A group of scientists have successfully photographed a rare bird, and their touching reactions have garnered attention online.
The black-naped pheasant pigeon, a large bird native to the rainforests of New Guinea, is not well-known to many.
Unfortunately, this species has become extremely scarce, primarily due to deforestation in its habitat.
Deforestation involves removing forests to use the land for other purposes, such as construction. This practice severely affects wildlife, particularly birds that depend on trees for shelter and nesting.
The black-naped pheasant pigeon is classified as critically endangered and hadn’t been observed for 140 years.
However, in 2022, a team of researchers managed to film these elusive pigeons.
The birds were seen roaming Fergusson Island, and you can view the footage here:
Fergusson Island, the largest of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands in Papua New Guinea, is predominantly rainforest-covered and features three significant volcanoes.
Expedition leaders John Mittermeier and Jason Gregg rediscovered the bird here after its long absence.
The researchers traveled into the mountains to speak with hunters and local villagers on Fergusson Island.
Residents claimed to have spotted the black-naped bird before, and a local named Augustin Gregory mentioned hearing its unique calls.
Trusting the villagers’ insights, the researchers set up cameras in the suggested area and waited eagerly.
“When we collected the camera traps, I figured there was less than a one percent chance of getting a photo of the black-naped pheasant-pigeon,” remarked Jordan Boersma, a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell.
Yet, shortly after setting up, the bird appeared in front of the cameras.
“As I was scrolling through the photos, I was stunned by this photo of this bird walking right past our camera,” Boersma recounted.
“It is the kind of moment you dream about your entire life as a conservationist and birdwatcher,” Mittermeier shared with BBC.
After the discovery, the scientists shared a video of their reactions to capturing the rare bird on film.
In the viral video, the team is seen celebrating, holding hands, stamping their feet, and proclaiming it the ‘happiest moment ever.’
Upon reviewing the footage of the black-naped pheasant-pigeon, the team expressed disbelief at their success in capturing it on video.
“Seeing those first photos of the pheasant-pigeon felt like finding a unicorn,” said Mittermeier.
Doka Nason, a local bird expert, was also part of the group and described how he was ‘jumping around’ and ‘yelling’ upon realizing they had captured the bird on film.
Despite the success in documenting the bird, the black-naped pheasant-pigeon remains critically endangered.
Discussing the potential extinction of the species, Boersma commented: “The reason I care, why I think we should all care, is that this bird has meant something and continues to mean something to the local people.
“It’s part of their legends and culture—if we lose this species, then its cultural importance will be lost along with the role it plays in this fantastic ecosystem.”