An avifauna survey was carried out in March-April 2003 of ten atolls in the Tuamotu and Austral Archipelagos, in French Polynesia. The primary objectives were to survey for populations of the endangered titi (Tuamotu sandpiper) and critically endangered tutururu (Polynesian ground-dove) that were formerly widespread in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Secondary objectives were to survey for other key avifauna species (e.g. atoll fruit dove, seabirds, and bristle-thighed curlew) and to determine the status of rats and other predators on the atolls.
Key findings were the discovery of a “new” population of tutururu on Morane; discovery of “new” populations of titi on Reitoru and Tahanea and clarification of the status of the titi population on Morane; a population of atoll fruit doves on Tahanea; confirmation of the numbers (range 11-54 per atoll) of bristle-thighed curlews on most atolls; and the recording of significant seabird colonies on Morane, Reitoru, Tekokota, Tahanea, Fakarava, and Maria (Australs). Morane was the only atoll confirmed to be free of mammalian pests and Tekokota and some isolated motu of Tahanea and Fakarava also appeared to be mammal free.
We recommend several opportunities for improved conservation management. The most important is to formally recognize the conservation values of Morane and protect it as a reserve. It is also very important is to raise the general awareness of biodiversity values on islands and the need for effective biosecurity measures. Other opportunities for improved biodiversity protection include rat eradication from Reitoru, Maria (Australs) and on some motu at Tahanea and Fakarava, plus rat and cat eradication in the Actéon Group. Some of the smaller atolls, which currently have no rare bird species present, might be cleared of pests to provide opportunities for future translocations of rare species. Surveys are also required of some atolls not covered by this expedition.
RAY PIERCE
PHILIPPE RAUST
GRAHAM WRAGG
MAY 2003
