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Restoration of Vahanga Atoll, French Polynesia
The Island
Vahanga Atoll (382 ha) is located in the northern sector of the Acteon Group in the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia. The northern sector of the Acteon Group includes three small atolls situated 7-10 km apart: Tenararo (the northern most), Vahanga and Tenarunga. Matureivavao is the largest atoll in the group and lies to the south east of the other three atolls.
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Red tailed tropicbird, Teneraro (R.Pierce)
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Biodiversity Values
Tenararo-Vahanga has been identified as a Key Biodiversity Area (Conservation International) and also as an Important Bird Area (BirdLife International). This area contains many endemic species including the Critically Endangered Polynesian ground dove (Gallicolumba erythroptera) and Tuamotu kingfisher (Todiramphus gambieri), the Endangered Tuamotu sandpiper (Prosobonia cancellata), and the Vulnerable blue lorikeet (Vini peruviana). These species disperse to Vahanga from the neighbouring atoll, predator-free Tenararo. Many seabird species, such as the Near Threatened Murphy’s petrel (Pterodroma ultima), have important but declining populations in the Archipelago (including in the Acteon Group). This archipelago is also the main wintering ground for the Vulnerable bristle-thighed curlew (Numenius tahitiensis). In light of these values, the Société d’Ornithologie de Polynésie (SOP) MANU and the Catholic Church which owns Vahanga Atoll are committed to recovering the populations of threatened birds on the archipelago.
The Invasive Species
Pacific rats (Rattus exulans) are a well-known predator of island fauna. In Hawai'i and New Zealand there are many examples of detrimental effects on a number of land and sea bird species. Pacific rats are also known to browse on native flora, including trees, shrubs, fungi, grasses, and other herbaceous plants. The Pacific rat is believed to be the reason why the Polynesian ground dove and Tuamotu sandpiper are not establishing on Vahanga.
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Tenararo (the northern most), Vahanga, Tenarunga and Matureivavao (courtesy of the Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center, ISS002-E-8872, http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov)
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Project Description
The Société d’Ornithologie de Polynésie (SOP) MANU proposes to eradicate the Pacific rat from Vahanga Atoll. In 2000 a rat eradication was attempted on Vahanga but was unsuccessful. Lessons learnt from the previous eradication attempt are being applied to this project to increase the likelihood of a successful operation. The eradication of the Pacific rat from Vahanga will not only provide for the recovery of threatened species, but also provide a buffer to the existing predator-free Tenararo. SOP MANU’s capacity for managing invasive species will be enhanced through the development and implementation of this poroject. In addition this project will provide an opportunity to train and educate local people to be involved in biota surveys, eradication techniques and biosecurity measures. It is anticipated that this project will also lead to support from policy-makers, funders and the public for further rodent eradications on Tenarunga and Matureivavao of the Acteon Group.
Funding
This project is being funded by:
Regional Natural Heritage Programme (RNHP) through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
PII Contact
Dr Souad Boudjelas – (s.boudjelas@auckland.ac.nz)
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Last updated 15 May 2008 |
