French Polynesia

Threatened Species: 32 more info»
IBAs: 45
EBAs: 5 more info»

Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie (MANU)

Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie is the BirdLife Partner Designate

Founded in: 1990
Members: 110
Staff: 5
Address: Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie "Manu", B.P. 7023, 98719 Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Email: sop@manu.pf
Web: http://www.manu.pf

Mission of the organisation

The purpose of the Ornithological Society of Polynesia - "MANU" - is to take action to protect the birds, habitats and biodiversity of French Polynesia, and work with the human population to promote the sustainable management of natural resources by:

Protecting Polynesian birds and their habitats
Contributing to the study of Polynesian birds in their natural environment
Developing and promoting information on Polynesian birds and their conservation

Key Activities

The Council's members of the Ornithological Society of Polynesia have a monthly meeting
Publication of the Bulletin "Te Manu" (4 issues per year,) for the members
Involvement in educational and promotional events (Day of Environment, conferences, radio, television) to raise public awareness
Field trips (birdwatching, tape recording, or video) and logistic support to ornithological missions in French Polynesia
Proposals for conservation programs, financing and implementing protection programs on endangered species
MANU is involved in five conservation programs : of the Tahiti Monarch Pomarea nigra, Society Ground-dove Gallicollumba erythroptera, Nuku Hiva pigeon Ducula galeata, Tuamotu Kingfisher Todiramphus gambieri and Fatu Hiva Monarch Pomarea whitneyi
MANU is involved in monitoring two populations of indigenous bird species per year (on isolated islands)
MANU monitors the population of the Striated Heron Butorides striata (2007-2008) and of the Tahiti Reed-warbler Acrocephalus caffer (2009-2011)
MANU participates in the two Packard Foundation-funded projects Locating Important Seabird Colonies (Important Bird Areas) in French Polynesia and Fiji, and Restoration of Globally Important Seabird Colonies in the Pacific by the Removal of Rats and Other Invasive Predators
MANU implements a rescue programme for ‘crashed’ Tahiti Petrels Pseudobulweria rostrata
MANU participates in a programme to study the birds of French Polynesia, such as the Tuamotu (Polynesian) Sandpiper Prosobonia cancellata, in collaboration with Vancouver University
MANU coordinates two genetic research programmes on the Society Ground-Dove and the Tuamotu Kingfisher

Recent Achievements

MANU has successfully reintroduced the Marquesan Imperial Pigeon Ducula galeata (Nuku Hiva or Upe) to the island of Ua Huka to create a new population of this formerly Critically Endangered species which was estimated to number about 120 individuals in 2000. As a result, the species was downlisted to Endangered, with two known populations of 180 and 32 individuals respectively (in 2006).
Since 1998, during each breeding season, a rat poisoning programme is implemented around known nesting sites of the Tahiti Monarch. Trees with nests are also protected against rats with metallic bands. All individual birds are closely monitored to get an accurate estimate of breeding success and as a result, eight chicks successfully fledged, raising the total population to 40 individuals
With financial assistance from the BP Conservation Fund (now Conservation Leadership Programme) MANU carried out surveys in the Tuamotu Archipelago that led to the discovery of a new population of the Society Ground-dove on Morane atoll (50 individuals). In addition ten small islets have been made rat-free to contribute to the survival of this bird species in Rangirora (twelve individuals).
MANU has increased the area controlled for rats to conserve the Fatu Hiva Monarch, and will monitor this area throughout the year from 2009 onwards (currently done only between July and December).
Research carried out by MANU using radio telemetry has provided new insights in the territorial behaviour of Tuamotu Kingfisher and the reasons for their population decline.
MANU participated in the successful reintroduction of the Rimitara Lorikeet Vini kuhlii on Atiu in the Cook Islands.
Seventy Tahiti Petrels have been rescued in 2008 (after they had crashed to the ground)