Update on the Vanuatu Megapode Megapodius layardi on Ambrym, Vanuatu

A group of villagers in Vanuatu are concerned that continuing development p ressures are contributing to the over-exploitation of eggs of the Vanuatu M egapode Megapodius layardi. The Vanuatu Megapode or "namalau" as it is know n locally, is endemic to the country and classified as Vulnerable. Repeatin g a previous survey carried out in 1995, the Vanuatu Protected Areas Initia tive mapped and classified the burrows at three communal nesting grounds on north-west Ambrym in November 1996. The number of active and probably acti ve burrows on the beach was low compared with 1995, whereas it was higher o n both the raised promontories. The beach nesting site had recently been af fected by a cyclone, and storm waves had inundated the area with the highes t concentration of burrows. There is concern over the high percentage of me gapode burrows checked by villagers at Buwoma, as well as the localized imp act visitors could be having. Discussions with villagers raised useful poin ts to be included in the proposed protection plan, particularly the support for a protected area.