Calayan rail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calayan rail |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aptenorallus
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| Species: |
calayanensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Gallirallus calayanensis Allen, D., Oliveros, Española, Broad & Gonzalez, 2004 |
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The Calayan rail (Aptenorallus calayanensis) is a special flightless bird that lives only on Calayan Island in the Philippines. It belongs to the rail, moorhen, and coot family. This bird cannot fly, which makes it unique.
It is the only known member of its group, called Aptenorallus. The people living on Calayan Island have known about this bird for a long time and call it "piding." A bird expert named Carmela Española first officially saw it in May 2004. The discovery was announced to the world on August 16, 2004. Scientists then officially described it as a new species in a science journal.
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About the Calayan Rail's Family Tree
Before 2022, the Calayan rail was placed in a different bird group called Gallirallus. Scientists study how different animals are related. After new research in 2012 and 2013, many birds from the Gallirallus group were moved to a new group called Hypotaenidia.
This left only the Calayan rail and the weka from New Zealand in the Gallirallus group. However, a big study in 2021 looked even closer at their family tree. This study found that the Calayan rail was very different from other rails. Because of this, it was given its very own group, Aptenorallus. The International Ornithological Congress agreed with this change in 2022.
What Does the Calayan Rail Look Like?
The Calayan rail is a fairly large bird that cannot fly. Its feathers are mostly dark grayish. Its face is blacker, and its upper body is a bit browner.
One of the most noticeable things about this bird is its bright orange-red beak and legs. This color combination is special among other dark-colored ground birds on Calayan Island. When it makes sounds, its calls are loud, harsh, and sound like they come from its nose.
Where Does the Calayan Rail Live?
This unique bird lives in the primary (old growth) and secondary forest (newer growth) areas on Calayan Island. These forests grow on coralline limestone, which is a type of rock made from coral.
How is the Calayan Rail Doing?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the Calayan rail as a vulnerable species. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered. Scientists believe there are only about 2,500 to 4,300 adult birds left.
When the bird was first discovered in 2004, experts thought there were only about 200 pairs. Since then, they have found that the bird is more common in certain areas. It lives in an estimated area of about 36 square kilometers. More recent studies suggest it might live in an even larger area, around 90.2 square kilometers.
What Threats Does the Calayan Rail Face?
The biggest danger to the Calayan rail is habitat loss. This happens when the forests where they live are cut down. People cut down trees for logging or to clear land for farming.
Sometimes, these birds also get caught in traps meant for other animals, like red junglefowl. They are also in danger from animals that have been brought to the island by humans. These include cats, dogs, and rats, which can hunt the birds or destroy their nests.
What is Being Done to Protect Them?
Good news! The local government on Calayan Island is working to protect these special birds. They passed Municipal Ordinance No. 84. This law makes it illegal to catch, sell, own, or collect the Calayan rail.
Many campaigns are also raising awareness about this bird. The Calayan rail is used as a flagship species. This means it's a popular symbol to help protect the island's nature. The municipality of Calayan has also created the Calayan Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected area covers 29 square kilometers of the island's inner parts.
More work is still needed to help the Calayan rail. Scientists want to learn more about where the bird lives, how much space it needs, and how many birds there are. They also want to set up a system to check on the environment regularly. Talking more with local communities and teaching them about conservation is important. Creating a volunteer network for conservation activities would also help. Finally, local leaders and officials need more training to manage the new wildlife sanctuary and make sure its rules are followed.
