It is an arboreal species found in remote wooded valleys, recorded from the shore to the upper ridges (Thibault and Cibois 2017), and is also seen in secondary forest and at the edge of banana and orange plantations (Holyoak and Thibault 1984). It feeds on fruit from native and introduced trees and shrubs, including large quantities of guava Psidium guajava (Pratt et al. 1987). It only lays one egg suggesting that it is long lived and any population increases would be slow and unclear for several years (Villard et al. 2000).

Ducula galeata is endemic to the Marquesas Islands and until 2000 was only known from Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia, where it was restricted to valleys in the west and north of the island, though more recently there have been observations of the species in the central south of the island (Anon 2011) and near human inhabitations (C. Blanvillain in litt. 2016). Following successful reintroductions of birds in 2000 and 2003 there is now an established population on Ua Huka.

Conservation Actions Underway
Following recommendations of translocations (SPREP 1999), five birds were released on Ua Huka. At least four of the five introduced birds had survived into June (Blanvillain et al. 2000), and in 2003, five more birds were released to augment the population. Following a 28% increase in this population during the 2005/2006 season, the population reached 46 individuals in 2008 (Gouni et al. 2008, Blanvillain et al. 2011). A visit to the island in 2010 reported a number of individuals and several nests (Champeau 2010). In 2012, 26 birds were relocated to two uninhabited valleys (Blanvillain et al. 2012). An awareness raising campaign focused initially on local school children has met with success and it has now been expanded to the general public, and as a result hunting pressure appears to have been reduced (Gouni 2006, Blanvillain 2019). Thanks to lobbying by Manu a road development project was amended and the new road and tunnel project cancelled - only rehabilitation of the actual road was carried out (A. Gouni in litt. 2007). Nuku Hiva islanders are trying to reduce the Miconia calvescens invasion but eradication seems unlikely (C. Blanvillain in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Protect and expand natural forests (Villard et al. 2000). Perform habitat rehabilitation/protection by continuing the control of the Miconia calvescens and reducing the impact of Pinus on native forests (C. Blanvillain in litt. 2016), as well as control of feral ungulates. Research depredation by cats and rats and, depending on the results, set up some control measures (Evva 1998, Villard et al. 2000). Ensure that game is not reintroduced into the wild (which would increase hunting generally) and prevent further accidental introductions of exotic species (Evva 1998). Try to eradicate Common Myna (C. Blanvillain in litt. 2016). Survey the current population and distribution on Ua Huka. Further translocation may increase the genetic base and further establish the population (Blanvillain et al. 2000). Investigate the possibility of reintroducing the species to other islands in the Marquesas (C. Blanvillain in litt. 2016). Promote public awareness through publicity materials and schools, especially in relation to legal protection (Evva 1998) and accidental fire (C. Blanvillain in litt. 2016). Establish the prevalence and impact of avian diseases including Plasmodium relictum and avian pox. Ensure that road development takes account of the species' requirements (Evva 1998).