Honduran Emerald Hummingbird

A beautiful bird is proposed for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

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Photo: Dominic Sherony

By Dan Shapley

The Honduran emerald hummingbird, the only species endemic to Honduras (i.e. found there, and only there), could have the help of the U.S. government, as the Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed it for listing for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The biggest threats to the survival of the species is the fragmentation and destruction of its native habitat for cattle grazing, banana plantations and other agriculture. Today, its habitat may already have been reduced by 90 percent. There may be as few as 350 alive today, and the number is likely decreasing.

According to the USFWS, "While an endangered listing would draw attention to the plight of the bird and the threats it faces, the practical benefits are limited since the U.S. Endangered Species Act has no force of law beyond U.S. borders."

Honduras designated a 2,060-acre refuge for the hummingbird in 2011, and in 2007 and 2008 the hummingbird was found in two valleys where it hadn't previously been identified.

The Honduran Emerald is one of more than 338 hummingbird species. At about 3.7-inches long, it is considered medium-sized.

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