Previous Story
Our natural heritage
|
Posted on Mar 02 2005
This is part two of a five-part series covering wildlife and fish species and habitats of greatest conservation concern in the Commonwealth. Last week we brought you the Fanihi – Our Mariana fruit bat.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife is updating and refining the list of species and habitats of greatest conservation concern as part of the Comprehensive Wildlife and Fish Conservation Plan for the CNMI. Today we bring you the preliminary list of the Commonwealth bird species of greatest conservation concern. All of these species are rare and/or their populations have been significantly reduced.
The DFW requests public comments about these species, or any other marine or land species that you feel should be addressed through conservation actions. Let us know your thoughts by email: CNMI_wildife@msn.com, or mail: Comments, PO Box 506369, Saipan, MP 96950. You are also invited to attend our public meetings during April (dates will be posted later).
Si Yu’us Ma’ase!
Birds of the Commonwealth
Bird species grace our lives in innumerable ways, such as their early morning calls and soaring flights. They are integral parts of our natural heritage; however, many are significantly declining as a result of limited or degraded habitats, and other impacts. The brown tree snake also poses a significant threat if it colonizes our islands. Guam, for example, has lost a majority of their native bird species as a result of brown tree snake predation. Many Guam visitors remark at how much they miss their bird life and appreciate seeing and hearing birds while on our Commonwealth islands.
We are fortunate to still have many of these species with us. They are an important part of our natural and cultural heritage, and it will require conservation awareness and actions to sustain them for future generations, as well as for our visitors. (Greg Schroer)
