Newsletter / Blog
2011-12-02 Fantastic News - Goats and rats have been removed from two Fijian islands.
Goats and rats have been removed from two Fijian islands in a joint
operation conducted by BirdLife International’s Fiji Programme and the National
Trust of Fiji aimed at protecting unique wildlife on Monuriki and Kadomo. “This
is a massive achievement which will provide benefits for the iguanas, birds,
plants and people of these islands”, said Sialesi Rasalato from BirdLife
International.
The Mamanuca island chain is a well-known tourist destination and nationally
important for some unique and threatened wildlife. The islands of Monuriki and
Kadomo are among Fiji’s
most critical islands for burrowing seabirds and endemic iguana.
The 41 hectare Monuriki island is home to less than a
hundred Critically Endangered Fijian Crested Iguana Brachylophus vitiensis which
are found on only a few islands, in the dry western side of the Fijian
archipelago. Both Monuriki and Kadomo also provide vital habitat for nationally
significant breeding colonies of Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus.
Thousands of the fish-eating seabirds have excavated burrows across the islands
in which to rear their chicks, and can be heard making their strange
‘baby-crying’ calls after dark.
This is the 12th successful island restoration programme
completed by the BirdLife International Fiji Programme. With over 300 islands
in Fiji
there are many opportunities to eradicate unwanted pests and improve the future
for biodiversity and people. |