The Mexican scientist who transports endangered birds more than 6,000 kilometers and finds them ‘foster parents’

mexican world Julio Hernandez Montoya It was awarded to National Geographic For her innovative work in the conservation of migratory birds. This distinction is due to her unique project that includes Transporting birds over 6,000 km and finding adoptive parents in Mexico for this endangered species. Their work has not only contributed to the survival of many birds, but has also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and human effort in protecting biodiversity.

Julio Hernandez MontoyaMexican scientist, awarded National Geographic For the bird conservation project in Guadeloupe Island In Mexico, Hernandez Montoya and his team have managed to transfer embryos of endangered albatrosses from Hawaii To Mexico, where the eggs were incubated and raised by brooding albatrosses of another species.

The mission, which was honoured in June with the Buffet Award for Conservation Leadership, had its first phase in 2021 and is the result of more than two decades of work to restore Guadalupe Island, which has been ravaged by invasive species such as goats and cats, Hernandez-Montoya told the BBC.

Hernandez Montoya’s team belongs to Group for the Environment and Conservation of the Island (GECI)has made tremendous efforts to eliminate invasive species and restore native plants, allowing seabirds to nest successfully on the island once again. Guadalupe Island is now home to a growing colony of albatrosses. Lisan.

In cooperation with Pacific Rim Conservation NGO From the United States, the project was an example of “reciprocal translocation,” the transfer of albatross embryos. black legs From the low-lying Hawaiian Islands, where habitats are threatened by rising sea levels and other factors related to climate change, to Guadalupe Island.

The logistics of transporting eggs is complex and takes at least 48 hours, involving multiple flights and checking customs and health permits. The eggs are transported in specially designed incubators from Midway Island until HonoluluFrom there to San Diegoand finally to Tijuana Before arriving on the Mexican island.

The methodology includes transferring eggs and raising chicks in industrial colonies. This was tested in the first year of the project, although currently only eggs are being transported due to the risks associated with transporting chicks that have already hatched.

The project was successful: So far, more than 90 translocated birds from Midway have left the colony on Guadalupe Island, and scientists hope to increase that number in the coming years. Recently, several translocated albatrosses returned to the island earlier than expected, indicating that the hybridization method is working.

After arriving on the island, the egg sleeps the same night with its adoptive parents.

This is possible because before the eggs arrived, Guadalupe Island biologists examined each Laysan albatross nest for more than two months.

If any egg breaks for natural reasons, is not fertilized, or the fetus is dead, then The team replaces it with a decoy egg.A fake egg made from a mixture of cement and plaster. This is done to keep the parents incubating as they are potential adoptive parents.

Additionally, the advantage of monitoring a colony for more than 20 years is that you know the breeding history. They choose the best parents, those who have raised their children best in the past..

Hernandez Montoya and his team’s plan Continue transportation and develop new projects To protect albatrosses after breeding, including using GPS tags to detect threats from fishing nets. The world believes this success shows the importance of international cooperation and ecosystem restoration.

National Geographic’s recognition of Julio Hernández Montoya underscores the importance of his work in migratory bird conservation and his impact on biodiversity protection. Their efforts not only ensure the survival of these species, but also inspire future generations of scientists and environmentalists to continue working to protect the environment. With his dedication and passion, Hernández Montoya demonstrates that it is possible to make a huge difference in preserving our planet.