Ptilinopus huttoni — Details

Rapa Island Fruit Dove learn more about names for this taxon

Overview

Distribution

Range

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Rapa I. (Austral Archipelago). Seriously endangered.
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Range Description

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Ptilinopus huttoni is endemic to the tiny island of Rapa in the Tubuai Islands, French Polynesia, where its population was estimated at 274 individuals (175-368) in 1989-19902. Although it is probable that the area of available habitat has diminished during the 20th century and this may have caused a decrease in population, in 1991 there was thought to have been no serious decline since 19742. The situation now is thought to be much the same3, but the introduction of the Chinese guava Psidium cattleianum may have provided an additional food source and be causing the population to increase, although surveys are needed to confirm this4.
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Ecology

Habitat

Habitat and Ecology

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Habitat and Ecology
Although once thought to be confined to remaining undisturbed forest fragments in valleys and mountains between 40 and 450 m (292 ha in 1991), and not able to utilise coastal vegetation or secondary forest2, it has been seen in pine plantations and may feed on the introduced Chinese guava Psidium cattleianum4. It feeds on fleshy fruit and nectar from flowers2.

Systems
  • Terrestrial
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Conservation

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Assessment

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Red List Category
VU
Vulnerable

Red List Criteria
D1+2

Version
3.1

Year Assessed
2008

Assessor/s
BirdLife International

Reviewer/s
Mahood, S., Butchart, S.

Contributor/s
Millett, J., Raust, P.

Justification
This species is classified as Vulnerable because the population is extremely small and confined to undisturbed forest fragments on one tiny island. However, at present the population appears to be stable.

History
  • 2006
    Vulnerable
  • 2004
    Vulnerable
  • 2000
    Vulnerable
  • 1996
    Vulnerable
  • 1994
    Vulnerable
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Population

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Population
Population estimate is from figures published in Thibault and Varney (1991).

Population Trend
Stable
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Threats

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Major Threats
Destruction and degradation of forest by goats, cattle, fires (used to control fernland and increase grazing land) and felling are the main threats. Predation by feral cats and Polynesian rat Rattus exulans are possible threats, while hunting for food by local inhabitants is no longer a threat owing to an improvement in the standard of living on the island2.
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Management

Conservation Actions

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Conservation Actions
Conservation Actions Underway
Proposals have been made to protect the Hiri Valley and to consider captive breeding2. Guava trees have recently become established on the island, these may reduce the impact of cattle grazing on the specie's habitat and provide a new food source3.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Re-survey the population. Study the level of use of P. cattleianum and its impacts on occupancy and population trends. Discuss with the local community the possibility of establishing a protected area in the upland forests1. If agreement for a protected area is reached, fence forest remnants to reduce grazing pressure1. Reduce goat numbers1. Exclude fires from upland areas1. Consider the possibility of translocation to another island to establish a second population1. Investigate the impact of cats and rats on the species, and take precautions to prevent invasion by black rat Rattus rattus. As a precaution, establish a captive population.

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Wikipedia

Rapa Fruit Dove

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The Rapa Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus huttoni) is a species of bird in the Columbidae family. It is endemic to French Polynesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is one of the fifty rarest birds in the world.[1]

References

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2012). "Ptilinopus huttoni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/106002684. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
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