Author: Pierce, Ray J.; Blanvillain, Caroline
Year: 2004
Title: Current status of the endangered Tuamotu Sandpiper or Titi Prosobonia cancellata and recommended actions for its recovery
Journal: Wader Study Group Bull.
Volume: 105
Pages: 93-100
Keywords: Tuamotu Sandpiper; Prosobonia cancellata; status; recovery

Abstract: The Tuamotu Sandpiper or Titi is the only surviving member of the Tribe Prosoboniini and is confined to eastern Polynesia. Formerly distributed throughout the Tuamotu Archipelago, it has been decimated by mammalian predators which now occur on nearly all atolls of the archipelago. Isolated sandpiper populations are currently known from only four uninhabited atolls in the Tuamotu. Only two of these are currently free of mammalian predators, such as cats and rats, and the risks of rat invasion on them are high. This paper outlines tasks necessary in the short term (within five years) to secure the species, together with longer term actions needed for its recovery. Short-term actions include increasing the security of existing populations, surveying for other potential populations, eradicating mammalian predators on key atolls, monitoring key populations, and preparing a recovery plan for the species. Longer term actions necessary for recovery include reintroductions, advocacy and research programmes.