Abstract for presentation at Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response

The five archipelagoes and 120 small oceanic islands that form French Polynesia have experienced massive species extinctions following the arrival of humans. According to the IUCN Red Lists, French Polynesia has the second highest number of extinct species worldwide. Two major waves of extinction occurred in the past: overhunting, fire and forest clearing during the Polynesian period (2,000-1,500 years ago) associated with introduced domestic animals drove to extinction many endemic birds (especially flightless rails) as well as coastal palms and flying foxes. The European period (since the 18th century) leads to extensive habitat destruction, overexploitation (e.g. sandalwood), and introduction of grazing ungulates, predators (especially black rats) and aggressive competitors (e.g. invasive birds and plants) which caused the extinction or extirpation of more endemic birds, land snails (e.g. Endodontidae) and plants (especially coastal and lowland trees). During the last 30 years, French Polynesia is facing a third wave of extinction: more than 50 tree snails (Partula spp.) disappeared in the Society Islands following the introduction of the carnivorous snail Euglandina rosea and several flycatchers (Pomarea spp.) vanished because of recent incursions of black rats. More than 50 endemic plat and animal species are now on the brink of extinction. The rapid increase of species introductions and the fast population growth rate will worsen biodiversity erosion unless conservation and resource management can be made more effective. A conservation strategy is urgently needed and prioritization of efforts should be conducted as financial and human resources are limited. We suggest that the endemic genera restricted to Southeastern and French Polynesia (e.g. Apetahia for plants, Pomarea for birds) and the unique and endangered habitats (e.g. wetlands, dry forests, makatea forest) should received the highest conservation priority. Because of the high number of islands and their remoteness, conservation programs should involved local communities as co-managers.