OBSERVATIONS OF RAPTORS IN THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU

Road and trailside surveys were conducted in the Republic of Vanuatu, formerly known as the New Hebrides in the Southwest Pacific, to determ ine relative abundance of raptors. Three diurnal and one nocturnal spe cies were observed during 74 hr of observation over 594 km surveyed. S wamp Harriers (Circus approximans approximans) were most frequent and found on all islands surveyed including Efate (N = 6), Espiritu Santo (N = 31), Gaua (N = 11) and Tanna (N = 19). Peregrine Falcons (Falco p eregrinus nesiotes) were observed on Gaua (N = 2) and Tanna (N = 1), w hile Brown Goshawks (Accipiter fasciatus viligax, N = 2) and Barn Owls (Tyto alba interposita, N = 2) were observed on Tanna and Espiritu Sa nto, respectively. Observations of Swamp Harriers on Gaua and Brown Go shawks on Tanna are the first reported for these species on these isla nds. Indices of relative abundance were calculated for each species ba sed on the number of individuals observed per km traveled.