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Lost Bird Found: Pigeon-Pheasant Rediscovered After 140 Years
29 Jul
Summary
- A rare bird, unseen for 140 years, was rediscovered on Fergusson Island.
- Researchers captured footage of the black-naped pheasant-pigeon in 2022.
- The rediscovery occurred just two days before the expedition was to end.
A rare ground-dwelling bird, the black-naped pheasant-pigeon, has been rediscovered on Fergusson Island. This species, native to Papua New Guinea, had not been observed by humans since its initial discovery in 1882. In 2022, researchers successfully documented the bird using camera traps, marking its first sighting in 140 years.
The rediscovery occurred just two days before the research expedition was scheduled to conclude. Footage capturing the moment of excitement, showing biologist Doka Nason's joyful reaction, has since gained significant attention. Researchers described the sighting as akin to encountering a mythical creature, highlighting the bird's elusive nature.
Also known as Auwo locally, the black-naped pheasant-pigeon possesses iridescent plumage and distinctive physical traits adapted for a terrestrial lifestyle. The expedition was co-led by Jordan Boersma of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and John C. Mittermeier of the American Bird Conservancy's Search for Lost Birds Program. This significant conservation success underscores the importance of protecting unique endemic wildlife species.
