Nature Fiji-Mareqeti Viti is working to eradicate all invasive species threatening one of Fiji’s critically endemic birds, the Fijian Petrel (Kacau ni Gau).

Nature Fiji –Mareqeti Viti is a Fijian nature conservation trust working for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji’s natural heritage.

Its representative Bruce Wilson said cats, rats, mongoose and the American Iguana were major threats to the Fijian Petrel.

“These are the main species that are threatening our birds, frogs and snakes on the islands. We have taken some biological steps and we also use traps and all those kind of measures to try and remove these animals,” Mr Wilson said.

He said the bird species was endangered in Fiji with only less than 50 birds present.

“If all these birds die out, they will be completely extinct. This is one unique specie that we have. We are trying to keep rats, mongoose and cats away from their breeding places so that the Fijian Petrel can breed and grow in population.

“The basic idea is that because once these birds that are only found in Fiji are gone, we lose a lot in terms of our knowledge on these birds, the richness they provide to the biodiversity, the ecosystems- these animals provide a lot of that. They are also indicator species that tells us the status of our environment. If you find that is rare or hard to find, it tells us that the status of the environment is degrading,” he said.

The Fijian Petrel is only found in the highlands of Gau Island in the Lomaiviti Group. The trust is also trying to conserve the Pink Billed parrot (Sitinitabua), Bristled thigh Curlew and Silktail.

Mr Wilson said there was a need for people to understand the importance of these birds and be good stewards of the environment.

Feedback:  aqela.susu@fijisun.com.fj