Scientist searches for rare bird for 20 years | The Woodsman Hut | Forums

he finds it, then kills it. I mean collects a specimen.

A scientist has defended killing an incredibly rare and beautiful bird - shortly after capturing the first ever photograph of the male of its species ever taken.

The male mustached kingfisher, which is found only in the Solomon Islands and specifically one island called Guadalcanal, is often described as a "ghost bird", yet made a sudden surprise appearance to US researchers in late September this year.

Chris Filardi, director of Pacific Programs at the American Museum of Natural History, heard the distinctive "kokoko-kiew" call of the male bird, tracked it down - and then killed it, according to animal newsite The Dodo.

At first, his field journal on the museum's website did not indicate he had killed the bird - but it was later clarified that it had been "collected as a specimen for additional study."

He and his team's actions have divided the public and scientific community. Some ecologists have heavily criticised the "unnecessary slaying" of the rare species for conservation purposes, whilst Dr Filardi himself says the bird provides valuable scientific knowledge.

He said in a response to criticism on Audubon: "Although sightings and information about the bird are rare in the ornithological community, the bird itself is not. [...] As I wrote from the field, this is a bird that is poorly known and elusive to western science - not rare or in imminent danger of extinction."

So, he added, "the decision to collect an individual specimen [...] reflects standard practice for field biologists."

more http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/incredibly-rare-male-mustached-kingfisher-photographed-for-first-time-by-scientist-who-promptly-a6687791.html