The biology of the critically endangered Marquesan Imperial-Pigeon (Ducuta galeata), Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Archipelago (French Polynesia)

Abstract

This paper presents data obtained on the biology of the Marquesan Imperial-Pigeon, or Upe, a critically endangered species that is very poorly studied, during a reintroduction procedure of the species from Nuku Hiva to Ua Huka Island, which was initiated as a conservation priority to create a second population. Our data show that in the study area, the Upe preferentially used the plant species of the emergent tree stratum and some of the native tree species of the intermediate stratum. The species’ diet includes fruit and grain but also flowers, leaves and insects. Data collected on nest sites, social interactions, courtship, vocalisations and measurements, including sex and age determination, are also presented.