Hope for the Guam Kingfisher: The Sihek's Journey to Recovery

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

A Guam kingfisher egg recently hatched through artificial incubation at a local facility. This event holds promise for the accelerated recovery of the island’s endangered bird, locally known as sihek. The sihek was declared extinct in the wild in 1988.

The Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources reported that the sihek egg hatched just five days after Typhoon Sinlaku passed through the region. This marks the first time in department history that a sihek egg has hatched through artificial incubation.

"While we always prefer that our avian parents hatch their own young, the storm required us to intervene," said Suzanne Medina, a captive breeding biologist at DAWR. "This successful hatch marks a major first for our department while offering hope as we work to recover our native species.”

Before the onset of Sinlaku, the department moved both sihek and ko'ko' populations indoors. Among those secured was a sihek egg that was already 10 days into parental incubation. Given the severity of the storm, the egg was transferred to an incubator while the parents were housed separately for the duration of the storm.

The chick, now 32 days old, is thriving and weighed 55g this morning. DNA sexing performed on Friday using the eggshell confirmed that the chick is female. This brings the department's captive sihek population to five males and two females, improving prospects for future population growth.

"This hatch is a reflection of years of training and preparation by our team. When the storm hit, our staff knew exactly what to do,” said Jay Gutierrez, DAWR chief. “We are committed to recovering our native species using the expertise we have built right here on island."

The department received support from G3 Conservation Corps volunteers following the storm. G3 members assisted with cleaning and repairing sihek enclosures. They were present when staff released the new female into her enclosure to join her male partner.

"The hatch also reflects the department's capacity to operate independently. Following the discontinuation of live animal shipping by United Airlines, DOAG lost the ability to exchange sihek with mainland partner zoos," the department stated. "This hatch demonstrates our ability to advance recovery efforts using local resources and expertise."

Chelsa Muña, director of the Guam Department of Agriculture, welcomed the second female sihek, which holds promise for the future of this endangered species.

"The sihek is part of who we are as CHamoru people, and every hatch brings us closer to a future where this bird once again belongs to our island," she said.

After being held in captivity for more than three decades, the Guam kingfisher, locally known as “sihek,” will finally return to the wild on May 4, 2023. This will be as an experimental population on Palmyra Atoll, where they later laid eggs.

The journey of the sihek is not just about recovery; it’s about reconnecting with our identity. The efforts to bring this bird back from the brink of extinction reflect our commitment to preserving our natural heritage.

As we look forward, we must continue to support initiatives that protect our native species. The success of the sihek hatch is a reminder that with dedication and teamwork, we can make a difference.

This is a pivotal moment for the Guam kingfisher. Every step we take towards recovery is a step towards restoring balance in our ecosystem. Let’s celebrate this achievement and remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the wildlife that defines our islands.

In conclusion, the hatching of the sihek egg is a beacon of hope. It signifies not only the resilience of this remarkable bird but also the dedication of those who work tirelessly to ensure its survival. Together, we can foster a future where the sihek thrives once more in its natural habitat.