Vol 3 Land Resource Inventory Report - Department of Environment ...

Bird diversity
The bird biodiversity of Fiji are grouped into six categories (adopted from Birdlife
International 2006)
i. Native breeding land-birds (57 species + 3 extinct species)
ii. Introduced birds (11 species)
iii. Native breeding seabirds (19 species)
iv. Non-breeding migrant (and vagrant) seabirds (29 species)
v. Non-breeding migrant (and vagrant) waders (22 species)
vi. Non-breeding migrant (and vagrant) land-birds (1 species).
From an island perspective this is a fairly rich flora, with a significant proportion of
endemic species. Thus a total of 142 bird species (including 4 extinct) are catalogued for
the Fiji avifauna.
Endemic species
Fiji has a total of 27 endemic species, the Fiji Petrel being the only endemic seabird
species. Dick (2001) recognised 85 subspecies that are endemic to Fiji. These endemic
birds are often confined on a single island. Such endemics include the Polynesia Starling
(A. T. rotumae) and Lesser Shrikebill (C. V. wiglesworthi) found only on Rotuma, the
Collared Kingfisher (T.c.eximia) and Island Thrush (T. P. Ruficeps) of Kadavu and the
Golden Whistler (P.p. vitiensis) of Gau.
Threatened species
Assessment for Fiji birds threatened status was undertaken using the IUCN Red Listing
criteria (www.redlist.org). Fiji has 18 birds that conform to the Red Listing categories
(extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and near threatened). The recent
surveys by Birdlife International (Birdlife International 2006) concluded that the Giant
Forest Honeyeater (Gymnomyza viridis) once considered vulnerable, is now of least
concern (widespread and abundant). Two species that are critically endangered are the
Fiji Petrel (Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi) and the Red-throated Lorikeet (Charmosyna
amabilis). In a survey conducted by BirdLife International in August 2008, no lorikeets
were sighted; however the team concluded that more resources are needed to undertake
extensive research in order to re find the lorikeet. In mid 2009, an expedition to find the
elusive Fiji petrel proved successful and for the first time, images are available of the
bird, as well as detailed descriptions of its flight and behaviour in comparison to other
species. Currently research is being undertaken on the Fiji Petrel (Dick Watling to
provide a summary – please).
Introduced species
428