Northern Mariana Islands’ Annual Bird Count Highlights Conservation Success

Mark
Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the
Northern Marianas correspondent

The
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual
Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role
that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in
protecting the islands’ unique bird
populations.

Organised by the Division of Fish and
Wildlife’s (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year’s count saw
enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian,
providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation
strategies.

A total of 48 volunteers joined the
effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on
Tinian.

Volunteers included community members,
students from Saipan International School and Saipan
Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and
staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team.

“This
hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature,
encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens
community collaboration in protecting and understanding the
CNMI’s unique wildlife,” DFW’s wildlife biologist Amanda
Santoswith said.

The
count documented several endangered and endemic species,
including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler,
Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota
White-eye.

These sightings underline the critical need
for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare
birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the
world.

This year’s results showed 3441 individual
birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds
across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds
across 31 species on Rota.

The most numerous species
varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow
dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as
the most observed species. Tinian’s count was led by the
White Tern.

Conversely, the least numerous species
were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and
the Tinian Monarch on Tinian.

Beyond monitoring
efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to
bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental
floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao
Bay Golf Course.

These artificial platforms aim to
provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana
Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and
population stability.

“This type of innovation is
critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like
the Pulattat,” Santos said.

The CNMI is home to a rich
diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species.
Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the
Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the
islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and
Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas.

The
Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over
time, providing valuable insights into the health of the
islands’ ecosystems and the impacts of environmental
change.

Part
of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society
for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local
residents to participate in scientific research.

By
contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of
a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and
their habitats.

DFW expressed gratitude to all who
participated and supported the count. “Your dedication to
community science helps ensure the continued protection and
understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems,”
Santos
said.

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