Medium Tree Finch uplisted to Critically Endangered

BirdLife International recently announced changes to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of endangered species including the uplisting of the Medium Tree Finch Camarhynchus pauper to Critically Endangered: that is this species is considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Charles Darwin Foundation expresses its concerns and commits its scientific work to save this species.

The Medium Tree Finch, one of the world famous Darwin´s finches, is found only in the highlands on Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Previously only one other Darwin´s finch, the Mangrove Finch from Isabela, was believed to be in imminent danger of extinction. Recent population estimates suggest that there are well under 2,000 Medium Tree Finches left on Floreana. The main threat is from the introduced fly Philornis downsi which feeds on the bird's nestlings and has seriously reduced breeding success. The finch has also lost large areas of its habitat to agriculture and invasive species and is impacted on by other bird diseases such as avian pox.

A new umbrella project, Project Floreana: an integrated approach to conservation, is being developed by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park Service in cooperation with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and other partner organizations. The multi year project will address the issues affecting the biodiversity of Floreana, involving the local community to ensure sustainable solutions that help in the restoration of the island.