L'échenilleur de La Réunion, Coracina newtoni, espèce endémique en danger

Abstract

The Réunion Cuckooshrike is the most threatened endemic passerine bird on Réunion island (21°06′S; 55°32′E). Its population is currently estimated at 100 territorial males, confined to an area of about 16km² in the north of the island. The birds appear to be in suboptimal habitat, at a higher altitude than in the past. The number of singing males has declined from 1990 to 2003. Most of the bird's current range was declared a nature reserve in 1999. In 2003–2004 the Société d'Etudes Ornithologiques de La Réunion (SEOR) began research on the cuckooshrike's biology and conservation. The first reports indicated an imbalance in the population sex ratio: 27% of the males were unpaired. Reproductive success was poor, with only 1/3 of the females producing young. Predation by rats seems to be the primary reason for the poor breeding success. Habitat quality and food resources in the montane forest appear to be limiting factors for the population. Other factors such as recreational activities in the area, invasive alien vegetation, fires and cyclones seem to have indirect effects, acting on the populations of introduced predators or by modifying the environment.