Population Estimate for the Ouvea Parakeet Eunymphicus cornutus uvaeensis: its Present Range and Implications for Conservation

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Abstract
As a first step in a long-term study of the biology and ecology of the endangered Ouvea Parakeet Eunymphicus cornutus uvaeensis, a population count using fixed distance line transects was made in December 1993 during the breeding season, to estimate the minimum size of the population, its distribution in the island of Ouvea and to emphasise threats to its survival in order to plan a conservation program. Transects totalling 134.5 km of walk tracks and roads covered all possible habitats and 73, presumably different, Ouvea Parakeets were observed (65 in north, five in centre and three in south Ouvea). Biases affected an accurate evaluation of densities; we estimated a total population of 617 with an absolute minimum of 274 birds. Implications for conservation are discussed regarding poaching and habitat destruction.