Area of Study: polynesian lorikeets

Birds are the only large terrestrial vertebrates to have colonized remote French Polynesia, where they found the perfect sets of islands to thrive through adaptive radiation. This resulted in high levels of endemism. Among them are the Polynesian lorikeets (Vini spp.). For millions of years, these species (Vini kuhlii, Vini ultramarina and Vini peruviana) evolved in the absence of mammals. In these islands, they were free from any predator, until roof rats were introduced with the arrival of European settlers. These rats pose a serious threat to Lorikeets, as they eat their eggs. Lorikeets were extinct from islands infested by roof rats, and are now restricted to very few refuges. Even though they were once culturally important, as they disappeared from most inhabited islands, they faded from collective memory.

The project Vik´Ura works to raise awareness about these species, especially for the younger generations, by using charismatic mascots. They produce comic-books, video games, songs, music videos and soft toys to engage Polynesians to protect these species. Meanwhile, they work to control rat populations with Atlas, Polynesia´s first rat-sniffing dog. During my work here, we flew Atlas to the Blue Lagoon in Rangiroa, one of the few places where the Blue Lorikeet (Vini peruviana) still thrives. There, he searched for any possible rat intruders to assure the motu was still rat free.

Every year, around 240000 tourists visit French Polynesia to see turquoise watered beaches and experience its vast wildlife. Nature is the country’s major economic asset. Yet, land environments are still largely unexplored by tourists, especially when it comes to wildlife. I investigated how birdwatching can promote Lorikeet conservation.