The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation celebrates the 100th Mauritius Fody on Ile aux Aigrettes on the 20th of February in the presence of its local supporters namely: the British High Commission, the HSBC, the National Parks & Conservation Service & Sun Resorts.


The Critically Endangered Mauritius Fody or “Cardinal de Maurice’’ is unique to Mauritius and, until recently, was only found in the South of the Black River Gorges National Park. There was an alarming decline in numbers from 260 pairs in 1974 to just 93 pairs in 2003. This decline prompted the MWF to initiate a recovery program in 2003 to help save this endemic bird from extinction. Ile aux Aigrettes is a predator free island and therefore a subpopulation of this bird can be re-established under the best conditions. The Passerine Recovery Team has worked closely with the remaining wild birds, monitoring breeding attempts and rescuing any nests that were at risk from predation. The eggs and chicks from these nests were hand reared at the Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary (Black River) and along with captive-bred birds transferred to Ile aux Aigrettes. Between 2003 and 2006, 56 birds were released onto Ile aux Aigrettes. This has proven to be one of the most successful bird re-introductions on Mauritius and even internationally. At present, there is an established breeding population of 132 birds. In order to learn more about this bird and plan a long-term management strategy to safeguard it’s future, several studies have been set up in collaboration with international stakeholders.


Thanks to our local supporters: The British High Commission, HSBC & Sun Resorts, international funding has been secured for the Mauritius Fody Programme by the following international organisations: (in alphabetic order)
• Chester Zoo – UK
• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
• Earth Watch
• Ruth Smart Foundation

The Critically Endangered Mauritius Olive White-eye or ‘‘Oiseau à lunettes’’ is the least known of all native passerine species. A recent survey in 2001 showed that there was around 100 pairs remaining and most of these were found in an upland area of less than 25 km2 in the South-east of the Black River Gorges National Park. An intensive management plan was implemented in 2005 where the remaining wild population was closely monitored to find nesting attempts and take behavioural observations. Where possible, nests that were at risk from predation were rescued and the eggs and chicks taken to our hand-rearing facility at the Gerald Durrrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary, Black River.


Following the successful translocation and establishment of a breeding sub-population of Mauritius Fodies on Ile aux Aigrettes, the MWF initiated a trial release of Olive White- Eye on this predator-free islet. On the 9th of December 2006 the MWF re-introduced the first Olive White-eyes on to Ile aux Aigrettes. A total of 16 rescued birds will be released onto the island this season and the team will be closely following these birds to continue to learn more about this unique species. So far the results have been promising with birds seen foraging in the native island flora and attempting to build nests.


Thanks to our local supporters: Gamma Civic, N. Boulle and the National Parks Conservation Service international funding has been secured for the Olive White-eye programme by the following international organisations: (in alphabetic order)

• Birdfair Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
• Chester Zoo – UK
• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
• Ruth Smart Foundation - UK

Last update: 17 April 2007

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation carried out the endemic species releases on Saturday 9th December 2006.

These included:

1. Re-introduction of the critically endangered Round Island Telfair’s Skink
2. Re-introduction of the critically endangered Mauritius Olive White-eye
3. Planting of rare endemic plants

Last update: 17 April 2007

Under the banner ‘Together We Save The Mauritius Fody’, the staff of HSBC will collaborate with the
MWF Passerine Recovery Team through different awareness campaigns. Sandeep Uppal, CEO of HSBC
(Mauritius) & Chairman of the CSR Committee, says that “!this is an extremely important project as this
partnership will help the Mauritian population to learn more about this bird and ultimately safeguard its very future ” . He however states that such conservation campaigns are long haul projects but says that
engaging the bank’s different stakeholders – customers, shareholders and particularly the staff – can
significantly shift the general perception about saving the environment.

This program is also sponsored by our international partners namely: Ruth Smart Foundation & Chester
Zoo both in the UK. The Mauritius Fody (Foudia rubra) is listed on the list of IUCN as Critically
Endangered.

Last update: 14 September 2007

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation held a three day workshop at the University of Mauritius 18-20 September 2006. This workshop successfully concluded a three year project awarded to MWF through the UK Darwin Initiative in conjunction with the University of Plymouth, UK and which was coordinated locally by Mr. Saoud Motala.

British entomologists are joining local scientists from MWF and various stakeholder institutions to discuss taxonomic issues on this vital but often neglected group of animals and to brainstorm about future conservation strategies on the group.

‘Mauritius has an incredibly important insect fauna; in beetles alone there are almost 500 species that are found no-where else in the world. We need to monitor these populations and implement conservation strategies now to ensure that they’re not lost forever’ Dr Sarah Donovan, Project leader, University of Plymouth.

Last update: 28 December 2006

Mauritius has suffered the disappearance of a number of unique species. A project was conceived to realise ten extinct creatures and a dodo-foot print. The aim is to draw attention to the tragedy of extinction and the significance of the loss and also to inspire a deeper understanding of the vital need for conservation in Mauritius.

The dodo, the most famous of all extinct birds, was last seen on Mauritius around 1660-1680. Very few remains of the Dodo exist: a handful of skeletons and a few boxes of bones.

This footprint has been modelled from an authentic dodo foot that was in the National History Museum in London. The original foot is now lost but fortunately a very few prints of the foot were made and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation obtained one of these prints to make this 100% accurate Dodo footprint.

Mauritius & Rodrigues have suffered the disappearance of a number of unique species whose influence would have been considerable upon their relative flora and fauna. A project was conceived to realise extinct creatures live-size and in three-dimensional form using the most thorough archival research and forensic techniques to extrapolate from the meagre remains that still exist.






Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, together with Rungwe Kingdon and Claude Koenig, directors of Britain’s largest sculpture foundry ’Pangolin Editions’, enlisted the help and expertise of Nick Arnold of the Natural History Museum, Erroll Fuller and Julian Pender Hume for the research and interpretation of information. Their conclusions became the raw data that enabled the sculptor Nick Bibby to use his skill and knowledge of natural history to recreate live-size three-dimensional models of the chosen species.

A bronze cast of each is permanently sited on the Ile aux Aigrettes which has become the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s conservation showpiece. The island reserve is particularly suitable for this role as it encompasses all aspects of MWF’s work and is relatively accessible to visitors. Inspired from this bronze collection “mini-bronzes” have been made. The aim of the project is to draw attention to the tragedy of extinction and the significance of our loss and also to inspire a deeper understanding of the vital need for conservation. It is hoped the project will enhance the ecological, historical and educational aspects of the island’s resources. Visitors will be able to look closely at and touch life-size representations of extinct native creatures. These sculptures are the most accurate and detailed interpretations of the available evidence and will represent and stand for all those species no longer in existence.

The big bronzes are cast in limited editions of ten. The Mini-bronzes are hand-made in Mauritius and both collections are available for sale. The proceeds will provide funds for the Mauritian Wildlife’s conservation projects.

Last update: 27 December 2006

A Conservation Education workshop was held in June 2007 to assess a different approach to
sensitising school children to the biodiversity of their country and with the aim of encouraging interest in
science. Ninety form 3 pupils from three participating schools were taught botanical drawing, were
introduced to the restoration and conservation work being carried out in Mauritius including a visit to
Montvert Nature Reserve where they practiced their newly acquired skills. Several prizes were
awarded to schools and students. Pupils & teachers declared the workshop to be a resounding
success, having applied new techniques which achieved the aims of the workshop. This activity was a
major component under the project “Information systems for optimized data management” funded by
the Mauritius Research Council.

Last update: 14 September 2007

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is recruiting for:

• Fauna Officer : Pink Pigeon Release Project

Based at the NPCS Visitors centre
Black River National Park

Profile: A degree in Biological Sciences

Send CV to
Executive Director,
MWF,
Grannum Rd,
Vacoas

Email Address: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Closing date 23rd May 2008

Post Title : Fauna Officer : Pink Pigeon Release Project

Reporting to : Senior Fauna Officer : Pink Pigeon Release Project

Purpose

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and the National Parks and Conservation Service are running a joint project to release of the endangered Pink Pigeon in the Black River Gorges National Park. The work involves the translocation of Pink Pigeons on site where they are held in aviaries and later released; birds are then tracked and monitored. Applicants must be comfortable living and working independently and with a small team in rugged and remote conditions. The job requires living on site 5-6 days per week.

Desired qualities and skills required

o Practical experience with problems involving vehicles, solar power systems etc.
o Motorbike license (or learners)
o A BSc in Conservation, Ecology, Zoology or related subject.
o Study beyond BSc level preferred.
o Experience working in the field in difficult conditions.
o Experience of predator control/poisoning.
o Knowledge of radio tracking and GIS technology.
o Conversational English and French an advantage.

Terms and conditions

Remuneration will be in line with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
As this is a field-based post some weekend work will be required.
This job description outlines the desired qualities and skills required for the time being of the post. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list of the job duties and responsibilities and the line manager may vary duties from time to time which do not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility entailed.

Last update: 08 May 2008

MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION is recruiting for

• Fauna Projects Supervisor

POUR LA VOLIERE DE RIVIERE NOIRE
Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary

Profile: A degree in Biological Sciences & relevant experience in animal husbandry is essential.

Send CV to:
Executive Director,
MWF,
Grannum Rd,
Vacoas

Email Address: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Closing date 30th May 2008

Fauna Projects Supervisor

Location of Work: Riviere Noire
Post holder reports to: Conservation Manager
Qualifications sought : Degree in Biological Sciences & animal husbandry experience

Overall Purpose of the Job:
The overall purpose of this position will be to manage the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s activities at the Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary, Riviere Noire (also known as the Avairies).
It will also have a technical supervisory role over selected areas of fauna projects.
As projects continue to expand and new projects are implemented constant attention is required to maintain the high standards respectful of international conservation norms.
The position involves scientific support and training and ensures standards, in particular implementing appropriate animal welfare standards across all fauna projects.

Main Duties:
1. Manage the MWF staff and activities at the Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary, Riviere Noire
2. Provide training in animal handling, husbandry and field hygiene.
3. Be available to assist in hand rearing programs
4. To apply internationally accepted standards of animal care ensuring ethical and welfare protocols are followed
5. To support in all animal disease control and research issues
6. Overseeing VIP and scientific visitors

Important qualities:
- Thorough understanding of Animal Ethics and Welfare and how to apply protocols to MWF related projects
- Ability to work with limited supervision on your own
- Willingness to live and work with people from a range of backgrounds
- Extensive experience in Conservation, Ecology, Zoology or related subject
- Experience in managing teams
- An innate ability to foresee potential problem areas and to be pro-active in the management of these areas
- Good planning skills
- Work to high standards
- Experience working with animals in captivity and in the wild
- Bird and other animal handling experience
- Ability to produce detailed and accurate reports using Microsoft Word and Excel

Desired qualities:
- Full clean driving licence including experience in 4x4 off road driving
- Experience in handling staff and staff related problems
- Experience in hand rearing and release and the rehabilitation of sick and injured animals
- Experience in working with animals in captivity and in the wild.

Last update: 14 May 2008

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is currently accepting applicants for the post of Pink Pigeon Project Coordinator. The Pink Pigeon Project is renowned worldwide for the successful recovery of the species from just 10 birds in 1990 to nearly 400 today. However active management and monitoring of the population is still critical to its long term success.

MWF is inviting applicants with a strong interest and proven record in conservation to apply. The position is field based, although office work will form a substantial part of the work load. The ability to manage, train, motivate and co-ordinate a team (around 12) of staff and volunteers monitoring the birds is required. Experience in bird handling, ringing, predator control and disease management is also required. The Coordinator will also be responsible for recruiting up to 20 volunteers per year as well as writing regular reports.

A BSc in Conservation, Ecology, Zoology or related subject is a minimum qualification with five years field experience.

The contract for this post will be for a period of 24 months with an option to renew for further 12 month periods if desired by both parties to the contract.

The Remuneration package is commensurate with experience and will be tailored specifically for the chosen candidate's circumstances.
For further information please contact Vikash Tatayah. (vtatayah@mauritian-wildlife.org

Application is by CV and personal statement to :

Executive Director, The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Grannum Road, Vacoas

Or email to

executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Closing date 16th June 2008

Pink Pigeon Project Coordinator


Location: Black River Gorges National Park and Ile aux Aigrettes

Post holder reports to: Conservation Manager


Overall Purpose

The Pink Pigeon Recovery Project has seen the successful restoration of this endangered species from only 10 individuals in 1990 to just under 400 birds currently, in 6 established sub-populations. The long-term survival of the species depends upon the management of these sub-populations and further habitat restoration. The Pink Pigeon Project Coordinator will be responsible for managing the team involved in the ongoing work and research of the project.

The Project employs a field team of around 10-12 staff and volunteers dedicated to the conservation and recovery of the Pink Pigeon. The Project Coordinator is responsible for the management of one sub-population of Pink Pigeons as well as the overall supervision of the work carried out at all six sub-populations, but will be supported by 2 Assistant Coordinators to whom will be delegated certain responsibilities.

The Project Coordinator will be working in both the field and office. The production of monthly sub-population reports and an annual report on the status of the entire population is required and control of the species studbook. Ongoing recruitment of staff throughout the year will require advertising for, and interviewing many prospective staff and volunteers. Liaising with the office staff and the National Parks and Conservation Service to identify needs and facilitate the projects goals will be important.

Field work involves sub-population monitoring and management, nest location and monitoring, feeding observations, monthly phenology monitoring, predator control, bird ringing, supplementary feeding, disease screening and treatment, and staff training, supervision and guidance.

The sixth pink pigeon sub-population has recently been established and the coordinator, with the assistance of the Senior Release field officer will also be responsible for the translocation of young wild fledglings to this new site where they are released following a soft release protocol.

The work involves working alone in remote, rugged locations with basic living accommodation.


Main Duties


. Ensure the development and expansion of the existing Pink Pigeon Project

. Provide supervision and training to a team of around 12 staff and volunteers on all aspects of work relating to the Pink Pigeon Project

. Assist the Conservation Manager in identifying potential areas for research within the project and offer support to any students that may carry out research within the organization.

. Ensure the accurate collection and collation of data on the Pink Pigeon population with parameters such as survival and recruitment, breeding behaviour, health of individuals and nesting attempts. These data are used to refine the conservation plans of the Pink Pigeon Project.

. Control the local studbook for the Pink Pigeon and ensure that it is managed accurately and kept up to date.

. Carry out disease screening, treatment and monitoring of the Pink Pigeon population as well as any post mortem examinations that may be required.

. Ensure that efficient and effective predator control takes place at each site and where necessary offer training in a variety of predator control methods.

. Liaise with Government Officers, funders and other organizations for matters relating to the Pink Pigeon Project in conjunction with the Conservation Manager.
.
. Take responsibility for the management and maintenance of minor issues relating to field stations placed under the Pink Pigeon projects supervision. Ensure the safeguarding of all assets allocated to the project and ensure their maintenance. Report major issues to the office to be dealt with.


Important Qualities

- Ability to supervise, train and motivate a team of up to 12 staff and volunteers in all aspects of the project
- Ability to work on your own in remote and rugged environments
- Minimum academic qualifications of BSc in Conservation, Ecology, Zoology or equivalent and five years of relevant field working experience
- A through understanding of the key aspects of the project including the importance of supplementary feeding, predator control and population monitoring
- Bird/animal handling experience. Bird ringing license would be useful.
- Ability to produce detailed and accurate reports using Microsoft Word and Excel
- Good Human Resource Management skills and ability to cope under pressure.
- Drivers License


Desired Qualities
- Previous experience on the Pink Pigeon Project or other similar projects
- Motorbike license
- Practical experience with problems involving vehicles, solar power systems, motorbikes and generators
- Experience in predator control, poisoning
- Knowledge of radio tracking and GIS technology
- Experience working in a multi-cultural environment

Last update: 12 June 2008

MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION is currently looking for suitably qualified staff to work as Field Officers on the following Recovery Projects:

Pink Pigeon
Echo Parakeet
Passerines
Round Island

Profile of candidate: A degree in Biological Sciences & a genuine interest in Conservation.

Send CV to Executive Director
MWF
Grannum Rd
Vacoas

Email: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Last update: 08 May 2008

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation offers Employment and Volunteer opportunities for young Mauritians to work on Conservation Projects.

We are recruiting for Research Assistant: Kestrel Project

Profile: A degree in Biological Sciences & relevant experience essential.

Send CV to Executive Director
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Grannum Rd
Vacoas

Email: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Post Title: Research assistant Kestrel project

Purpose
Assisting a PhD student in monitoring a population of the Mauritius kestrel and collecting ecological data. Fieldwork will be conducted in the Bambous mountain range in Mauritius as part of the long-term monitoring programme of this reintroduced population.

Main duties and responsibilities
• To assist a PhD student in monitoring a population of the Mauritius kestrel during the breeding season from September 2007- March 2008.
• The collection & archiving of data on the ecology & breeding biology of the species.
• The maintenance of a network of nest boxes.
• The maintenance and repair of off-road motorbikes.
• Develop and maintain current working relationships with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and local landowners.

Skills required
• Previous experience working with raptors
• Previous field work experience & ability to work in difficult conditions
• Off road motorbike riding skills & valid motorbike licence
• Driving licence for vehicles
• Climbing skills

Supervision received
The post holder will work under the supervision of a PhD student in Mauritius.

Terms and conditions
The post is a six month contract. The applicant will have opportunities to work on other projects within the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation at the end of this contract on satisfactory completion of the six months.
Remuneration will be in line with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
As this is a field-based post some weekend work will be required.
This job description outlines the duties required for the time being of the post to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list and the line manager may vary duties from time to time which do not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility entailed.

Last update: 08 May 2008

MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION offers Employment & Volunteer opportunities for young Mauritians to work on Conservation Projects.

Recruiting for

• Round Island

Profile: A degree in Biological Sciences & a keen interest in Conservation.

Send CV to Executive Director
MWF
Grannum Rd
Vacoas

Email: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Last update: 28 April 2008

Mauritius parakeet avoids fate of the dodo

By Ed Harris

12 September 2007

Reuters News

(c) 2007 Reuters Limited

BLACK RIVER GORGES PARK, Mauritius, Sept 12 (Reuters) - In the 1980s, there were only about 10 left alive.

But, in a rare success story, a two-decade conservation programme in a wooded corner of Mauritius has brought the Echo Parakeet back from the brink of extinction.

Evolving over millions of years on the once-uninhabited Indian Ocean island best known as the site of the dodo\'s demise, the green-feathered Echo Parakeet was hit hard by rats, monkeys and the loss of forest that came with the arrival of humans.

But careful breeding, supplementary feeding and the protection of nests have boosted numbers in the wild to more than 320 birds.

It is one of the only good news stories in Wednesday\'s IUCN Red List -- a list of threatened species compiled by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources -- which downgraded the species to \"Endangered\" from \"Critically Endangered\" in its last report.

\"The Echo programme has just been evolving and evolving,\" said Jason Malham, a New Zealander who has coordinated parakeet work for the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation for seven years.

The non-profit organisation weighs chicks daily for 10 days after hatching and swaps eggs or chicks between mother birds.

\"We were looking at maximising the survival chances of every fertile egg,\" Malham told Reuters.

Dotted about the green, craggy slopes of the Black River Gorges National Park, plastic wrapped around tree trunks protects nest locations and artificial nests from climbing rats.

Workers also help make holes in the trunks deeper to guard against monkeys, which also enjoy parakeet eggs.

The Mauritian project began in the late 1980s and now, with at least 80 percent of the birds tagged, the emphasis is shifting to research and supplementary feeding.

Echo Parakeets savour their favourite food pellets, which come in different colours, shapes, and tastes, Malham said, and throw the others to the forest floor.

While observing their behaviour, conservationists are also keeping a close eye out for a beak and feather disease, which turns plumage yellow and has been fatal for parrots elsewhere.

Deforestation, predators and competition from other birds are likely to remain key threats, experts say, but the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation remains determined to succeed -- pushed by the loss of other local parrots like the broad-billed and grey.

\"There\'s a whole bunch of parrots that are gone now,\" Malham said. \"That in itself makes this work so important.\"

Link:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?alias=mauritius-parakeet-avoids&chanId=sa003&modsrc=reuters\\\\

Additional Links:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/search p=parakeet&c=news_photos\\\\

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20741949/

Last update: 13 September 2007

Publication. Bird Extinctions Prevented

A paper describing the results of conservation programmes & their assessments worldwide based on the status given by the IUCN Red List was published last year. The paper is mentioning a total of 5 Mauritian bird species. 3 species namely: Mauritius kestrel (Falco punctatus), Rodrigues warbler (Acrocephalus rodericanus) & the Rodrigues fody (Foudia flavicans) are species judged likely to have been saved from extinction prior to 1994. The Pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) & the Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques) are judged to have likely gone extinct during 1994-2004 if conservation action had not taken place. Even though Mauritius is considered to have the 2nd most endangered biodiversity in the world it is encouraging to know that with the conservation efforts done by MWF & its partners the 5 above mentioned birds have been saved from extinction which ranks Mauritius as no 1 even before the USA & New Zealand who each have saved 4 bird species. However conservation efforts need to continue as the threat of extinction is still present in Mauritius as else where in the world.

(Stuart H.M. Butchart, Alison J. Stattersfield and Nigel J. Collar How Many Bird Extinctions Have We Prevented? 2006 FFI. Oryx. 40(3). 266-278)

Last update: 12 September 2007