10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

But here I want to note, and for now, dismiss, a find from Madagascar. It was always thought that humans first inhabited the island of Madagascar about four or five thousand years ago or so. It was after that date that many of the great and strange animals of that island went extinct, presumably because of human hunting.

Madagascar 126

Madagascar Humane Elephants Bahamas 126

10,000 Birds

MARCH 27, 2014

Most were introduced, meaning they were brought to Florida by humans. However, captive-reared mallards are being unlawfully released by humans in large numbers in Florida. Mallards did not occur in New Zealand naturally, but were released to provide hunting stock. One such species is the familiar mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).

Florida 207

Florida Ducks New Zealand Feral 207

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2012

If there are human fishing activities then all the better – Marabous will gather in numbers around fishermen’s docks and fish markets, in fact anywhere where fish are cleaned and scraps disposed of, allowing these intelligent birds to obtain a free meal. Its range also extends to nearby Madagascar.

Africa 241

Africa Tanzania South Africa Uganda 241

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

One study found that birds living in Botswana had elevated levels of lead in their bloodstreams during hunting season, presumably coming from lead bullets used on animals killed by hunters. For example, this study showed that Malachite Kingfishers spent more time hunting in locations with more fish. ” (HBW).

Elephants 147

Elephants Birds Congo Africa 147

10,000 Birds

JUNE 26, 2018

A bit of background: Pink Pigeons are medium-sized, pink/gray/ brown birds found on the island of Mauritius, Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Is it any wonder that Pink Pigeons were on the brink of extinction when humans intervened? The thunder of wings made shouting necessary for human communication” (p.54).

Mauritius 102

Mauritius Stud Zoos Eggs 102

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

The name Drongo comes from the language of Madagascar, where it is used for a local species – the word is now used to name a whole bird family. In one study , the bird used electric power lines as a perch in 63% of all hunts, which makes me wonder how the bird survived before there were power lines.

Birds 173

Birds Woodpeckers Kangaroos Madagascar 173