First-Ever Photograph of the New Britain Goshawk: A Scientific Milestone
In an unexpected turn of events, Fiji-based photographer Tom Vierus made an incredible scientific discovery while taking photos of birds on New Britain, Papua New Guinea, in March this year. What started as a casual photography session turned into a groundbreaking moment in ornithology when it was revealed that Vierus had captured the first-ever photograph of the elusive New Britain goshawk (Accipiter princeps).
Understanding the New Britain Goshawk
The New Britain goshawk, known locally as “keango” or “kulingapa,” is a rare bird endemic to the island of New Britain. Unfortunately, much about this majestic species remains a mystery. According to the IUCN Red List, the New Britain goshawk is classified as a vulnerable species. To date, it is known to science from only four specimens, none of which had ever been photographed until now.
John Mittermeier, the Director of the Search for Lost Birds at the American Bird Conservancy, highlighted the significance of this discovery. “The last documented scientific record of the species was from July 1969, stored in the American Museum of Natural History in New York,” he stated. Since then, despite numerous sightings, the New Britain goshawk had successfully evaded capture in photographs or sound recordings for an astonishing 55 years.
A Surprise Discovery
Vierus shared his experience leading up to this momentous capture. “I was on a scoping trip with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Pomio, eastern New Britain, accompanied by three local community members who guided us through the forest to enhance our understanding of the local bird species,” he explained. During this adventure, he photographed various bird species, including the New Britain goshawk, but he initially did not realize its groundbreaking importance.
“It was such a great surprise to hear that this photo seems to be the first-ever of this ‘lost species’!” Vierus added.
Local Insights on the New Britain Goshawk
While the scientific community celebrated this rediscovery, local residents have also shared insights about the New Britain goshawk. Oscar Pileng, a WWF officer based in Pomio, noted, “Local residents and leaders confirmed that this species is definitely rare in Pomio. Some mentioned that it is not found in coastal areas but only in the hinterlands, making it a rare sighting.”
Conservation Efforts Ahead
The rediscovery of the New Britain goshawk has sparked renewed calls for conservation efforts in its habitat. Pileng expressed his hopes for the future, stating, “I am very happy that an official global record now exists, and I hope this fosters greater efforts to protect its habitat from the threats posed by large-scale agriculture, logging, mining, and infrastructure development.”
Conclusion
The first-ever photograph of the New Britain goshawk marks a pivotal moment for ornithologists and conservationists alike. As we celebrate this remarkable find, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity and the habitats of rare species that are still waiting to be discovered. With the collaboration of local communities and global conservation efforts, we can hope for a brighter future for the New Britain goshawk and its environment.
