Short Wave The Comeback Bird: Meet the Ko'Ko'
Jan 23, 2020
Discover the incredible comeback of the Guam Rail, or ko'ko', a bird once lost to extinction due to invasive species. With the help of dedicated conservationists and innovative breeding techniques, the ko'ko' has been successfully reintroduced into its natural habitat. Hear about the collaboration between conservationists and military personnel that made this possible. Despite ongoing challenges like predation and habitat loss, efforts continue to ensure this unique bird's survival and genetic diversity in the wild.
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Impact of the Brown Tree Snake
- The brown tree snake, an invasive species with no natural predators, decimated Guam's bird population.
- The snakes' impact was so severe that the forests of Guam fell silent.
Ko'ko' in Guam Homes
- Guam rails, called ko'ko', are flightless birds about a foot tall, brown with a gray stripe above their eyes.
- They were once so common in Guam that families would find them foraging in their kitchens.
Ko'ko' Matchmaking
- Captive-bred ko'ko' struggled to reproduce due to aggression and stress.
- Biologists had to become matchmakers, pairing birds based on personality to encourage breeding.