The first annual BirdsCaribbean Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) newsletter is now available, and it’s brimming with exciting updates and achievements! From celebrating conservation leaders to spotlighting critical challenges, read about all the latest research, conservation, and education activities taking place across the region—in English, Spanish, and French!

In the newsletter we celebrate some of the Caribbean’s emerging researchers and leaders advancing the study and protection of Caribbean endemic and threatened species. We also provide a roundup of the 24^th BirdsCaribbean Conference in the Dominican Republic this past July—endemic and threatened species took center stage in sessions on habitat restoration, species monitoring, and the effects of climate change. We share the latest news about thrilling taxonomic changes that have increased the number of Caribbean endemic species, the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, and Caribbean Landbird Monitoring Programme, as well as research and conservation updates from across the islands. From celebrating conservation leaders to spotlighting critical challenges, this issue is packed with news that showcases the resilience and dedication of our community. Click here to view the newsletter in Spanish or French.

Across the Caribbean, exciting projects are underway. Conservation efforts for the critically endangered Grenada Dove include predator control and public education, while surveys for the Trinidad Piping-Guan are set to inform a new recovery plan. In Cuba, citizen science initiatives and artificial nest programs are enhancing protection for endemic species like the Cuban Parakeet.

Grenada Dove. With fewer than 190 individuals left in the wild, we must act NOW to secure its survival. (Photo by Greg Homel)

Trinidad Piping-Guan, locally known as “Pawi.” Acoustic surveys will reveal vital data about the Pawi’s abundance and habitat. (Photo by Josh Bajnath)

Cuban Parakeet. With support from a Betty Petersen Conservation Fund award, an Artificial Nest Program is being implemented. (Photo by Aslam Castellón Maure)

The Caribbean’s 2024 hurricane season was one of the most severe on record, with significant impacts on both human and avian communities. The newsletter explores the challenges posed by increasingly intense storms and highlights recovery efforts, like habitat restoration and emergency appeals.

Ashton Lagoon trail destroyed by Hurricane Beryl, the earliest hurricane to reach Category 5 intensity. (Photo by Orisha Joseph)

The Endangered Bahama Warbler is restricted to Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands, where it is resident. Hurricane Dorian decimated its population in 2019. In this issue, researchers explore the warbler’s habitat preferences. (Photo by Scott Johnson)

Recovering Caribbean Nature

This issue also rounds up recent publications on endemic and threatened Caribbean birds, and invites collaborators to join critical initiatives, including monitoring high-elevation endemic species and contributing to Birds of the World accounts. Check out opportunities to partner on projects that make a lasting impact.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (we hope you are!) please get in touch with us by signing up to our listserv.

Finally, our newsletter highlights just some of the many amazing activities on endemics in the region—we’d love to hear from you if you’ve got news to contribute to next year’s newsletter!

– ETSWG co-chairs, Ellie and Howard

P.S. The WG is also looking for an additional co-chair so let us know if you’d be interested in joining us!

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Click on the individual images below to download a PDF of the newsletter in your preferred language.