Lord
Howe Island Currawong Strepera graculina crissalis
 |
Lord
Howe Island Currawong Strepera graculina crissalis |
The endangered Lord
Howe Island Currawong is distinct from its mainland relatives by its larger
beak and a more melodious call.
Beyond these characteristics
very little is known about this endemic species.
Scientists are currently
surveying the birds to estimate population size and population trends
and to study movement patterns or factors limiting population size.
The team also researches
interactions between the birds and other species on the island. The Currawongs
are known to prey on chicks of other birds, especially the White Terns,
as well as on rodents that were accidentally introduced to the island.
It is now important
to estimate the impact of different rodent baiting strategies on the Currawong
population, before any large scale rodent eradication can take place on
Lord Howe Island.
The project will
culminate in the preparation of a national Recovery Plan for the Lord
Howe Island Currawong.
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