Rapa Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus huttoni)
Justification This species is classified as Vulnerable because its very small population is confined to one tiny island. Deterioration of its habitat is the greatest threat, and action to preserve remaining fragments is still urgently needed. Any decline in range or numbers would result in an upgrading to Critical status.
Identification 31 cm. Medium-sized, mostly green pigeon, larger and longer tailed than most fruit-doves. Feathers of lower chest cloven producing rows of shadows that appear as streaks. Pale blue-grey foreparts (head, neck, chest, upper back) shading into green of body above. Yellowish-white tip of tail, not sharply demarcated. Bright rose crown, face and throat, dark rose undertail-coverts. Yellow lower belly and edges of wing feathers. Rose-purple band below cloven chest feathers. Yellow bill and iris. Red legs. Voice Repetitive series of double oo-wa notes.
Population estimate 250-999
Population trend stable
Range estimate 4 km2
Country endemic? Yes
Range & Population Ptilinopus huttoni is endemic to the tiny island of Rapa in the Tubuai Islands, French Polynesia, where it was estimated to number 274 individuals in 1989-1990. Although it is probable that the area of available habitat has diminished during the 20th century along with a decrease in population, there has apparently been no serious decline since 1974
Ecology It is now confined to remaining forest fragments in valleys and mountains between 40 and 450 m, and is not found in coastal vegetation, secondary forest or near to habitation. It feeds on fleshy fruit and nectar from flowers.
Threats Destruction and degradation of forest by goats, cattle, fires (used to control fernland and increase grazing land) and felling are the main threats. Predation by feral cats and Pacific rat Rattus exulans are possible threats, while hunting for food by local inhabitants is no longer a threat owing to an improvement in the standard of living on the island.
Action Proposals have been made to protect the Hiri Valley and to consider captive breeding
