Ziembicki, Mark, Raust, Philippe, and Blanvillain, Caroline (2003) Drastic decline in the translocated ultramarine lorikeet population on Fatu Iva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Re-introduction NEWS, 23. pp. 17-18.

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Abstract

[Extract] Endemic to the Marquesas Islands, the ultramarine lorikeet (Vini ultramarine) is one of the most endangered of insular lorikeets. Although thought to have once ranged over most of the archipelago, until recently it was found only on the northern Marquesas Islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva and Ua Pou. However, its status on the latter two islands is so rare that previous surveys to assess the populations on Nuku Hiva and Ua Pou failed to locate any lorikeets. Although isolated individuals have recently been observed on both islands, the sizes of these populations and persisting threats suggest that they are in imminent danger of extinction. The main threat to the ultramarine lorikeet is believed to be from introduced rats, particularly the black rat, principally as nest predators. Declines of lorikeets have coincided with the progressive arrival of rats to their islands. The only relatively healthy population exists on the small island of Ua Huka, currently believed to be black rat free.

Item ID:	21650
Item Type:	Article (Non-Refereed Research)
ISSN:	1560-3709
Keywords:	vini; lorikeet; pihiti; population; endangered; decline; parrot; pacific
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2012 06:43
FoR Codes:	05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050202 Conservation and Biodiversity @ 80% 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management @ 20%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960899 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity of Environments not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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