Member Since: 1/12/2012
Posts: 18,340
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Rare bird killed "in the name of conservation"
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A Mustached Kingfisher, a beautiful and rare bird never before seen by western science, was euthanised and "collected" just moments after being photographed alive and well for the first time.
The bird, which is found only in the Solomon Islands and specifically one island called Guadalcanal, is often described as a "ghost bird", yet made a sudden surprise appearance to US researchers in late September this year.
Chris Filardi, director of Pacific Programs at the American Museum of Natural History, heard the distinctive "kokoko-kiew" call of the male bird, tracked it down - and then killed it, according to animal newsite The Dodo.
At first, his field journal on the museum's website did not indicate he had killed the bird - but it was later clarified that it had been "collected as a specimen for additional study."
He and his team's actions have divided the public and scientific community. Some ecologists have heavily criticised the "unnecessary slaying" of rare species on the pretence of conservation, whilst Dr Filardi himself claims the bird is "not rare" and provides valuable scientific knowledge.
He said in a response to criticism on Audubon: "Although sightings and information about the bird are rare in the ornithological community, the bird itself is not. [...] As I wrote from the field, this is a bird that is poorly known and elusive to western science - not rare or in imminent danger of extinction."
So, he added, "the decision to collect an individual specimen [...] reflects standard practice for field biologists."
Ecological estimates for the bird's population range between 250 to 1,000 mature individuals in the region it inhabits, which classes it as "endangered". Further counts may prove it to be more common, according to Birdlife International.
An ecologist has penned a strongly-worded and passionate condemnation of the decision to kill the bird, however. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colarado, drew attention to the case in a blog for the Huffington Post.
"When will the killing of other animals stop? We need to give this question serious consideration because far too much research and conservation biology is far too bloody and does not need to be.
"Killing 'in the name of conservation' or 'in the name of education' or 'in the name of whatever' simply needs to stop. It is wrong and sets a horrific precedent for future research and for children."
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It's still ****** that they killed a perfectly healthy bird. 
Rip.
sis...
