BirdLife works with Fiji Government to conserve biodiversity

21-08-2002

BirdLife is to work with the Fiji Government's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) team and the University of the South Pacific to identify Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

The project will look especially for the Red-throated Lorikeet Charmosyna amabilis and the Pink-billed Parrotfinch Erythrura kleinschmidti (both Endangered), neither of which has been seen for several years. All fieldwork will involve discussions with local landowners to assess their interest in conserving their forest. Conservation of many of Fiji's birds depends upon sustainable use of forest habitats and the control of alien invasive species, notably rats, cats and mongooses. BirdLife is fundraising to eradicate rats from Gau Island, where the Fiji Petrel Pterodroma macgillivrayi (Critically Endangered) survives in tiny numbers. The Fiji Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BirdLife to establish a BirdLife Pacific office in Fiji. The IBA project is funded by the UK Government's Darwin Initiative for three years.