Fire ants are the latest threat that could lead to the extinction of the Tahiti monarch

Appeal launched to ensure breeding season

A rare bird, the Tahiti monarch, is under a fresh threat of extinction from fire ants, having already suffered dwindling numbers as a result of rat attacks and heavy rain, Birdlife International has reported.

There are less than 50 mature birds left and just ten breeding pairs remain in the wild.

A conservation award has been won by Manu (Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie) for its work with the Tahiti monarchs in BirdLife people’s choice award this month.

That led to the best breeding season for the birds in the 16 years since the conservation work began.

The work included measures for controlling rats, and planting trees.

But the monarch also face threats from heavy rains and from fire ants which are capable of eating an adult, chicks and eggs within minutes. These ants have been found on the edge of the Tahiti monarch's valley.

"These conditions are bad for the breeding birds,” warned Caroline Blanvillain from Manu.

“Monarchs need continuous predator control to keep them safe, and if we don’t quickly eradicate the fire ant colonies they will reach the birds and kill them.

“We need to act now, the 10 breeding pairs are struggling to keep their nests safe. On Friday, eight chicks had survived the rain, now every chick needs to be given a chance against the rats and the ants.

"If we can raise enough funds we can make the forest safe for the fledglings.’’

In order to help tackle the threats to the Tahiti Monarch, BirdLife and Manu have launched an urgent appeal for funding.

Image courtesy of BirdLife