New Bird With Lethal Feathers, Similar to Dart Frogs, Discovered by Scientists

John Lopez, Tech Times 31 March 2023, 01:03 pm

In the lush forests of New Guinea lies a startling revelation: two species of birds whose feathers contain a lethal poison that can kill humans with just a touch.

Though some birds' toxic nature has long been known, this discovery of new birds with deadly capabilities has sent shockwaves through the scientific community.

A Toxin Similar to the Infamous Dart Frogs

In a report from Phys.org, we learn that a group of researchers from the University of Utah were studying the Pitohui's genes when they found that two new birds' skin and feathers contain a unique poison.

The poisonous birds discovered by the researchers are the regent whistler (Pachycephala schlegelii), a species belonging to a family of birds with a wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and the rufous-naped bellbird (Aleadryas rufinucha).

"We were really surprised to find these birds to be poisonous as no new poisonous bird species has been discovered in over two decades," Knud Jønsson of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, one of the authors of the study notes.

This poison, called homobatrachotoxin, is the same poison in the skin of poison dart frogs native to the area.

The researchers found the toxin in high concentrations in the feathers, rendering them hazardous to touch or handle. Even the slightest brush with the feathers could result in severe illness or even death. Being exposed to these poison-storing feathers could cause muscle cramps and cardiac arrest.

The Impact of the Bird on the Ecosystem

This discovery has led to concerns about the impact of the birds on the surrounding ecosystem and the danger they pose to humans.

These birds are known to prey on insects and small animals, and their toxic feathers may serve as a defense mechanism against predators.

Aside from their toxicity, the birds are renowned for their vivid and striking plumage, which makes them a popular target for hunters and collectors.

The researchers are urging caution when handling or hunting these birds and calling for increased awareness about the risks posed by their venomous feathers.

How the Birds Developed the Poisonous Wings

In the study, researchers found that certain birds in New Guinea can eat a toxin called batrachotoxin (BTX) without getting sick or dying. They found that these birds have specific genetic changes in a gene called SCN4A, which codes for a protein that helps control muscle movement.

Some of these changes in the SCN4A gene make it harder for BTX to bind to the protein, which prevents the toxin from causing muscle paralysis and death. The same changes were found in poison dart frogs that eat BTX. This suggests that different animals can use the same genetic changes to tolerate and use the same toxin.

Animal Defenses

The discovery of new birds with toxic feathers has raised questions regarding the evolution of poisonous animal defenses. The Pitohui is only one of several toxic birds in New Guinea, and scientists believe that the evolution of these poisonous defenses is related to the region's unique ecosystem.

The researchers are now focused on understanding the mechanisms behind how the birds produce and store the toxin in their feathers. They hope that their findings will help to improve our knowledge of the evolution of poisonous defenses in animals and, ultimately, prevent accidental exposure to this lethal toxin.

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