Fiji-based photographer Tom Vierus was out with local guides in the rainforests of New Guinea on an expedition when he photographed birds of prey. Afterwards, ornithologists were able to confirm that it was Accipiter princeps - the New Britain goshawk.
WWF reports that the indigenous people have seen the bird but it is difficult to see and rare - but now it has been documented through photography for the first time, which is a scientifically important step forward in the documentation of the species.
Annons
- The most recent documented scientific finding of the species appears to be a specimen from July 1969, which is stored in the American Museum of Natural History in New York, USA. Although there have been several reports of observations without images over the years, the New Britain goshawk has avoided photo and sound documentation for 55 years, explained John Mittermeier, director of the Search for Lost Birds at the American Bird Conservancy.
Prince hawk in New Guinea.Photo: Tom Vierus
The forests where Vierus photographed the bird are part of the Nakanai Mountains, a biodiverse area with green mountains and a potential UNESCO World Heritage site. Researchers estimate that the mountains have existed for about 22.5-10.5 million years.
- It was a big surprise to hear that this photo appears to be the first ever of this lost species. It's amazing to see how conservation photography can help protect areas by documenting the existing biodiversity, and also a good reminder of how important visual storytelling is. I really hope that this largely untouched part of the world can remain as intact as possible with the help of the local communities, their existing conservation initiatives, and the support from WWF,” Vierus announced.
