Visit http://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/ to vote Fiji Petrel!
Mystery surrounds the Kacau ni Gau (Fiji petrel). It is a real enigma. Until one crash landed into the head of Dr Dick Watling (a young biologist at the time), on Gau in 1984.
Prior to this it was thought to be extinct as no one had seen one for over one hundred years. EXCITEMENT and PASSION to save this mysterious bird were ignited on Gau.
Scientists believe there are no more than 50 pairs of petrels left in the World, all of these in Fiji on the island of Gau. Because there have been so few sightings, we are short of information to help with Fiji petrels’ conservation and the key to the mystery is finding where they nest if we are to save them.
Petrels are sometimes attracted to lights which can dazzle them. When one crash-landed in Nukuloa Primary school two years ago, it led to a vital piece of information in helping their conservation.
Find out more on Thursday!!
We still don’t know where Fiji petrels nest but thanks to our fabulous team on Gau, we are working hard to find answers. Watch this space tomorrow to find out more and meet our super-enthusiastic four- footed employees, Bob and Tar, who, along with Qalo and the rest of the Petrel team, are sniffing for a lead!
And remember to spread the word and get everyone to vote for Fiji petrel at http://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/ in becoming not only Fiji’s but also New Zealand’s ‘Bird Of the Year’.
Do not forget to confirm your email when you vote to make it count.
Visit us again tomorrow as we post more amazing facts about our Fiji Petrel.
For videos, visit: https://vimeo.com/107781826