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Protection Of Tokelau Fakaofo From The Invasive Jungle Myna
The Island
Tokelau comprises three atolls, Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo, which lie about 500km north of Samoa. Fakaofo is usually the first port of call for vessels visiting the country. Approximately 600 people live on the atoll.
The Invasive Species
A proposal was received by the PII from the Taupulega Fakaofo (Fakaofo Council of Elders) to eradicate mynas (Acridotheres spp.) from Fale islet, Tokelau. As late as April 2005, no mynas had been found inhabiting any of Tokelau's atolls. Due to their recent arrival a rapid response was warranted.
The Taupulega Fakaofo had proposed the eradication, as up to 40 mynas were reported eating pig food and bananas. Mynas are known to prey on seabird eggs and chicks, and their omnivorous habit means they will eat fruit as well as invertebrates.
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Tokelau's quarantine officer, Peleni Peleni, erecting a nest trap box (Bill Nagle)
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Project Description
Bill Nagle (PII Coordinator) and Peter Wilson (Ecological consultant) led a feasibility study of the jungle myna on Fale islet, Tokelau in May 2006. They took traps and trained Peleni Peleni (quarantine officer) and Suia Pelasio (Environmental officer) on bird trapping techniques.
Jungle mynas (Acridotheres fuscus) were identified during the feasibility study undertaken. A total of three birds were sighted. An operational plan was prepared and initiated before they left Fale islet.
The Implementing Agency
Taupulega Fakaofo has a history that can be traced back to the earliest times. The Council of Elders is the protector, advisor, supervisor, delegate and general keeper of the peace for Fakaofo.
The Taupulega has the authority, given by the people, to execute programs, projects, and development plans for betterment of the village. The elders of the village are the ones that have a mandate to protect and serve the community. The jungle myna eradication proposal falls under that mandate.
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Fale islet, Tokelau (Bill Nagle)
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Biodiversity Values
Tokelau is identified as a Key Biodiversity Area (2004 CEPF Ecosystem Profile) for the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot. Information on Tokelauan biodiversity is incomplete, but many species residing on the island are represented on the IUCN Red List. Some of the birds on the island include the bristle-thighed curlew (Numenius tahitiensis), the Pacific pigeon (Ducula pacifica), the red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) and brown and red-footed booby’s (Sula leucogaster and Sula sula). Other species include the green and hawksbill turtles (Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata, respectively).
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Project Partners
Reports
Please click on this link 'Protection of Tokelau Fakaofo from myna bird (Acridotheres spp.) invasion' to view a copy of the feasibility study report.
Funding
This project is being funded by :
Regional Natural Heritage Programme (RNHP) through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
PII Contact
Bill Nagle – (w.nagle@auckland.ac.nz)
Please click on coloured text for links to relevant information.
last updated 21 May 2008
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