Northern Mariana Islands' annual bird count highlights conservation success

RNZ News

16-05-2025

On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species.
Photo:
Mark Rabago
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird populations.
Organised by the Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year's count saw enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation strategies.
A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian.
Volunteers included community members, students from Saipan International School and Saipan Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team.
"This hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens community collaboration in protecting and understanding the CNMI's unique wildlife," DFW's wildlife biologist Amanda Santoswith said.
A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian.
Photo:
Mark Rabago
The count documented several endangered and endemic species, including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota White-eye.
These sightings underline the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
This year's results showed 3441 individual birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds across 31 species on Rota.
The most numerous species varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Tinian's count was led by the White Tern.
Conversely, the least numerous species were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and the Tinian Monarch on Tinian.
Beyond monitoring efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao Bay Golf Course.
These artificial platforms aim to provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and population stability.
"This type of innovation is critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like the Pulattat," Santos said.
The CNMI is home to a rich diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas.
The Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over time, providing valuable insights into the health of the islands' ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change.
Photo:
Mark Rabago
Part of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local residents to participate in scientific research.
By contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and their habitats.
DFW expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the count. "Your dedication to community science helps ensure the continued protection and understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems," Santos said.