of this culturally significant species in the region.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com