As reported, on my post of January 5th, the 25th and 26th November saw the world’s first translocation of Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher. This took place on Denis with the birds being brought over by helicopter from La Digue. A total of 23 birds were transferred (12 males and 11 females) containing a mix of adult and immature birds.
In the days following their release encouraging signs were noted in particular the singing of 3 males suggesting that they were already attempting to establish territories.
Since then the flycatchers have been the full-time occupation of Anselm Barra, Asst Research Officer on the Flycatcher project, who has been monitoring their occurrence, activities and well-being. The information below is the result of his work and covers the first 3 weeks post introduction.
19 birds have been re-sighted and seen on a regular basis.
Initially birds appeared to be setting up territories as early as the day after release, however these territories were often temporary and there was a lot of territory swapping. These initial territories were in the good quality habitat and are still occupied however the birds within them have often changed.
By 3 weeks after release many of the birds had paired up and set up stable territories and are defending their territories against the neighbours. To date 9 territories have established on Denis whilst a few of the birds have yet settle into and are still moving around the island (See Map below 1 of flycatcher territories on Denis in mid-December 2008).
No breeding activity had been observed by mid-December. However very few flycatchers on La Digue had started breeding in mid-December so a lack of breeding activity at this time on Denis is not un-expected.
I will post regular updates on this ground-breaking work so check back regularly for the latest!
The transfer of flycatchers to Denis was enabled by the approval of the La Digue Development Board and is the result of a multi-partner collaboration.
In the days following their release encouraging signs were noted in particular the singing of 3 males suggesting that they were already attempting to establish territories.
Since then the flycatchers have been the full-time occupation of Anselm Barra, Asst Research Officer on the Flycatcher project, who has been monitoring their occurrence, activities and well-being. The information below is the result of his work and covers the first 3 weeks post introduction.
19 birds have been re-sighted and seen on a regular basis.
Initially birds appeared to be setting up territories as early as the day after release, however these territories were often temporary and there was a lot of territory swapping. These initial territories were in the good quality habitat and are still occupied however the birds within them have often changed.
By 3 weeks after release many of the birds had paired up and set up stable territories and are defending their territories against the neighbours. To date 9 territories have established on Denis whilst a few of the birds have yet settle into and are still moving around the island (See Map below 1 of flycatcher territories on Denis in mid-December 2008).
No breeding activity had been observed by mid-December. However very few flycatchers on La Digue had started breeding in mid-December so a lack of breeding activity at this time on Denis is not un-expected.
I will post regular updates on this ground-breaking work so check back regularly for the latest!
The transfer of flycatchers to Denis was enabled by the approval of the La Digue Development Board and is the result of a multi-partner collaboration.
A most encouraging start - nine territories had formed by mid-December!
"Click" on Map to enlarge.
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