Using playback and habitat models to estimate the distribution and population size of the critically endangered Crow Honeyeater, Gymnomyza aubryana, in New Caledonia
Yuji Okahisa A B H , Andrew Legault C , Baptiste Angin D , Vivien Chartendrault E , Nicolas Barré E , Christophe de Franceschi F , Thomas Duval D , François Tron F , Roman Gula G and Jörn Theuerkauf G I
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Life Sciences, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan.
B Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan.
C Department of Conservation, PO Box 349, Rangiora 7440, New Zealand.
D Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie, BP 13641, 98846 Nouméa, New Caledonia.
E Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien (IAC/CIRAD), BP 73, 98890 Païta, New Caledonia.
F Conservation International, BP 475, 98825 Pouembout, New Caledonia.
G Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warsaw, Poland.
H Present address: Japan Wildlife Research Center, 3-3-7 Kotobashi, Sumida, Tokyo 130-8606, Japan.
I Corresponding author. Email: jtheuer@miiz.eu
Emu 116(1) 41-47 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU15036
Submitted: 2 April 2015 Accepted: 3 September 2015 Published: 17 November 2015
Abstract
The Crow Honeyeater (Gymnomyza aubryana) is a critically endangered bird, endemic to the main island of New Caledonia, but it is poorly known owing to its elusive nature. We conducted playback surveys to assess the distribution, habitat preferences and vocal activity of the species. Crow Honeyeaters responded well to playback, with response rates reaching 67% at times. Our surveys revealed two distinct populations, separated by ~250 km: one in the north of the island and the other, larger population in the south. The range of the northern population appears to be very small. Presence of the species was linked to rainforests growing on oligotrophic soils, primarily on ultramafic substrates. Approximately 315–700 km2 of suitable habitat for the species remains, corresponding to a maximum estimated population of 315–700 breeding pairs. The size and range of the Crow Honeyeater population is much smaller than previously assumed, and comprehensive management will be required to ensure its survival.
Additional keywords: cryptic species, endemic species, habitat selection, population size.
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