Thanks to a generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation, RFF supported the reintroduction of 25 Seychelles White Eyes on North Island, in the Republic of Seychelles. Seychelles is an archipelago nation some 930 miles east of mainland Africa in the Indian Ocean, composed of 155 islands. The small birds with white rings around their eyes have held stable but small populations on three other islands, and recently moved up from being listed as critically endangered to endangered. It is thought that their population dropped as low as 150 in the 1970s.

To secure a safe habitat for the birds, the island had to completely eradicate all rats and other introduced mammal predators, which was completed in 2005. Strict protocols and abatement measures for landing material (rat proof room, loading & unloading procedures, permanent bait stations, etc.) were designed and put into force to prevent reinvasion. Additionally, native vegetation had to be restored with an emphasis on fruiting trees that produce seeds and berries. Over 5000 native trees have been planted, while alien species, such as coconut trees, are being controlled or removed to accommodate for the birds and other native wildlife species.

In a cooperative effort with several conservation groups on North Island and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, 25 White Eyes were introduced in a series of six releases. The birds were transported by helicopter from Conception Island to North Island in a Helibird box and then placed in a recovery cage to be kept in close observation after the flight. In the recovery cage, the birds enjoyed a meal of termites and honey leaves. Most birds were released within 24 hours of arrival to North Island.

So far, 20 of the 25 birds have been re-sighted through field observations. As the birds are small, shy and stay in the treetops, quite refined birding skills are needed to spot them. The staff travels on foot through the forest playing a tape of the bird’s song in an attempt to attract them. Subsequently, when spotted, the bird is identified by means of colored rings it wears (2 on each leg). Promising behavior has been spotted as aggressions amongst males appear to announce that breeding might take place soon. Reproduction has, for obvious reasons, been chosen as a measurable indicator to evaluate the success of the introduction.

Only 350-400 of this endangered bird species survive in the world today, meaning North Island will be responsible for the wellbeing of around 7% of the world’s population! All the vegetation rehabilitation, pest eradication and replanting of indigenous flora has been worth it.