Fatu Hiva monarch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fatu Hiva monarch |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pomarea
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| Species: |
whitneyi
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The Fatu Hiva monarch (Pomarea whitneyi) is a special type of bird. It's a large flycatcher, part of the Monarchidae bird family. This bird lives only on the island of Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, which are part of French Polynesia. It likes to live in thick native forests, high up to about 2,300 feet (700 meters). Adult Fatu Hiva monarchs are shiny purplish-black. They have soft, plush-like feathers on their foreheads. These birds grow to be about 7.5 inches (19 cm) long.
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About the Fatu Hiva Monarch
What's in a Name?
The Fatu Hiva monarch has a scientific name: Pomarea whitneyi. This name honors a kind person from the US, Harry Payne Whitney. People sometimes call this bird by other names too. These include the Fatu Hiva flycatcher, large flycatcher, or simply large monarch.
Why is it in Danger?
Sadly, the Fatu Hiva monarch is in big trouble. It is listed as "critically endangered." This means it is very close to disappearing forever. Its numbers have dropped by more than 90% in just 21 years. Experts believe there are now only about 50 birds left. This includes only 33 adult birds that can have babies.
The main reason for this big drop is the arrival of black rats. These rats were first seen on Fatu Hiva in February 2000. Their appearance matches when the monarch's numbers started to fall quickly. Feral cats also hunt these birds, making the problem worse.
Helping the Monarch Survive
People are working hard to save the Fatu Hiva monarch. They have started programs to control predators like rats and cats. These efforts have helped slow down the loss of bird territories. From 2007 to 2009, 60% of territories were lost. But from 2009 to 2011, this dropped to 30%.
In July 2023, the Ornithological Society of Polynesia teamed up with Auckland Zoo. They announced a plan to save the species from extinction. Their plan involves collecting eggs from the wild. These eggs will be hatched safely in special places. The young birds will then be raised in an aviary. This aviary will protect them from predators. The goal is to help more Fatu Hiva monarchs survive and grow up.
