The Pacific News Center's Bird Loss Report
With less forest density and coverage in the canopies, it has been stated that with the absence of Guam's birds, Guam's forests are getting warmer.
With the absence of seed dispersing birds, such as the totot or Mariana fruit dove, less and less trees are growing. And if trees do grow, feral ungulates such as feral pigs, deers, and feral karabao make their way though and uproot them, ultimately, destroying the seedings that had potential growth.
This is our wake-up call for Guam.
For twenty plus years, Guam has grown in silence, residents think it is "normal" to not hear birds.
The people of Guam grew up with roosters crowing, introduced doves, the infamous, introduced drongos that attack, and the common Eurasian tree sparrows. Siting of a native bird is rare unless you live in Anderson, where the native starling live.
Yes, there are still såli (Micronesian Starling) and yayåguak (Mariana Swiftlet) left; however, their numbers remain low.
Guam's ecology was not the only thing affected by bird loss, Guam's Chamorro culture has also taken a toll.
The birds in the forest were used as food sources, to tell weather patterns, and to tell stories.
The birds at sea assisted fishermen in finding the catch for the day and also helped assist in analyzing weather predictions.
Each bird has a story behind them, and generations have not been able to hear the stories.
Now is the time for Guam to come together and voice their concerns for Guam's birds. The birds, just like the people who call Guam home, want their home back as well.
Prutehi I Tano' Guåhan!
The Guam Rail or Ko'ko' one of the 16 that were released back on Cocos Island back in 2011.
Photo courtesy of Fernbird Photography
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