Super Typhoon Bavi Endangers Mariana Crow Conservation Efforts in U.S. Territory
Conservation efforts for the critically endangered Mariana crow, or Åga, on Rota, a U.S. territory, faced a significant setback due to Super Typhoon Bavi in July. Researchers from the University of Washington and ecologists from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have been working for over two decades to prevent the bird's extinction, with only about 300 individuals remaining. The typhoon, a Category 5 storm, severely damaged the outdoor aviaries used for breeding and rehabilitation, obliterating the facility's infrastructure. Before the storm hit, conservationists managed to move 13 birds to makeshift indoor aviaries, saving them. However, of the nine birds not captured, two died, and one sustained injuries. The wild population also suffered losses, which are still being assessed. The research base remains without power months after the typhoon, complicating ongoing care for the agitated crows. This event was followed by Category 4 Typhoon Champi in mid-October, further stressing the ecosystem and conser...
