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Causes of land-bird extinctions in French Polynesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Roland  and
Julia Seitre
Julia Seitre
Affiliation:
Le Bourg, 37370 Marray, France.
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Abstract

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During a 4-month study in French Polynesia, the authors visited 28 islands, seven of which had never been explored by ornithologists. They collected ecological data on endemic land birds, introduced animals and habitats, focusing particularly on the factors involved in population declines and extinctions. As well as hunting and habitat destruction, it appears that introduced predators play a major role, with the roof rat Rattus rattus being the most dangerous. Rapid action to eradicate introduced predators, coupled with translocations, would be the most effective way to ensure the survival of the remaining bird species.

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , October 1992 , pp. 215 - 222
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1992

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