A good news story

There aren't enough good news stories, but this is one. These are Lord Howe Woodhens (Gallirallus sylvestris). They are classed as "Endangered" because they are endemic to only this island and the total number is only about 400. How can that be good news? Because there were only about 30 in the mid-1970s and 15 by 1980! Since then there was an intensive breeding programme and an ongoing campaign to rid the island of feral species destroying wildlife and habitat: there now are no wild pigs or goats on the island (both introduced as food for passing sailors in the 1800s), all cats also have now been removed, and there is an ongoing programme to eliminate rats. I was delighted to see these deep in the forest, on the walk down from Intermediate Peak - (see also notes).