Song-count surveys and population estimates reveal the recovery of the endangered Amami Thrush Zoothera dauma major, which is endemic to Amami-Oshima Island in south-western Japan

A significant recovery of the critically endangered Amami Thrush (Zoothera dauma major), endemic to Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, has been documented through song-count surveys and population estimates. The study, conducted from 2007 to 2013 with public participation, revealed a marked increase in the number of singing males, rising from an estimated 945–1,858 up to 2012 to 2,512 in 2013. This suggests a doubling of the breeding population, likely driven by forest regeneration and eradication efforts against invasive small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus). The thrush was found to be more abundant in mature forests with less open habitat, indicating that forest maturity is crucial for its survival. Continued monitoring, including public involvement, is recommended to ensure the species' long-term conservation.

MIZUTA, T., TAKASHI, M., TORIKAI, H., WATANABE, T., & FUKASAWA, K. (2016). Song-count surveys and population estimates reveal the recovery of the endangered Amami Thrush Zoothera dauma major, which is endemic to Amami-Oshima Island in south-western Japan. Bird Conservation International, 27(4), 470–482. https://doi.org/10.1017/s095927091600023x