15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Marquesan Ground-dove eating tussock seeds

This picture is of a male marquesan ground-dove, an endemic terrestrial bird species of Marquesas Archipelago. There is only 2 population in the world, one on Hatuta'a Island (1000 ind.) and Fatu Uku Island (200 ind.). These islands are uninhabited by people. They are vulnerable to introduced invasive species, but seem to be able to co-exist now on these islands with Pacific rats (introduced by the first polynesians), although the birds reproductive success is hindered by their presence

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2017
Date Uploaded: 10.2017
Photo Location: French Polynesia
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX700 HS
Copyright: © Adara Tehani Withers