Rhynochetos jubatus

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

Bibliography

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	GRUIFORMES	RHYNOCHETIDAE

Scientific Name:

Rhynochetos jubatus

Species Authority:

Verreaux & Des Murs, 1860

Common Name/s:

English	–	Kagu
Spanish	–	Kagú

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Endangered B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v) ver 3.1

Year Published:

2008

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Mahood, S., Butchart, S.

Contributor/s:

Letocart, Y., Ekstrom, J., Rouys, S., Theuerkauf, J., Chartendrault, V.

Justification:
This charismatic species is classified as Endangered on the basis of its very small, severely fragmented population, with a very small extent of occurrence, which is suffering an overall decline. However, there is cause for hope, as recent research shows it still to be widespread, and populations in some areas are increasing as a result of conservation effort.

History:

2004	–	Endangered
2000	–	Endangered
1996	–	Endangered
1994	–	Endangered

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Rhynochetos jubatus is endemic to New Caledonia (to France). The highest densities are in Parc Provincial Rivière Bleue, where the population has increased recently and was estimated at 300 in 1998, and 500 birds in 2007^3,10,11,15. Elsewhere, a survey of calling birds in 1991-1992 recorded 491 adults, 82% in Province Sud, and another survey conducted between 2003 and 2006 (though not designed specifically for Kagu survey) recorded 357 birds, but these figures are underestimates^4,10,15. The population therefore is likely to be in excess of 850 birds. It was previously thought to be declining outside Rivière Bleue, with most subpopulations thought to be small (<4 birds) and some subpopulations considered to have become extinct^3,4,11 . But populations now seem to be stable in the most important area for the species outside Rivière Bleue (the forest between Bourail and Thio) and particularly at the key site, the Canala - Boulouparis area. A few tens of birds may have died in the Rivière Bleue during the 2006-2007 breeding season, perhaps due to disease, highlighting the fragility of even this population¹⁶.
Countries:	Native: New Caledonia
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	Ekstrom et al. (2000), Hunt (1996), Y. Létocart and C. Lambert in litt. (1999).
Population Trend:	Stable

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It inhabits a variety of forest-types, usually in humid forest but also occupying drier forests at low altitude in the centre of the island (Boulouparis-La Foa area, from 100 m in the upper Ouenghi river)¹⁴ and sometimes utilising closed-canopy scrub during the wet season^4,8. It feeds on worms, snails and lizards⁷. Pairs occupy exclusive territories of 10-28 ha and fledge 0.9 juveniles per year in Rivière Bleue⁸(though reproductive success is now lower^13,16). Birds survive over 30 years in captivity, and at least 15 years in the wild¹⁰.
Systems:	Terrestrial

Habitat and Ecology:

It inhabits a variety of forest-types, usually in humid forest but also occupying drier forests at low altitude in the centre of the island (Boulouparis-La Foa area, from 100 m in the upper Ouenghi river)¹⁴ and sometimes utilising closed-canopy scrub during the wet season^4,8. It feeds on worms, snails and lizards⁷. Pairs occupy exclusive territories of 10-28 ha and fledge 0.9 juveniles per year in Rivière Bleue⁸(though reproductive success is now lower^13,16). Birds survive over 30 years in captivity, and at least 15 years in the wild¹⁰.

Systems:

Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	Dogs killed 17 out of 21 birds with radio-transmitters at Pic Ningua in 1993⁶. Most mortality at Rivière Bleue occurs in chicks under three weeks old, probably by introduced rats and cats⁹, although a long term study did not indicate that rats had a significant impact on Kagu populations there^13,16. However, rats are larger in the north of the island, such as on Mont Paine, where the Kagu is currently absent, and they may have a greater impact there¹⁴. Feral pigs occasionally take eggs (two out of 40 eggs and unlikely to be a significant threat^13,16) and forest floor rootings may make foraging for worms less easy^2,3,5,8,9. Introduced Rusa deer Cervus timorensis are severely damaging forests in the Boulouparis - La Foa - Canala triangle, one of the most important areas for the species outside Rivière Bleue, and are a major threat to the species's survival¹⁴. Forest is being slowly eroded by mining and fires^3,10,12, and logging aids access for hunters and dogs^3,9.Disease in the Rivière Bleue may be a severe threat in the future¹⁴.

Major Threat(s):

Dogs killed 17 out of 21 birds with radio-transmitters at Pic Ningua in 1993⁶. Most mortality at Rivière Bleue occurs in chicks under three weeks old, probably by introduced rats and cats⁹, although a long term study did not indicate that rats had a significant impact on Kagu populations there^13,16. However, rats are larger in the north of the island, such as on Mont Paine, where the Kagu is currently absent, and they may have a greater impact there¹⁴. Feral pigs occasionally take eggs (two out of 40 eggs and unlikely to be a significant threat^13,16) and forest floor rootings may make foraging for worms less easy^2,3,5,8,9. Introduced Rusa deer Cervus timorensis are severely damaging forests in the Boulouparis - La Foa - Canala triangle, one of the most important areas for the species outside Rivière Bleue, and are a major threat to the species's survival¹⁴. Forest is being slowly eroded by mining and fires^3,10,12, and logging aids access for hunters and dogs^3,9.Disease in the Rivière Bleue may be a severe threat in the future¹⁴.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway CITES Appendix I. Dogs are controlled in Rivière Bleue^6,7. Another important population is protected in Reserve Speciale de Faune et de Flore de la Nodela, but without wardening or dog control³. Legislation and education aims to reduce capture by hunting dogs, but incidental killings are difficult to control⁶. Birds have been successfully bred in captivity since 1978, and reintroduced to protected areas¹. A repeat of Hunt's 1992 survey is planned for 2008-09 to document population trends¹⁴. Conservation Actions Proposed Survey poorly-known forest areas. Monitor populations in better-known areas. Investigate dispersal between isolated populations. Determine effects of rat predation at different sites, particularly in the north. Ascertain effects of deer. Control dogs and cats in key forest sites. Investigate possibilities of deer population control in some important areas¹⁴. Initiate intensive conservation projects on Boulouparis - Canala range and more widely along the provincial boundaries to protect important subpopulations (Nodela, Farino, Mé Adéo-Mé Ori¹⁴ . Initiate conservation actions in the Northern province to protect the last small subpopulations there (such as Massif des Lèvres, Goro Até, Mé Kanin-Arago and Prokoméo) and more widely in small remote subpopulations (Such as Pic Ningua and Grand Koum)¹⁴ Investigate the possibility of Kagu reintroduction (Panié) or reinforcement (Massif des Lèvres)¹⁴ Increase public awareness programmes regarding Kagu conservation and responsible dog ownership^3,10,11,12.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix I. Dogs are controlled in Rivière Bleue^6,7. Another important population is protected in Reserve Speciale de Faune et de Flore de la Nodela, but without wardening or dog control³. Legislation and education aims to reduce capture by hunting dogs, but incidental killings are difficult to control⁶. Birds have been successfully bred in captivity since 1978, and reintroduced to protected areas¹. A repeat of Hunt's 1992 survey is planned for 2008-09 to document population trends¹⁴.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey poorly-known forest areas. Monitor populations in better-known areas. Investigate dispersal between isolated populations. Determine effects of rat predation at different sites, particularly in the north. Ascertain effects of deer. Control dogs and cats in key forest sites. Investigate possibilities of deer population control in some important areas¹⁴. Initiate intensive conservation projects on Boulouparis - Canala range and more widely along the provincial boundaries to protect important subpopulations (Nodela, Farino, Mé Adéo-Mé Ori¹⁴ . Initiate conservation actions in the Northern province to protect the last small subpopulations there (such as Massif des Lèvres, Goro Até, Mé Kanin-Arago and Prokoméo) and more widely in small remote subpopulations (Such as Pic Ningua and Grand Koum)¹⁴ Investigate the possibility of Kagu reintroduction (Panié) or reinforcement (Massif des Lèvres)¹⁴ Increase public awareness programmes regarding Kagu conservation and responsible dog ownership^3,10,11,12.

Bibliography [top]

	Bregulla, H. L. 1987. Zur Biologie des Kagu, Rhinochetus jubatus. Der Zoologische Garten 57: 349-365. Chartendrault, V.; Barré, N. 2006. Etude du statut et de la distribution des oiseaux des forêts humides de la province Sud de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Institut agronomique néo-calédonien, Port Laguerre, Nouvelle-Calédonie. DDRP. 1998. Dépouillement de l'Enquête-Chasse 1994. Ekstrom, J. M. M.; Jones, J. P. G.; Willis, J.; Isherwood, I. 2000. The humid forests of New Caledonia: biological research and conservation recommendations for the vertebrate fauna of Grande Terre. CSB Conservation Publications, Cambridge, U.K. Ekstrom, J. M. M.; Jones, J. P. G.; Willis, J.; Tobias, J.; Dutson, G.; Barre, N. 2002. New information on the distribution, status and conservation of terrestrial bird species in Grande Terre, New Caledonia. Emu 102: 197-207. Hunt, G. 1996. Environmental variables associated with population patterns of the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia. Ibis 138: 778-785. Hunt, G. 1997. Ecology and conservation of the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia. Thesis. Ph.D., Massey University, Palmerston North. Hunt, G. R.; Hay, R.; Veltman, C. J. 1996. Multiple Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus deaths caused by dog attacks at a high-altitude study site on Pic Ningua, New Caledonia. Bird Conservation International 6: 295-306. Létocart, Y. 1991. Mise en evidence par biotelemetrie de l'habitat utilise, du comportement territorial et social, et de la reproduction chez le cagou huppe (Rhynochetos jubatus) dans le Parc de la Rivière Bleue. Létocart, Y.; Salas, M. 1997. Spatial organisation and breeding of Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus in Rivière Bleue Park, New Caledonia. Emu 97: 97-107.

Bregulla, H. L. 1987. Zur Biologie des Kagu, Rhinochetus jubatus. Der Zoologische Garten 57: 349-365.

Chartendrault, V.; Barré, N. 2006. Etude du statut et de la distribution des oiseaux des forêts humides de la province Sud de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Institut agronomique néo-calédonien, Port Laguerre, Nouvelle-Calédonie.

DDRP. 1998. Dépouillement de l'Enquête-Chasse 1994.

Ekstrom, J. M. M.; Jones, J. P. G.; Willis, J.; Isherwood, I. 2000. The humid forests of New Caledonia: biological research and conservation recommendations for the vertebrate fauna of Grande Terre. CSB Conservation Publications, Cambridge, U.K.

Ekstrom, J. M. M.; Jones, J. P. G.; Willis, J.; Tobias, J.; Dutson, G.; Barre, N. 2002. New information on the distribution, status and conservation of terrestrial bird species in Grande Terre, New Caledonia. Emu 102: 197-207.

Hunt, G. 1996. Environmental variables associated with population patterns of the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia. Ibis 138: 778-785.

Hunt, G. 1997. Ecology and conservation of the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia. Thesis. Ph.D., Massey University, Palmerston North.

Hunt, G. R.; Hay, R.; Veltman, C. J. 1996. Multiple Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus deaths caused by dog attacks at a high-altitude study site on Pic Ningua, New Caledonia. Bird Conservation International 6: 295-306.

Létocart, Y. 1991. Mise en evidence par biotelemetrie de l'habitat utilise, du comportement territorial et social, et de la reproduction chez le cagou huppe (Rhynochetos jubatus) dans le Parc de la Rivière Bleue.

Létocart, Y.; Salas, M. 1997. Spatial organisation and breeding of Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus in Rivière Bleue Park, New Caledonia. Emu 97: 97-107.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2008. Rhynochetos jubatus. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 21 May 2012.
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