An update on the Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon and search for Long-billed Myzomela on Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea

Jordan Boersma, Jason J Gregg, Doka Nason, Serena Billy, Daisy Parascos, Elimo Malesa

Searching for lost species– those without conclusive documentation for a decade or longer– has emerged as a core goal of conservationists during the current extinction crisis. While documenting these species is an important first step, sustained efforts to study and conserve these often data-deficient and rare taxa are necessary to increase prospects for long-term survival. Here we report on an expedition in June-July 2025 to Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea, to conduct follow-up research on the Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon (Otidiphaps insularis), formerly lost to Western Science for 126 years until documentation in 2022. In addition, we sought to collect voucher media for another lost bird species: the Long-billed Myzomela (Myzomela longirostris), a small canopy-dwelling bird without formal documentation since 1988. Unfortunately, our trail cameras and on-foot surveys failed to detect either species, though our efforts were greatly truncated by poor weather conditions. Recent developments in the resource extraction sector on Fergusson raise the stakes for ongoing efforts to conserve its threatened taxa.