Mauritius Fody (Foudia rubra)
Justification This species is classified as Critical since it has a very small population which is declining dramatically as a result of forest clearance and the effects of introduced predators.
Identification 14 cm. Medium-sized, brown forest weaver. Vermilion-red head, neck and breast with black loral area. Dark brown back, wings and tail streaked with buff. Reddish rump and uppertail-coverts. Similar spp. Non-breeding male, female and juvenile separated from Madagascar Red Fody F. madagascariensis by darker, less streaked plumage, plumper body and relatively shorter tail. Voice Various chip chip notes plus harsher calls. Hints Solitary and arboreal, foraging from the canopy to ground level
Range & Population Foudia rubra, restricted to south-west Mauritius, has suffered rapid population declines since 1975, descending from 247-260 pairs to c.105-125 pairs in late 1999. From 1975 to 1993, a 55% decline in both population and area of occupancy occurred. However, since 1993, the decline rate has slowed, and an increase in range has been recorded in the main breeding subpopulation. The tiny Mare aux Vacoas subpopulation has remained stable (four pairs), but numbers and range have continued to decline in the Bel Ombre subpopulation (seven pairs). Research indicates that there is no population fragmentation during winter.
POPULATION ESTIMATE 210 - 250
Ecology It holds territories in all types of native forest, including degraded forest invaded by exotics, and some largely composed of pine. Its diet is comprised primarily of insects, but also fruit and nectar.
Threats Clearance of upland forest has catastrophically affected this species. Introduced predators, notably black rat Rattus rattus and crab-eating macaque Macaca fascicularis, have caused almost total breeding failure in most areas. Introduced F. madagascariensis may compete and restrict its range. It has unexpectedly disappeared from areas of apparently intact habitat, possibly regions of severe nest-predation, previously sustained by relatively predator-free areas which have now been degraded and can no longer supply new recruits.
Action Rats and M. fascicularis are controlled as part of a programme to rehabilitate plots of native vegetation. A captive-rearing programme has also been initiated. The Black River National Park partly covers its range, and the habitat around Bassin Blanc, not originally included within the boundary, may be bought by compulsory purchase in the future.
