Remote island bird at risk of extinction is thrown a lifeline by parasitic wasps

An invasive scale insect was devastating the population of endangered birds but a small wasp is being used to control the insects, allowing the bird numbers slowly recover 

The Wilkins’ bunting is endemic to Nightingale Island. Picture: Peter Ryan/PA

A rare bird found only on a remote island in the South Atlantic is receiving help to stave off extinction from a parasitic wasp, conservationists say.

The critically-endangered Wilkins' bunting is endemic to Nightingale Island, part of the Tristan da Cunha group of islands, where it feeds on the fruit of the island's only native tree, the Phylica arborea.