Marquesas Ground Dove (Pampusana rubescens) | Text

Marquesas Ground Dove Pampusana rubescens

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Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species qualifies as Endangered as it has a very small population size which fluctuates and sometimes falls below 250 mature individuals.

Population justification
The total population on Hatuta'a was estimated at 200-250 in 1975 and 1987, 490-890 in 2002, 1,070 in 2007, <200 in 2010 and reportedly 'abundant' in 2012 (Thibault et al. 2013, C. Blanvillain in litt. 2017), with numbers potentially fluctuating because of drought (Thibault et al. 2013), although some differences may also be a result of differences in survey methods (Thibault 1988, P. Raust in litt. 2007, A. Gouni in litt. 2007, C. Blanvillain in litt. 2017). Small numbers persist on Fatu'uku, estimated at a few pairs in 2011 (Butard 2011). As the population appears to fluctuate, and it appears to be often <250 mature individuals, the population size is precautionarily placed in the range 50-249 mature individuals.

Trend justification
On Hatuta`a, the population fluctuates probably as a result of droughts, with an overall stable trend (Thibault et al. 2013). On Fatu Huku, the population was estimated at 10-100 in the 1990s, and it was thought to be similar in 2002 (Seitre and Seitre 1991, A. Gouni in litt. 2007) and in 2011, when six birds were observed on the island (Butaud 2011). Based on this information, the long-term population trend is suspected to be stable. Should the population be found to be decreasing, the species would warrant uplisting to a higher threat category.

Distribution and population

Alopecoenas rubescens is restricted to two uninhabited and cat-free islets in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. On Hatuta'a, the population has been estimated in 1975, 1987, 2002, 2007 and 2010 as between 200-1,000, with fluctuations probably caused by drought (Thibault et al. 2013, C. Blanvillain in litt. 2017), although differences may also be a result of differences in survey methods (Thibault 1988, P. Raust in litt. 2007, A. Gouni in litt. 2007, C. Blanvillain in litt. 2017). On Fatu Huku, the population was estimated at 10-100 in the 1990s, and it was thought to be similar in 2002 (Seitre and Seitre 1991, A. Gouni in litt. 2007) and in 2011, when six birds were observed on the island (Butaud 2011). It probably formerly occurred on Nuku Hiva, where the type-specimen is reputed to have been collected, and subfossils are known from three other islets, suggesting that it was originally distributed throughout the entire group (Steadman 1989).

Ecology

It inhabits wooded regions, groves of Pisonia grandis and shrubby vegetation feeding primarily on seeds (Holyoak and Thibault 1984). On Hatuta'a, it has been reported to prefer the plateau, rarely descending to vegetation near the sea (Holyoak and Thibault 1984), or to occur from shore to summit, including cliffs, and most abundant in mixed tussock grassland and subscrub which covers 22% of the island (Thibault et al. 2013).

Threats

Depredation by cats has probably caused its disappearance from other islets in the group. Due to the negative effects of a drought on Hatuta`a, (P. Raust in litt. 2012, Thibault et al. 2013) it is likely that the effects of climate change, including more frequent and severe environmental events (e.g. La Nina and El Niño Southern Oscillation events) could pose a threat to the species in the future.

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
Hatuta`a is a protected area but there is no active management.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey and monitor its population on both islands. Take measures to ensure that the islands remain cat-free. Effectively manage Hatuta`a (P. Raust in litt. 1999). Investigate the possibility of translocation to the nearby island of Mohotani if cats are eradicated from that island (SPREP 1999).

Identification

20 cm. Very tame, small, ground-dwelling dove. Mostly black body with highly variable patches of white in wings and at base of tail. Reddish-purple scapulars, upper back, and shoulders. Male has pearly-grey head and chest, darker on nape, crown, and hindneck, female has dark sooty-grey head and chest. Voice Raspy snarl.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Dutson, G., Stattersfield, A., Pilgrim, J., Wheatley, H., Mahood, S., O'Brien, A., Derhé, M.

Contributors
Raust, P., Gouni, A., Blanvillain, C., Ghestemme, T.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Marquesas Ground Dove Pampusana rubescens. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/marquesas-ground-dove-pampusana-rubescens on 24/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 24/12/2024.