Region: Juan Fernández Islands, Chile

Male Juan Fernández Firecrown. Photo: Peter Hodum

Partner: Juan Fernández Islands Conservancy

Funding: The Hummingbird Society

Project Initiation: 2003

Introduction: This project has shed light and aided the protection of the Critically Endangered Juan Fernández Firecrown by implementing a systematic monitoring program and fostering healthy breeding and non-breeding habitat for the Firecrown. The Firecrown depends on a small area on Isla Robinson Crusoe. Its habitat, degraded by the presence of invasive plants and removal of native vegetation, has been further compromised by the spread of feral cats. This project will involve the community in plans to restore optimal habitat for this species and control feral cats.

Objective: Identify threats and implement conservation actions to save the Juan Fernández Firecrown.

Actions:
1. Establish a monitoring program to establish a population baseline of the Firecrown
2. Establish an invasive plant control program within critical habitat of the Firecrown
3. Implement citizen conservation action for the Firecrown by providing 500 hummingbird feeders

Accomplishments:
1. A monitoring and research program is underway.
2. Several acres of invasive plants have been removed and native flora recovered.
3. Trials with hummingbird feeders underway

Urgent funding needs:
1. Expand monitoring and research program
2. Hire a Juan Fernández native as a conservation coordinator.
3. Sustain invasive plant control.