Galapagos Darwin Finch – Can Finches Be Seen in Mangroves?

Protecting the Mangrove Finch from Going Extinct

The mangrove finch is a modest little bird with drab brown or olive-toned plumage, although it is more often known worldwide as the Galapagos Darwin Finch. Darwin’s finches, of which there are about 13, are a significant emblem of his theory of evolution since each of roughly 13 species has evolved to function exceptionally well in its unique environment. However, during the past ten years, the mangrove finch has encountered more and more dangers, mainly due to the introduction of new creatures. The Charles Darwin Foundation launched a raising and repatriation initiative in 2014 to boost the population.

In the Galapagos Archipelago, there were several robust populations of mangrove finches on Isabela and Fernandina islands until recently. But in 2011, this little bird’s global range was established to be limited to two tiny mangrove areas on Isabela. The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species lists this bird as Critically Endangered because of its reduced habitat, small population (about 100 individuals), and low reproduction rates, making it highly vulnerable to illness and environmental changes.

Challenges in Finch Paradise – Threats Facing the Galapagos Darwin Finch

Over several million years, the original Galapagos Darwin finch arrived on the islands, and it has since successfully developed into about thirteen different species. However, many species in the Galapagos, including Darwin finches, face extinction due to the rising frequency of extreme weather events and threats from imported predators. The mangrove finch has had notable declines due to the introduction of Philornis downsi, a parasitic fly that raises the death rate of nestlings.

This fly was the second most common cause of nest failure (17%) in the 2012–2013 season, only surpassed by abandoned eggs (29%). In the same season, the population’s overall nesting success was a concerning 33%, with 20% of observed failures having unidentified causes. Introduced black rats, which eat the eggs and nestlings, also result in ineffective nesting. Interbreeding with the similarly related woodpecker finch has also been documented. These factors significantly reduce the finch’s gene pool, leaving it more susceptible to changes in the weather and emerging illnesses. A single disease outbreak or period of exceptionally bad weather may be enough to wipe out an entire community.

Humans Offering Hope – Conservation Initiatives

The Galapagos National Park (GNPD) and Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) have worked hard to boost the bird population and reduce risks because of its fragile status. For instance, several initiatives have been implemented to remove, track, and manage invasive rat populations. These have shown to be very effective and have helped populations of Galapagos Darwin Finch increase their success rate when it comes to nesting. In addition, since 2006, several conservation management strategies have been tried and tested to find the most effective way to guarantee the survival of the mangrove finch population.

Based on the findings of these investigations, the Charles Darwin Foundation started breeding mangrove finches in 2014. Fifteen fledglings were released into the wild during the initial year of the program, and two more iterations of the program have since been conducted on Isabela. The last release occurred on April 26 this year, when fifteen more mangrove finches were released into Isabela’s Playa Tortuga Negra. The finches were placed in a pre-release aviary three weeks before their release, where they were provided with natural materials like fallen logs and vegetation to promote foraging.

Unmatched Outcomes

Before the birds were released, tiny radio transmitters were affixed to them so that their success rates could be tracked and observed. During the following few weeks, the birds were observed engaging in social interactions with other species members and exhibiting dispersal and feeding patterns comparable to those of wild-raised birds. Also, eight finches flew 1.5 km to forage on desert zone plants while the remaining animals remained in the enclosure.

The trackers were taken out of the birds after a few weeks, which made population monitoring considerably more challenging because of their mysterious nature. Despite this, several finches released in 2014 and 2015 have been located, proving that birds raised in captivity may live for a considerable amount of time.

The release’s findings for the Charles Darwin Foundation were great news since they suggested that safeguarding the species might be accomplished by giving it a head start. Thirty-six mangrove finches have been reintroduced into the wild in just three years. However, the main goal of these initiatives is to maintain the population’s viability shortly. The foundation intends to relocate birds to new locations to strengthen population levels for long-term conservation.

The recently remodeled exhibits at the Charles Darwin Research Station feature a clever information booth with video clips that help visitors comprehend the realities of the Galapagos Darwin Finch, including its conservation efforts. Maps and other visual aids contribute to the overall comprehension. Although some amenities are operational, the new tourist facility is anticipated to open entirely by the middle of October.

Reviewed by: Francisco Dousdebés

Image Credits: Francisco Dousdebés