Notes on the Vanuatu Megapode Megapodius layardi on Ambrym, Vanuatu

Abstract

The Vanuatu Megapode Megapodius layardi is endemic to Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides). On the volcanic island of Ambrym it exhibited three different incubation strategies. It incubated its eggs (1) in burrows between decaying roots of trees; (2) in burrows at large communal nesting grounds in volcanically heated soils; and (3) in burrows on sun-exposed beaches. No mounds were found. In a study by the Vanuatu Protected Areas Initiative (VPAI) nesting grounds were mapped to monitor the population. Three communal nesting grounds were surveyed. Two were on promontories and one on a beach. The burrows were classified into three categories: active, probably active and old. The density of active burrows per hectare of the three sites was 82.4 for Promontory A, 43.5 for Promontory B and 10.5 for Buwoma Beach. Additional information of this poorly known species was collected from villagers in the north-west and west of the island. They have noticed a decrease in the numbers of birds and have expressed concern about the future of the species.