Palmyra Atoll, United States Minor Outlying Islands
#00272
OngoingRegion
Implementer
Sihek Recovery Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and zoological partners
Timeline
Since Sep 23, 2024
Location
Palmyra Atoll, United States Minor Outlying Islands5.9000, -162.1000
Description
Nine captive-bred sihek (Guam kingfisher) arrived at predator-free Palmyra Atoll in September 2024 for a conservation introduction. Six were initially released after an acclimation period; subsequent monitoring confirmed all nine living in the wild. Eight individuals formed pairs and egg laying was reported in 2025. Palmyra serves as a lower-risk bridge site — protected and predator-free — to build field management knowledge before a planned future reintroduction to Guam.
Metrics
3Birds transferred to Palmyra Atoll9individuals
Birds initially released in September 20246individuals
Birds later reported paired8individuals
Lessons learned
- Using a predator-free protected atoll as an intermediate introduction site reduces risk compared with direct reintroduction to the native range where threats may not yet be fully controlled.
- Phased release (6 of 9 birds initially, remainder held) based on individual acclimation condition allows managers to respond to health or behavioural indicators before committing the full cohort.
- Survival, pairing and egg laying are useful interim indicators but do not confirm a self-sustaining population; long-term monitoring must continue before declaring success.
Sources
3