Exciting news from Samoa! The manumea, a unique bird closely related to the extinct dodo, has been seen several times recently. This brings hope for its survival, as it’s critically endangered. During a field survey by the Samoa Conservation Society (SCS) from October 17 to November 13, researchers spotted the manumea five times. That’s a big increase from past surveys, which found only one or none. The last clear photo of this elusive bird was taken back in 2013.
Back in the early 1990s, there were about 7,000 manumea birds. Now, the number has plummeted to between 50 and 150. Experts worry this number could drop further, especially after concerns that they might not find any during the survey.
Moeumu Uili, a project coordinator with SCS, shared their fears. “What if we can’t find the bird? Does that mean the manumea is gone?” Luckily, seeing the bird renewed their hope, even though getting a good photo proved challenging due to the bird’s quick movements and tricky weather. Uili said, “When we see it through binoculars, we can see the bird. But as soon as we reach for a camera, it vanishes.”
The manumea is the only surviving member of its genus, Didunculus. Its scientific name even means “little dodo.” Both birds share similar island habitats, but they are now facing severe threats. Habitat loss, hunting, and introduced species like feral cats and rats are significant dangers. Feral cats hunt the birds and their chicks, while rats eat their eggs. Joe Wood from the Toledo Zoo highlighted the urgent need for better measures against these invasive species. “Feral cats are likely a major culprit in the decline of the manumea,” he explained.
In their recent survey, Uili’s team focused on the Uafato rainforest, but it’s believed that manumea could also thrive in six other forests in Samoa. Current conservation efforts include managing invasive species in the Malololelei Recreation Reserve. With more support, SCS hopes to expand this initiative.
If researchers can secure manumea populations, they plan to preserve biological samples for future studies. This biobanking technique will help them understand the bird’s genetics and may lead to captive breeding programs. Such initiatives could significantly aid in increasing the bird’s numbers.
Colossal Biosciences, a nonprofit group, is also lending a hand in conservation efforts. They’re creating an app to help better identify the manumea’s calls, providing a clearer picture of its population size. Additionally, Colossal is exploring ambitious projects like using gene editing to potentially revive extinct species like the dodo.
While the excitement of bringing back extinct species is thrilling, experts like Nic Rawlence caution about the complexities involved. Ecosystems change over time, and simply reintroducing a species without enough genetic diversity can lead to challenges. Rawlence emphasizes that conservation efforts must focus on controlling predators and restoring habitats to protect the manumea. “It’s all about the hard work of managing these threats,” he said.
Support for manumea conservation comes from a varied coalition, including SCS, the Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, BirdLife International, and others. As we look to the future, protecting this bird is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of its ecosystem.
