Socorro Dove

'''Habitat:''' North America; Socorro in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico. It was apparently commonest in forested areas above 500 m, dominated by Bumelia, Prunus serotina, Guettarda, Ilex, Psidium and Ficus.  

'''Habitat:''' North America; Socorro in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico. It was apparently commonest in forested areas above 500 m, dominated by Bumelia, Prunus serotina, Guettarda, Ilex, Psidium and Ficus.  

The Revillagigedo Islands were declared a biosphere reserve in 1994. In 1995, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria recognized a breeding program for the species, as initiated by Cologne and Frankfurt Zoos (Germany) and the private interest group Wild Pigeons and Doves, as an official European Endangered Species Program. Individuals have been distributed to zoos and bird parks in Belgium, The Netherlands, UK, Poland, Austria, Luxembourg, France, Spain and Germany. Of 563 individuals listed in December 2006, 104 were known to be alive. In 2006, following an extensive survey of the origin of the founding individuals of the EEP population, a major software based population genetic analysis was conducted and recommendations for new pairs were given by the EEP coordinator. A special breeding unit for the species has been opened at Marlow Bird Park, Germany. A proposal is currently being developed to reintroduce the species, along with a restoration program for Socorro. DNA fingerprinting has revealed extensive hybridization with the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) in the USA, however it also showed a high degree of relatedness between the European population and pure individuals kept in California. As a result, the European population will be used for reintroduction efforts. The construction of breeding aviaries on Socorro began in August 2003 and was completed by 2005. The island's populations of Mourning Dove and Socorro Gound-dove were screened in December 2003 and January 2004 to assess the presence of pathogens that might affect the reintroduction program. Avian malaria and Trichomoniasis were detected in both species, and as a result recommendations were put forward. In 2005, plans were outlined to control the locust outbreaks, restore native vegetation and assess the problem of erosion. The arrival on Socorro of the first captive birds from Germany was planned for June 2005, with the establishment of a captive flock by June 2006. However, there have been problems with import restrictions and permits. In the face of these restrictions a small insurance population will be established in the USA in 2008.  

The Revillagigedo Islands were declared a biosphere reserve in 1994. In 1995, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria recognized a breeding program for the species, as initiated by Cologne and Frankfurt Zoos (Germany) and the private interest group Wild Pigeons and Doves, as an official European Endangered Species Program. Individuals have been distributed to zoos and bird parks in Belgium, The Netherlands, UK, Poland, Austria, Luxembourg, France, Spain and Germany. Of 563 individuals listed in December 2006, 104 were known to be alive. In 2006, following an extensive survey of the origin of the founding individuals of the EEP population, a major software based population genetic analysis was conducted and recommendations for new pairs were given by the EEP coordinator. A special breeding unit for the species has been opened at Marlow Bird Park, Germany. A proposal is currently being developed to reintroduce the species, along with a restoration program for Socorro. DNA fingerprinting has revealed extensive hybridization with the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) in the USA, however it also showed a high degree of relatedness between the European population and pure individuals kept in California. As a result, the European population will be used for reintroduction efforts. The construction of breeding aviaries on Socorro began in August 2003 and was completed by 2005. The island's populations of Mourning Dove and Socorro Gound-dove were screened in December 2003 and January 2004 to assess the presence of pathogens that might affect the reintroduction program. Avian malaria and Trichomoniasis were detected in both species, and as a result recommendations were put forward. In 2005, plans were outlined to control the locust outbreaks, restore native vegetation and assess the problem of erosion. The arrival on Socorro of the first captive birds from Germany was planned for June 2005, with the establishment of a captive flock by June 2006. However, there have been problems with import restrictions and permits. In the face of these restrictions a small insurance population will be established in the USA in 2008.