POPULATION ESTIMATE FOR THE OUVEA PARAKEET EUNYMPHICUS-CORNUTUS-UVAEENSIS - ITS PRESENT RANGE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION

As a first step in a long-term study of the biology and ecology of the endangered Ouvea Parakeet Eunymphicus cornutus uvaeensis, a populatio n count using fixed distance line transects was made in December 1993 during the breeding season, to estimate the minimum size of the popula tion, its distribution in the island of Ouvea and to emphasise threats to its survival in order to plan a conservation program. Transects to talling 134.5 km of walk tracks and roads covered all possible habitat s and 73, presumably different, Ouvea Parakeets were observed (65 in n orth, five in centre and three in south Ouvea). Biases affected an acc urate evaluation of densities; we estimated a total population of 617 with an absolute minimum of 274 birds. Implications for conservation a re discussed regarding poaching and habitat destruction.