Mauritius fody

The Mauritius fody is a unique bird endemic to the island of Mauritius. It is currently listed as endangered by both BirdLife International and the U.S. Endangered Species List. These birds measure about 14 centimeters in length. Breeding males exhibit olive brown feathers with striking red patches, while females and non-breeding males are olive brown with white wing bars.

These birds inhabit various types of forests, including degraded areas and plantations, and they feed on insects, berries, and nectar.

Unfortunately, the Mauritius fody faces significant threats, primarily from habitat loss and predators such as black rats and crab-eating macaques that were introduced to the island. To mitigate these threats, conservationists have implemented several measures, including predator control, captive breeding programs, nest protection, and supplemental feeding. Thanks to these efforts, the population of the Mauritius fody has increased, leading to its reclassification from critically endangered to endangered in 2009.

Additionally, conservation programs have established sub-populations on offshore islands to further support the species. One such sanctuary is Île aux Aigrettes, a small island off the coast of Mauritius. This protected area now serves as a safe haven for the Mauritius fody and other endangered species that have been relocated there.