Mountain Chicken Recovery Programme

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Durrell has been involved with the mountain chicken and conservation efforts in Montserrat since 1997 when asked by the Government to establish an assurance population of the frogs in response to the volcanic eruptions. Most recently Durrell led a collaborative 2010-2013 Darwin Initiative research project to develop a long-term restoration strategy. This led to the 20-year Mountain Chicken Recovery Plan, which Durrell co-ordinate through their Saving Amphibians from Extinction – SAFE Programme in addition to continuing to support monitoring efforts on Montserrat and maintaining a captive breeding programme in Jersey. See Durrell Index for more information.

North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo)

Chester Zoo staff have extensive experience with the mountain chicken and have recently developed a new breeding facility for the species which will increase the potential of the captive breeding programme to generate frogs for release back to the wild. Staff members have also been active in the field supporting conservation efforts in both Dominica and Montserrat.

Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

Through London Zoo, ZSL manages a breeding group of both Dominican and Montserratian mountain chickens. A major focus for London Zoo will be to support activities within Dominica to see the captive breeding facility being to breed mountain chickens. Through the Institute of Zoology, ZSL is providing expert guidance on the study and management of chytrid. The Institute is leading the analysis of chytrid samples from Montserrat and will be core partner in the development of a long term research programme to understand the ecology and treatment of the disease. The Institute has extensive experience working with chytrid worldwide.

Nordens Ark

Based in Bohüslan, Sweden, Nordens Ark are a zoo and charitable foundation working to save endangered species in both Sweden and overseas. They are the newest partners in the MCRP, joining as part of the bio-secure captive breeding programme which is integral for ensuring the future of the species.

Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, Dominica

The Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, (FWPD) of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, lead and co-ordinate conservation efforts for the mountain chicken on Dominica. This includes the ongoing monitoring of the remnant population, maintaining the captive breeding facility and outreach activities.

Department of Environment, Montserrat

The Government of Montserrat’s Department of Environment (DOE) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Housings, Lands and Environment are responsible for protecting and monitoring Montserrat’s biodiversity. The DOE lead and co-ordinate conservation initiatives for the mountain chickens in Montserrat, including ongoing monitoring and outreach activities.