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Endangered Red Siskin finds a home in Guyana, 22nd March 2004
Red Siskin birds, regarded as nearly extinct, have migrated to Guyana’s interior
possibly from Venezuela. Researchers from the University of Kansas and the
Smithsonian Institution happened upon the colony of birds by chance and
information on their location is being safeguarded by officials of the
government and the University of Guyana (UG).
The brightly coloured Red Siskin is known to originate from Venezuela, where
more than a century of trapping for the cage-bird trade has left the species on
the verge of extinction.
The centre for the study of Biological Development (CFBD) on UG’s Turkeyen
campus was where the arrival of Red Siskins in Guyana was confirmed. CFBD
receives many types of wildlife, according to Senior Scientific Officer, Michael
Tamessar. He said that when specimens of the Red Siskin were taken to the
facility after the discovery was made, tests on the birds’ feathers confirmed
that the species was indeed the Red Siskin.
Because sightings of Red Siskins were so rare, Tamessar explained, it was
important to keep the birds safe and out of reach of any eager trappers. “We
want to keep the birds’ habitat quiet. Keeping the trappers away is very
important.”
Tamessar also expressed concern about a growing threat from countries outside
South America. Breeders of extinct species, he said, would be keen to get their
hands on any newfound populations for their own purposes.
“Breeders from countries like the USA and in Europe, such as Germany, would be
keen to get the original genetic stock for breeding purposes. This can be
dangerous. Cross-breeding may start occurring which is not good as it would
create an imbalance in the bird population,” Tamessar said.
Recently, the government placed the birds on the endangered species list,
according to Head of the Wildlife Division, Kellawan. “After information had
been given from the Scientific and Management Authority it was decided they be
put under the 1999 Species Protection Act for animals and birds,” he
said. “that
information was published in May.”
The Red Siskins were found in Guyana in April 2000. A team from the University
of Kansas and the Smithsonian Institution had been doing some research on
finches in the hinterland when by chance, while observing a mixed-bird species,
it was noticed that a small flock of Red Siskins was nearby. Considerable
follow-up research allowed the team to come to the conclusion that the
population numbered in the thousands.
It is hoped that in time and with the correct protection, the general population
of the Red Siskin in Guyana will flourish. Tamessar would certainly like to see
that happen. “We want to see an improved stock. We can but hope it is possible
if the birds are kept safe.”
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