Sites - Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

Ornithological information The total world populations of the Rotuman Myzomela and the Rotuman subspecies of Polynesian Starling A. t. rotumae and Lesser Shrikebill C. v.wiglesworthi occur in this IBA. Rotuma also supports isolated outlying populations of Crimson-crowned Fruit-dove and Polynesian Triller. The offshore islets of Ha’atana, Hofliua and Hatawa have nationally significant seabird colonies. A1 (globally threatened species) * [Bristle-thighed Curlew (VU) – non-breeding visitor in unknown but probably very small numbers] * Rotuman Myzomela (VU) – common to abundant across the island A2 (restricted-range species) Five species (compared to 35 on the main Fiji group).

Site description This IBA covers all of Rotuma as this small island group, situated 465 km north of the main Fijian islands, is the only location for the Rotuman Myzomela(VU).This common bird of all forest, bush and garden habitats probably needs no specific conservation actions but improved quarantine against colonisation by invasive alien species would benefit all Rotuma’s biodiversity as well as traditional agriculture.

Populations of IBA trigger species

Habitats

Land use

Other biodiversity Rotuma has one other endemic vertebrate, the Rotuman Forest Gecko, and two other lizards endemic to Fiji, the Green Tree Skink and Barred Tree Skink.

Management considerations Agriculture - Alien Invasive Species

Protection status Unprotected. Site of National Significance.

Conservation response The Rotuman Myzomela is common in all habitats on the main island, including forest edge and plantations and has no known threats. It is categorised as Vulnerable because its very small geographical range makes it potentially susceptible to chance catastrophes such as cyclones, disease or invasive alien species. Colonisation by exotic predators (other than Pacific Rat, which is already present) is a possible threat, but the myzomela’s abundance and wide habitat tolerance should protect it from cyclone damage. It could be used as a figurehead species to promote tighter quarantine controls to prevent colonisation by invasive alien species for the benefit of all other native species and traditional agriculture. The nesting seabirds have been traditionally harvested for food and the sustainability of this practice needs investigation.

References CLUNIE,F.(1984) Birds of the Fiji bush. Suva: Fiji Museum. CLUNIE,F.(1985) Notes on the bats and birds of Rotuma. Domodomo 3: 153–160. WATLING, D. in litt. (2005) ZUG, G. R., SPRINGER, V. G., WILLIAMS, J. T. AND JOHNSON, G. D. (1989) The vertebrates of Rotuma and surrounding waters. Atoll Research Bulletin 316: 1–25.

Contribute  Please click here to help BirdLife conserve the world's birds - your data for this IBA and others are vital for helping protect the environment.

Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Rotuma. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 26/05/2013

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife