The Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division of the Ministry of Agriculture would like the public to get more involved in the conservation of the islands endemic birds.
This call has come as the Society for the conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds is placing emphasis this year on the life cycles of birds as part of the 2013 Caribbean Endemic Birds Festival.
Dominica’s Agriculture Minister. Matthew Walter in an address to launch the 2013 Caribbean Endemic Birds Festival on Monday said bird conservation has always been a part of the Forestry Division’s plan to preserve Dominica’s bird species.
“In Dominica we had our own experiences in addressing issues of bird conservation” he said.
The Minister noted that the best example of such is the work that has been accomplished over many years in the island’s attempt to save its parrots from destruction.
According to Walter, “The research has concluded that despite our best efforts, the parrots of Dominica, Sisserou and Jaco, are still very vulnerable to changes in weather conditions”.
The Minister noted that while the numbers of the Sisserou, and Jaco appear to be high, any severe hurricane or tropical storm system impacting on the natural habitat of the species will cause untold damage to the survival of the birds.
“Natural disasters have the potential to cause massive interruption to the life cycle of birds, disrupting their feeding regimes, breeding facilities and their security,” he further pointed out.
Effective April 22nd, The Forestry and Wildlife Division will embark on a month-long programme of activities involving primary schools, hikers, and members of the general public.
The Minister has asked the public to participate in the activities planned.
“I invite each and every one of you to attend and participate in the public presentation on the Life Cycle of the Amazona species and to sign up for and participate in the” Whistle Like a Bird Contest,” he said.
The Caribbean Endemic Birds Festival has been celebrated regionally over the past twelve years from Earth day on April 22nd to World Biodiversity Day on May 22nd.
Ten years ago, Dominica joined the rest of the region in efforts at raising awareness about the Caribbean’s rich bird life, particularly the endemic species.
I searched the internet for the sounds of the mountain whistler but couldn’t find any I always enjoyed listening to that sound as a child. What is the condition of this beautiful bird is it extinct.
I didn’t know you wanted to replace GEORGE AMBROSE.
let us preserve our animal species and not focus on politics.
Great piece DNO.
We are the nature island of the West Indies.
I have to applaud the efforts of my co workers within the Wildlife and Forestry Division and other related entities for the tremendous efforts that are directed at preservation island wide.
There are many species of fauna and flora that continue to be in dire need of protection and the requisite regulations and policy framework is in need of review and strengthening. Forestry employees must be properly remunerated and greater provisions must be made for training and the use of modern day technology. I have spoken on their behalf on several occasions but its apparent that my humble voice continues to fall on “corpses” ears. My co-workers do recognize and appreciate my dedication and desire to work in their interests.
I want to state for the records my general dissatisfaction at Central Government for its inability/refusal for attending to some of our Historical concerns. However let is be said that for most part they are genuinely interested in creating greater efficiencies within this Department and we are eternally thankful to them for so doing.
Persons who know me well are fully aware that am a teams’ player and fully determined to help improve the department.
I endorse your comment in its entirety.
one way to preserve our birds,is to plant more trees in the interior,especially the people that are building in the forest and coal makers.The tree is the home of the birds.
what about a hike or a bird watching in different national parks, or a competition of video footage of birds in the wild
This is a beautiful bird. In this technological age, TV, computer, etc., young people’s lifestyle and preference have changed. They are not as idle as they were in those days. Therefore I do not think they are haunted down as in previous years. Those birds, are no doubt admired. Some tourists love bird-watching. Dominica would be an ideal place for that.
In this era, the only threat would be bad weather as heavy rainfall, storms and hurricanes. How will the birds be preserved from them?
This reminds me: Matthew 6:26 – Look at the birds in the sky, they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Based on the above, God takes care of all. I feel certain that Dominica’s birds will never become extinct. If some are, others and probably more beautiful will replace them. God provides.
Check this news link – http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1339091&Itemid=1.
Is this bird (The Mountain Whistler) the same as the “Sooflay moutaine”?
But that is the literal translation.
May I encourage readers to view “Birds of the Botanic Gardens” at http://www.da-academy.org/dagardens_birds.html. And, try getting the book “Dominica’s Birds” written by Arlington James, Stephen Durand and Bertrand Jno.Baptiste of the Forestry Division…
Trust me with smart phones and internet our birds safe from people. In my day every young man owned a catapult and had about 3 traps set in bush. Those days Pedwi on main road not even scared.
Yeah the Pedwi used to be far out in the woods.My younger brother an i caught a lot of that under our carlog boy.
You made me laugh, bringing back the good old days. Oh yes, those young guys were very good at that with the catapult.
Those poor birds but many survived.
Very good initiative. Let’s preserve our flora and fauna.
great initiative love the birds of dominica,such a pleasure to sit under a tree a listen to them.