Author: Lovegrove, Roger; Mann, Ingela; Morgan, Geoff; Williams, Iolo
Year: 1989
Title: Tuamotu island expedition March-April 1989: report to ascertain the status of Red Data Book species in the Tuamotu Archipelago (French Polynesia)
Series Editor: ICBP
Institution: RSPB
Keywords: Aechmorhynchus cancellatus; Vini peruviana; Gallicolumba erythroptera; Halcyon gambieri; Numenius tahitiensis; Tuamotu

Abstract:
1- A four man expedition visited the Tuamotu archipelago from 21st March - 19th April to try to establish the current status of six Red Data Book bird species.
2- Seven atolls were visited in the north-central part of the archipelago and details of their bird communities recorded.
3- Positive information was acquired about four of the Red Data Book species: Numenius tahitiensis. Thinly but ubiquitously distributed throughout. Status apparently unchanged over at least last 50 years. Aechmorhynchus cancellatus. Fairly strong population found on Tahanea atoll, 1000 km north of previously confirmed (residual) population. Also possibly present on several other nearby islands. Vini peruviana. A strong colony was discovered on one motu: this adds to the known world population by some 20-25%. Halcyon gambieri gertrudae. Occurs only on the island of Niau. This island was not visited but the population is apparently still healthy.
4- No recent record coul be found of the occurrence of Gallicolumba eryptroptera, subspecies pectoralis, which may now be extinct.
5- Conservation recommendations are made for the threatened Red Data Book species and appropriate bodies are being pressed to take action.
6- An inventory of other bird species encountered on the island is given.