Less than two years after the removal of invasive rats, the endangered Polynesian storm-petrel (Nesofregetta fuliginosa) is returning to Kamaka Island—marking a significant milestone in seabird recovery across the Pacific. Once common throughout the South Pacific, this species was pushed to the edge of extinction by human-introduced predators. Now, thanks to coordinated restoration efforts, conservationists and local landowners are witnessing the first signs of a comeback.
“With only 250 to 1,000 mature individuals remaining globally, restoring Kamaka Island is critical to the survival of the Polynesian storm-petrel,” said Coral Wolf, Conservation Impact Manager at Island Conservation. “The quick return of these birds—scouting for potential nesting sites—offers an exceptional opportunity to establish a new, secure breeding population.”
The recovery effort began in 2022, when drones funded by the BEST 2.0+ programme eradicated rats from the island. After Kamaka was declared rat-free in 2023, teams from the Polynesian Ornithological Society (SOP Manu) and Island Conservation implemented strategies to attract the petrels back. In March 2024, solar-powered sound systems—designed by Eric VanderWerf of Pacific Rim Conservation—began broadcasting recorded petrel calls across the island. Motion-triggered cameras and artificial burrows were also installed in anticipation of the birds’ return.
By April, Polynesian storm-petrels were detected on the island. By June, they had become regular visitors, exploring nest boxes placed across suitable habitat.
“The results were immediate,” said Thomas Ghestemme of SOP Manu. “Polynesian storm-petrels began arriving at the start of the nesting season and became regular visitors.”
Kamaka now supports breeding populations of six seabird species, and the Near Threatened Tahiti petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata) may soon join them. Camera data suggests at least five Polynesian storm-petrels are investigating the site—although confirmed nesting is yet to be observed.
Beyond seabird recovery, local landowners report broader ecological benefits. Booming seabird numbers are contributing to improved soil fertility, which is in turn supporting healthier crops.
“Seabirds bring critical nutrients from the ocean, benefiting fish, corals and the entire ecosystem,” said Tehotu Reasin, a Kamaka Island landowner. “This remarkable progress gives us real hope.”
A model for partnership across French Polynesia
Kamaka’s restoration success reflects the power of collaborative conservation—a theme celebrated at a recent event organised by SOP Manu as part of its Life Stop Extinction initiative, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme.
Held in the Village of Associations, the event showcased major restoration projects, including two initiatives supported by the BESTLIFE2030 programme:
- Ecological restoration of a new area of the Te Mehani Rahi Plateau (Raiatea Island), led by the Tuihana Association.
- Conservation of the Maraeti‘a Natural Forest – Restoration of the Plateau’s vegetation, led by the Te Rau Atiati a Tau a Hiti Noa Tu Association.
Hundreds of participants engaged with conservation practitioners to learn about the direct impact of local restoration efforts and the importance of safeguarding native biodiversity.
By linking community-based action with international conservation funding and support, these projects highlight the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss.
As the Polynesian storm-petrels return and restoration momentum grows, Kamaka Island and French Polynesia as a whole offer a powerful example of nature’s resilience—and the impact of determined, cooperative conservation.
