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| Subspecies: | Unknown |
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| Est. World Population: | 50-249 |
| CITES Status: | NOT LISTED |
| IUCN Status: | Critically Endangered |
| U.S. ESA Status: | NOT LISTED |
| Body Length: | |
| Tail Length: | |
| Shoulder Height: | |
| Weight: | |
| Top Speed: | |
| Jumping Ability: | (Horizontal) |
| Life Span: | in the Wild |
| Life Span: | in Captivity |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Females) |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Males) |
| Litter Size: | |
| Gestation Period: | |
Habitat:
Although once thought to be confined to remaining undisturbed forest fragments in valleys and mountains between 40 and 450 m (292 ha in 1991), and not able to utilise coastal vegetation or secondary forest (Thibault and Varney 1991), it has been seen in pine plantations and may feed on the introduced Chinese guava Psidium cattleianum (P. Raust in litt. 2007). It feeds on fleshy fruit and nectar from flowers (Thibault and Varney 1991).
Range:
This species is endemic to the tiny island of Rapa in the Tubuai Islands, French Polynesia, where its population was estimated at 160 (145-243) individuals in 2017 (Blanvillain & Patira 2017). A previous survey in 1990 produced an estimate of 274 individuals (175-368) (Thibault and Varney 1991), indicating that the population declined by 42% between the two surveys. It is probable that the area of available habitat has diminished during the 20th century and the quality of habitat has declined due to the introduction of the Chinese guava Psidium cattleianum (Blanvillain & Patira 2017).
Conservation:
Conservation and Research Actions Underway
Proposals have been made to protect the Hiri Valley and to consider captive breeding (Thibault and Varney 1991). In 2017, a project commenced which aimed to restore forest, control P. cattleianum and control grazing livestock (Hurrell 2017).
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Monitor the population. Study the level of use of P. cattleianum and its impacts on occupancy and population trends. Control grazing with the use of fences and/or enclosures (Meyer 2002). Discuss with the local community the possibility of establishing a protected area in the upland forests - if agreement is reached, fence forest remnants to reduce grazing pressure (SPREP 1999). Reduce goat numbers (SPREP 1999). Exclude fires from upland areas (SPREP 1999). Consider the possibility of translocation to another island to establish a second population (SPREP 1999). Investigate the impact of cats and rats on the species, and take precautions to prevent invasion by black rat Rattus rattus. As a precaution, establish a captive population.
Proposals have been made to protect the Hiri Valley and to consider captive breeding (Thibault and Varney 1991). In 2017, a project commenced which aimed to restore forest, control P. cattleianum and control grazing livestock (Hurrell 2017).
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Monitor the population. Study the level of use of P. cattleianum and its impacts on occupancy and population trends. Control grazing with the use of fences and/or enclosures (Meyer 2002). Discuss with the local community the possibility of establishing a protected area in the upland forests - if agreement is reached, fence forest remnants to reduce grazing pressure (SPREP 1999). Reduce goat numbers (SPREP 1999). Exclude fires from upland areas (SPREP 1999). Consider the possibility of translocation to another island to establish a second population (SPREP 1999). Investigate the impact of cats and rats on the species, and take precautions to prevent invasion by black rat Rattus rattus. As a precaution, establish a captive population.