Dove tale

unusual pollinator with a long proboscis. This was only confirmed later with the discovery of a moth with a suitable proboscis. And Darwin had strong links with Kew — he was a close friend of one Shortly after biologist Bonnie Rusk began her graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, her supervisor, Stanley Temple, made a suggestion that changed her life. She was interested particularly in island birds — their often low diversity, dependence on particular habitats and vulnerability to extinction — and he suggested she take a look at the Grenada dove. That was 9 years ago and Rusk has maintained a deep and close interest in this tiny population of birds found only in low scrub habitats on the Caribbean island of Grenada that now, at last, appears to be winning some payback. The bird truly counts as one of the world's rarest: deeply retiring within its dense scrub habitat, population estimates can only be made by counting the number of calling males. Latest figures suggest a mere 68. And the bird's preference for dry scrub, the very coastal habitat most threatened by tourist development, has added to the bird's problems. Species inhabiting the dense inland rainforest are under much less pressure, as there is less conflict with potential human development plans. And the bird also fares badly with direct disturbance, says Rusk. " It will drop to the ground and run away, making it easy prey for mongooses and feral cats. " Over the years, Rusk has been able to win grants and obtain World Bank funding to study the birds in cooperation with the Grenadan Forestry National Parks Department, but at times she has given her time for free. In 996 she was involved in establishing the Perseverence Dove Sanctuary and the Mount Harman National Park. The park is home to around 40 per cent of the doves. helped with dove conservation efforts. " I think we need to continue to find ways for development and conservation to work together. I'm hoping that the collaborative efforts with Cinnamon 88 will serve as a case study for other big developments. " She hopes the developer's policy of protecting and managing key habitat, not using pesticides at the site and other measures will help support the dove's survival. Although the dove is little seen, the male's call is distinctive and the hotel may even benefit: attracting some …