Dove Hatchlings Offer Hope for Extinct-in-the-Wild Species

Conservationists at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California recently celebrated the hatching of three Socorro doves, a species extinct in the wild since 1972. These chicks join roughly 200 other Socorro doves living in captivity as part of the Socorro Dove Project, an ambitious effort to reintroduce the birds to their native Mexico by 2030. Similar hatchings occurred recently at zoos in England and Singapore, contributing to a global breeding population spread across 50 institutions.

The doves once thrived on Socorro Island, a volcanic peak off the western coast of Mexico, but were decimated by introduced sheep and cats. Habitat restoration is underway on the island, with teams planting native trees to rebuild the ecosystem.

Despite progress, challenges remain, including a small population of feral cats and the doves’ preference for ground nesting. Scientists are also studying the doves’ reproductive lifespan to optimize the reintroduction strategy. The work continues as teams prepare for the birds’ return to Socorro Island within the next few years.