When it is estimated that only 60 of a species still exist in the wild, every single individual is important. Gemma Goodman and Anna Heath from our Research Team describe a recent rescue operation run by our White-bellied Heron network to save one bird.
On November 11 in the Gengga countryside of China, a group of people could be seen carefully carrying one of the world’s rarest birds to safety.
Capturing and carrying a fully-grown White-bellied Heron (the second largest heron with an estimated wingspan of two metres) is not an easy feat, but this individual was weak and exhausted. Its rescuers had spotted it being chased on the bank of the Zhenkang River, in a region where it has not been seen since 2014 and was assumed locally extinct.
However, local conservationists had not lost hope, and over the past few years, Synchronicity Earth has supported work to engage and raise awareness about the bird with communities in this region.
It was therefore a sign of success that local people had recognised the species and rescued it, bringing it to local authorities. The forest police contacted Professor Han Lianxian, the Chinese coordinator for the international White-bellied Heron Working Group, and he immediately sprang into action to coordinate efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release this bird.
International cooperation for an injured bird
© Han Lianxian
The White-bellied Heron Working Group was created with the support of Synchronicity Earth to bring together the people and organisations across the bird’s international range to share expertise and give this Critically Endangered species the best chance at survival.
Because of this network, Synchronicity Earth was able to quickly link Professor Han to experts in captive care of herons, who provided precise advice on feeding and care which was quickly implemented. This meant that after a few days this bird, a species notoriously hard to keep in captivity, was able to gain strength and was ready to be released.
We were also able to arrange for a vet with experience of similar species to travel to China from Singapore Zoo to do a full health check of the bird and provide support as it was released into the same area it was found. A satellite transmitter and leg ring were also fitted on the bird to identify it and to provide much needed information about its movements.