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Scoop
24-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Northern Mariana Islands: Endangered Mariana Crow Population Rebounds On Rota
The endangered Mariana Crow, known as 'Aga' in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The endangered Mariana Crow, known as 'Aga' in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately 300 individual birds, a significant milestone toward the species' downlisting and eventual removal from the endangered species list. Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Program's primary investigator Sarah Faegre told Marianas Press that the conservation effort is in a critical and optimistic phase. 'This is a very exciting time to be here on Rota,' Faegre said. 'We are seeing high rates of reproduction among the captive-reared birds that have been released into the wild.' Since 2017, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of Washington have collaborated to rear and release 90 captive-raised Mariana Crows. These birds now make up 20 percent of the breeding population, and this year alone, they have already produced four fledglings. 'It's significant because it means the birds we rear and release are not only surviving, but they're also displaying normal social behavior-they're pairing and reproducing in the wild, which is exactly what we need them to do,' Faegre said. The Mariana Crow is a long-lived species, and Faegre noted that some of the birds released in 2017 are only now beginning to breed. 'We saw a long delay. For a while, we were concerned about lower rates of reproduction, but even if it takes five or six years, they are breeding now,' she said. 'We're expecting to see the population increase faster going forward.' Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. The recent rise to 70 brings the Rota population within reach of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's criteria for downlisting: 75 stable or increasing breeding pairs on Rota. 'We could reach that 75-pair mark in just a few more years,' Faegre said. However, full delisting requires not only maintaining 75 pairs on Rota, but also establishing a second viable population on another island. That means future conservation efforts may include translocating birds to other locations within the Marianas. While the progress is promising, challenges remain. 'The biggest threat to the Aga is a poorly understood inflammatory syndrome that's killing young birds,' Faegre said. Pathologists have been researching the syndrome since 2011 but have yet to determine its cause. One possibility is an autoimmune response triggered by mosquito-borne pathogens or high mosquito density. Other risks include potential future land-use conflicts with local populations, and the looming danger of the brown tree snake being introduced to Rota-an invasive species that has devastated native bird populations in Guam. Despite these concerns, Faegre said the focus remains on growth and recovery. 'We are on the cusp of something really important,' she said. 'This species has a chance-not just to survive, but to thrive again.' The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates a rear-and-release facility on Rota in partnership with the University of Washington. Their joint program continues to play a critical role in the recovery of one of the Marianas' most iconic and culturally significant birds.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Northern Mariana Islands: Endangered Mariana Crow Population Rebounds On Rota
, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The endangered Mariana Crow, known as "Aga" in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately 300 individual birds, a significant milestone toward the species' downlisting and eventual removal from the endangered species list. Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Program's primary investigator Sarah Faegre told Marianas Press that the conservation effort is in a critical and optimistic phase. "This is a very exciting time to be here on Rota," Faegre said. "We are seeing high rates of reproduction among the captive-reared birds that have been released into the wild." Since 2017, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of Washington have collaborated to rear and release 90 captive-raised Mariana Crows. These birds now make up 20 percent of the breeding population, and this year alone, they have already produced four fledglings. "It's significant because it means the birds we rear and release are not only surviving, but they're also displaying normal social behavior-they're pairing and reproducing in the wild, which is exactly what we need them to do," Faegre said. The Mariana Crow is a long-lived species, and Faegre noted that some of the birds released in 2017 are only now beginning to breed. "We saw a long delay. For a while, we were concerned about lower rates of reproduction, but even if it takes five or six years, they are breeding now," she said. "We're expecting to see the population increase faster going forward." Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. The recent rise to 70 brings the Rota population within reach of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's criteria for downlisting: 75 stable or increasing breeding pairs on Rota. "We could reach that 75-pair mark in just a few more years," Faegre said. However, full delisting requires not only maintaining 75 pairs on Rota, but also establishing a second viable population on another island. That means future conservation efforts may include translocating birds to other locations within the Marianas. While the progress is promising, challenges remain. "The biggest threat to the Aga is a poorly understood inflammatory syndrome that's killing young birds," Faegre said. Pathologists have been researching the syndrome since 2011 but have yet to determine its cause. One possibility is an autoimmune response triggered by mosquito-borne pathogens or high mosquito density. Other risks include potential future land-use conflicts with local populations, and the looming danger of the brown tree snake being introduced to Rota-an invasive species that has devastated native bird populations in Guam. Despite these concerns, Faegre said the focus remains on growth and recovery. "We are on the cusp of something really important," she said. "This species has a chance-not just to survive, but to thrive again." The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates a rear-and-release facility on Rota in partnership with the University of Washington. Their joint program continues to play a critical role in the recovery of one of the Marianas' most iconic and culturally significant birds.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Northern Mariana Islands' Annual Bird Count Highlights Conservation Success
, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent 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. 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. 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.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Guam Governor Advocates For Economic Diversification As US Military Buildup Continues
Article – RNZ The governor of Guam is advocating for economic diversification in the US territory's efforts to position the island as a logistics and defence hub in the Indo-Pacific., RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The government of Guam is in talks with the US territory's airport authority to allocate land for a dedicated industrial park in its efforts to position the island as a logistics and defence hub in the Indo-Pacific. This was revealed by Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero during her weclomes remarks at the Pacific Islands Development Bank (PIDB) board of governors meeting in Saipan on Wednesday. Leon Guerrero outlined her administration's efforts to diversify US territory's economy during, speaking extensively on Guam's plans to attract Taiwan-based computer chip manufacturers and support 3D printing technology for rapid naval vessel repairs. 'One of the things I discussed with the president of Taiwan was how we could bring chip manufacturing to Guam,' Leon Guerrero told attendees. She said: 'If you provide the infrastructure, they will come.'' She said such initiatives would enhance Guam's capacity to support the US military presence in the Pacific, especially with regard to shortening supply chains for ship and submarine repairs. 'We are looking at diversifying our economy,' Leon Guerrero said. 'And that added manufacturing will improve the supply chain, especially very beneficial for the military build-up because ships and submarines, in terms of needing parts to be repaired, can be repaired quickly.' While welcoming Pacific leaders to Saipan, Leon Guerrero acknowledged persistent challenges in Guam's tourism sector due to global economic uncertainties, currency fluctuations, and air service limitations. 'We are still slowly recovering from the [Covid-19] pandemic. It is slow to come back because of global issues – the yen, the dollar – and air connectivity is a concern,' she said, noting federal regulations have also constrained certain tourism activities. The governor said Guam is working with low-cost carriers and international markets, like Taiwan, to restore travel demand. She pointed to recent increased flight arrivals from Taipei as a sign of progress. 'People from Taiwan love to travel. But they are not going to China because of the issues between China and Taiwan,' she said. 'Let's take that opportunity to entice them to come to our part of the Pacific.' She also reiterated Guam's strategic importance to national defense, noting billions of dollars in military spending are flowing into the island. However, she emphasized the need for shared responsibility between the federal government and Guam in building critical infrastructure. 'The military buildup is ongoing. We're working closely with them to finance infrastructure-electricity, utilities. We also want them to give their share for the burden of peace,' she said. Leon Guerrero flagged workforce development as a key economic priority, especially with ongoing construction and business activity. 'We have been very innovative in our training,' she said, noting that boot camps and upskilling programs have been deployed. 'But that still isn't enough,' she added, saying Guam is also pushing for more H-2B visas to fill gaps in the construction workforce. She acknowledged competition with the federal government for public sector employees and noted recent local pay raises have helped retain police officers, nurses, and teachers. 'Workforce is one of the biggest challenges for us. We are also dealing with issues of housing shortages, drug addiction, and telecommunications,' she said, noting that new investments, including a modern hospital, are also part of Guam's strategic buildout. 'United voice' Leon Guerrero urged regional unity among Pacific Islands, especially amid global power shifts and growing emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. 'When we stand together in a united voice, we will win this part of the Indo-Pacific for national security,' she said. 'Let's leverage that as much as we can so both parties can benefit from it.' She also mentioned the importance of framing climate change discussions with care in a shifting US political environment. 'We need to be careful of what we say in languages and words so that we can continue the relationship with the United States,' she said. Leon Guerrero closed by thanking Pacific leaders from Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, reaffirming her commitment to collaborative development and security partnerships across the region. The PIDB board of governors meeting was attended by executive and legislative leaders from around Micronesia. The agenda included review of the bank's independent audit report, updates on strategic priorities, and each jurisdiction's economic conditions. Multiple speakers cited tourism stagnation, housing gaps, and inflation as common challenges.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Guam Governor Advocates For Economic Diversification As US Military Buildup Continues
The governor of Guam is advocating for economic diversification in the US territory's efforts to position the island as a logistics and defence hub in the Indo-Pacific., RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The government of Guam is in talks with the US territory's airport authority to allocate land for a dedicated industrial park in its efforts to position the island as a logistics and defence hub in the Indo-Pacific. This was revealed by Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero during her weclomes remarks at the Pacific Islands Development Bank (PIDB) board of governors meeting in Saipan on Wednesday. Leon Guerrero outlined her administration's efforts to diversify US territory's economy during, speaking extensively on Guam's plans to attract Taiwan-based computer chip manufacturers and support 3D printing technology for rapid naval vessel repairs. 'One of the things I discussed with the president of Taiwan was how we could bring chip manufacturing to Guam,' Leon Guerrero told attendees. She said: 'If you provide the infrastructure, they will come.'' She said such initiatives would enhance Guam's capacity to support the US military presence in the Pacific, especially with regard to shortening supply chains for ship and submarine repairs. 'We are looking at diversifying our economy,' Leon Guerrero said. 'And that added manufacturing will improve the supply chain, especially very beneficial for the military build-up because ships and submarines, in terms of needing parts to be repaired, can be repaired quickly.' While welcoming Pacific leaders to Saipan, Leon Guerrero acknowledged persistent challenges in Guam's tourism sector due to global economic uncertainties, currency fluctuations, and air service limitations. 'We are still slowly recovering from the [Covid-19] pandemic. It is slow to come back because of global issues – the yen, the dollar – and air connectivity is a concern,' she said, noting federal regulations have also constrained certain tourism activities. The governor said Guam is working with low-cost carriers and international markets, like Taiwan, to restore travel demand. She pointed to recent increased flight arrivals from Taipei as a sign of progress. 'People from Taiwan love to travel. But they are not going to China because of the issues between China and Taiwan,' she said. 'Let's take that opportunity to entice them to come to our part of the Pacific.' She also reiterated Guam's strategic importance to national defense, noting billions of dollars in military spending are flowing into the island. However, she emphasized the need for shared responsibility between the federal government and Guam in building critical infrastructure. 'The military buildup is ongoing. We're working closely with them to finance infrastructure-electricity, utilities. We also want them to give their share for the burden of peace,' she said. Leon Guerrero flagged workforce development as a key economic priority, especially with ongoing construction and business activity. 'We have been very innovative in our training,' she said, noting that boot camps and upskilling programs have been deployed. 'But that still isn't enough,' she added, saying Guam is also pushing for more H-2B visas to fill gaps in the construction workforce. She acknowledged competition with the federal government for public sector employees and noted recent local pay raises have helped retain police officers, nurses, and teachers. 'Workforce is one of the biggest challenges for us. We are also dealing with issues of housing shortages, drug addiction, and telecommunications,' she said, noting that new investments, including a modern hospital, are also part of Guam's strategic buildout. 'United voice' Leon Guerrero urged regional unity among Pacific Islands, especially amid global power shifts and growing emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. 'When we stand together in a united voice, we will win this part of the Indo-Pacific for national security,' she said. 'Let's leverage that as much as we can so both parties can benefit from it.' She also mentioned the importance of framing climate change discussions with care in a shifting US political environment. 'We need to be careful of what we say in languages and words so that we can continue the relationship with the United States,' she said. Leon Guerrero closed by thanking Pacific leaders from Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, reaffirming her commitment to collaborative development and security partnerships across the region. The PIDB board of governors meeting was attended by executive and legislative leaders from around Micronesia. The agenda included review of the bank's independent audit report, updates on strategic priorities, and each jurisdiction's economic conditions. Multiple speakers cited tourism stagnation, housing gaps, and inflation as common challenges.
