November 19, 2021
Habitat loss is an enormous issue facing our planet. Destruction of ecosystems, both caused by the changing climate and human-led clearing of habitats, is leading to the loss of plants and animals. Occasionally however, an organism thought long lost reappears.
This was the case with Black-browed Babbler bird in Indonesia. The Babbler had not been documented by science for 172 years. An expedition, led by the Oriental Bird Club and the American Bird Conservancy, travelled to South Kalimantan in Indonesia where a local resident captured one of these elusive birds last year. With the help of local partners, the team were fortunate enough to not only observe the Babbler on their first day in the field, but capture the first official photos and video footage ever taken of this species.
Why is finding this species that had been lost to science so important? Because we can’t protect what we don’t know. Now that the Babbler has been ‘re-discovered,’ it will enable its protection through conservation efforts. Maintaining biodiversity (especially in areas considered to be ‘megadiverse’ such as Indonesia) is key to preserving a rich and varied natural world, one that is hopefully able to withstand the changing climate.
And not only this, protecting the habitat of the Babbler will hopefully enable this species to not only survive, but hopefully thrive. At present, the species is listed as ‘Data Deficient’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, so it is unclear how many Babblers are living in Indonesia, and what areas they call home. The researchers continue their expedition to learn more about the distribution of the Babbler, as well as any threats it may already be facing. Protecting the habitat and genetic diversity of the Black-browed Babbler will be essential to ensure their survival in years to come.
Source: Surfbirds
Read more: http://www.surfbirds.com/community-blogs/blog/2021/11/18/found-bornean-bird-sparks-hope-and-inspiration-for-bird-conservation-efforts/
