Photo By Spc. Santiago Lepper | David Lavender, a supervisor and biologist for the Fort Stewart Fish and Wildlife...... read more read more
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Fort Stewart's Fish and Wildlife Service in Partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources captured six Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers at Fort Stewart, Georgia as part of translocation efforts to assist Sprewell Bluff Park’s growing population of the species, Dec. 5, 2023.
The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker or (RCW), is a distinctive bird protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 due to habitat loss in its native southeast United States. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, the only woodpecker east of the Mississippi river, exclusively builds its home by making cavities in living trees, specifically longleaf pine trees, a species of pine tree abundant in the Fort Stewart area. This delightful black and white bird uses the cavity for roosting, nesting and raising babies.
David Lavender, a supervisor and biologist for the Fort Stewart Fish and Wildlife Branch works to improve resilience among the species by translocating them inland and building clusters spread across the southeast as threats such as climate change and hurricanes impact large populations of RCWs. Supporting smaller populations of the species builds, secures and diversifies the durability of this charismatic bird.
“It is important for us to help these smaller populations out. Here at Fort Stewart, we have been assisting the conservation effort since the late 90s, by the end of tonight we will have given away 493 Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers,” said Lavender.
Preservation of the species is assisted by building artificial cavities made of PVC pipe, western cedar plants, plywood and perforated steel. Paint and putty are added to the cavities to resemble the home RCWs would build on their own. These artificial cavities allow RCWs to settle into longleaf pine trees faster and focus on mating and nurturing their young.
Fort Stewart's conservation initiative focuses on maintaining the growth of RCWs and translocating them to refuges with high priority for endangered species.
“There are 651 active clusters on Fort Stewart, with roughly 650 of them being artificial cavities,” said Lavender.
During nesting season, birds are caught and tagged with colored leg bands, which allows for future identification. With the bands in place, members of the Fort Stewart Fish and Wildlife Service can track where the birds live, their age, and if they are ready to be translocated.
To capture the birds, members of the Fort Stewart Fish and Wildlife Service waited till sunset when the birds were returning to their nests to roost. From there, a net was gently placed over the cavity for the birds to fly into.
“We’ll be able to hear the birds coming in, when we do, we have to be very quiet,” said Lavender.
Once the RCW entered the net, it was carefully brought down, verified by the number on its leg band, and placed into a small box with secured screens on each side to ensure its safety. That bird, along with five others were then driven to Sprewell Bluff Wildlife Management Area to be set free the next morning.
The collaboration between Fort Stewart and Georgia DNR sets an inspiring example of how government agencies can work together to address environmental challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, they are not only saving an endangered species, but also actively contributing to the preservation of the region's biodiversity.
Looking ahead, as the translocated RCWs adapt to their new surroundings, ongoing monitoring and research will be crucial to assess the success of this conservation effort. Fort Stewart's commitment to biodiversity and habitat restoration reflects a broader awareness of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
In translocating these six Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers, Fort Stewart and Georgia DNR are not just restoring a species; they are writing a success story in the ongoing battle to protect and preserve the rich biodiversity of the southeastern United States.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2023 13:56 |
| Story ID: | 459508 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 347 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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