Birds of Vanuatu

The taxonomy and nomenclature of birds are continuously developing. This project adopts the Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993) classification, common English names, scientific names and sequence. This modern classification is markedly different to the well established, more traditional classifications in Birds of The Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia (Doughty et al, 1999) and Birds of Vanuatu (Bregulla, 1992). However, Vanuatu has a small number of species and lists based on either classification are fairly short and easy to search. Alternative common names and taxonomy are given for some species where approriate.

About 121 bird species have been recorded in Vanuatu with 32 seabirds, 15 shorebirds and 74 land and freshwater birds (Bregulla, 1992). Of these 74 land and freshwater birds, 10 are introduced, 1 is a non-breeding visitor and 7 have been recorded less than 5 times which leaves 56 land and freshwater birds. Vanuatu does not have a great number of birds but it is an interesting and little known region. Master list.

Isolation has led to the development of 9 endemic species in Vanuatu and one, the Buff-bellied Monarch Neolalage banksiana, belongs to an endemic genus. Vanuatu and the Temotu province in the Solomon Islands (Santa Cruz group) are an Endemic Bird Area (BirdLife, 2004a). Vanuatu has 23 Restricted Range Species. An effort to identify Important Bird Areas began in late 2007. Master list.

Oceanic islands have disproportionately high numbers of threatened species (BirdLife, 2004a). Vanuatu hosts 8 Globally Threatened Birds (discounting non-breeding visitors and vagrants) and one, the Santa Cruz Ground-Dove Gallicolumba santaecrusis, is Endangered (BirdLife, 2007). Vanuatu also has 5 Near Threatened birds (BirdLife, 2007). Vanuatu signed CITES in 1989 and 4 birds appear in the appendices, all are resident (CITES, 2003). Master list.

Vanuatu's avifauna has received little attention apart from taxonomy. The life history of many of Vanuatu's endemic and rare species is not well known and there has been little scientific research since the 1970s (Bregulla, 1992). Seabirds and shorebirds in Vanuatu have received even less attention. There is a recognised need, especially for Globally Threatened Birds, for recent and new data on distributions and habitat preferences in Vanuatu (BirdLife, 2004b).

Vanuatu is an island chain with a discontinuous and sometimes puzzling distribution of birds. Diamond and Marshall (1976a) explain to some extent how birds colonised Vanuatu from distant sources. Diamond's theories on 'niche shifts' (1976b) are neat and convincing but do not fit all islands.

Some of the threats facing Vanuatu's birds are:
-Human population growth and expansion with resulting changes in land use and habitat loss.
-Logging of lowland forests (but far less threatening as in the Solomon Islands).
-Introduced alien predators and pests.
-Hunting and collecting of eggs and chicks.
-Competition with introduced birds.
-Disease (eg avian malaria).

References.