NatureFiji-MareqetiViti

14/06/08 - Dick Watling

Conservation of the Critically Endangered Fiji Petrel has received important support with a grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

The Fiji Petrel or Kacaunigau is only found on the island of Gau with a population of about 50 it is one of the most endangered birds in the world. It is believed to nest in burrows in the mountains and to be severely threatened by introduced rats and cats that kill adults and chicks.

Local conservation organisation, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti has been awarded a grant of Fj$22,000 from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund which will be used to develop the conservation programme in partnership with the National Trust of Fiji.

This will give the conservation programme a much needed boost and allow us to undertake surveys to try to locate the nesting areas and protect the nesting birds.

The National Trust of Fiji has undertaken a very successful community awareness programme over the years and we are looking forward to building on this success.