Red Siskin birds, regarded as nearly extinct, have migrated to Guyana’s interior possibly from Venezuela. Researchers from the University of Kansas and the Smithsonian Institution happened upon the colony of birds by chance and information on their location is being safeguarded by officials of the government and the University of Guyana (UG).

The brightly-coloured Red Siskin is known to originate from Venezuela, where more than a century of trapping for the cage-bird trade has left the species on the verge of extinction.

The Centre for the Study of Biological Development (CFBD) on UG’s Turkeyen campus was where the arrival of Red Siskins in Guyana was confirmed. CFBD receives many types of wildlife, according to Senior Scientific Officer, Michael Tamessar. He said that when specimens of the Red Siskin were taken to the facility after the discovery was made, tests on the birds’ feathers confirmed that the species was indeed the Red Siskin.

Because sightings of Red Siskins were so rare, Tamessar explained, it was important to keep the birds safe and out of reach of any eager trappers. “We want to keep the birds’ habitat quiet. Keeping the trappers away is very important.”

Tamessar also expressed concern about a growing threat from countries outside South America. Breeders of extinct species, he said, would be keen to get their hands on any new-found populations for their own purposes.

“Breeders from countries like the USA and in Europe, such as Germany, would be keen to get the original genetic stock for breeding purposes. This can be dangerous. Cross-breeding may start occurring which is not good as it would create an imbalance in the bird population,” Tamessar said.

Recently, the government placed the birds on the endangered species list, according to Head of the Wildlife Division, Kellawan. “After information had been given from the Scientific and Management Authority it was decided they be put under the 1999 Species Protection Act for animals and birds,” he said. “That information was published in May.”

The Red Siskins were found in Guyana in April 2000. A team from the University of Kansas and the Smithsonian Institution had been doing some research on finches in the hinterland when by chance, while observing a mixed-bird species, it was noticed that a small flock of Red Siskins was nearby. Considerable follow-up research allowed the team to come to the conclusion that the population numbered in the thousands.

It is hoped that in time and with the correct protection, the general population of the Red Siskin in Guyana will flourish. Tamessar would certainly like to see that happen. “We want to see an improved stock. We can but hope it is possible if the birds are kept safe.”