Using playback to estimate the distribution and density of the world’s smallest flightless bird, the Inaccessible Island Rail Atlantisia rogersi

The Inaccessible Island Rail, the world's smallest flightless bird, is estimated to have a population of approximately 10,300 individuals on its namesake island. This study utilized playback surveys at 350 sites to overcome the challenges posed by the bird's secretive behavior and the rugged terrain, revealing a stable population that warrants continued 'Vulnerable' status. The research highlights the critical threat of alien mammal introductions, emphasizing the need for their removal from neighboring islands to mitigate potential catastrophic impacts on this unique species.

DILLEY, B. J., SWAIN, G., REPETTO, J., & RYAN, P. G. (2020). Using playback to estimate the distribution and density of the world’s smallest flightless bird, the Inaccessible Island Rail Atlantisia rogersi. Bird Conservation International, 31(2), 286–292. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0959270920000453