Evaluation of the limiting factors affecting the Seychelles Kestrel Falco araeus on Praslin Island (Seychelles) and considerations regarding a possible reintroduction of the species

Abstract

Summary The Seychelles Kestrel Falco araeus is an endemic species confined to the larger granitic islands in the Seychelles archipelago. It is classified as “Vulnerable” and became extinct on Praslin and La Digue islands in the 1970s, leading to an attempt of reintroduction in 1977. This reintroduction was not a success, with the last census reporting only four breeding pairs on Praslin Island. Studies on the Seychelles Kestrel are very limited and dated, and a lack of data on the biology and ecology of the species has made it difficult to make a thorough assessment of the cause of the current decline of the Praslin population. In order to determine the limiting factors on Praslin we investigated the following ecological parameters: nest-site availability, trophic availability, predatory pressure, and interspecific competition. Data were collected on Mahé and Praslin islands in three habitats (i.e. urban, suburban, and forest areas) and compared to determine if limiting factors differed among islands, habitats, and islands*habitat. We only found a significant difference in nest-site availability, with Praslin showing a marked lack of nesting cavities. Breeding pairs on Praslin are probably forced to nest in suboptimal sites. Indeed, the breeding success rate on Praslin is very low, and most of the nests there fail. The Seychelles Kestrel population on Praslin is in decline and cannot be sustained without human intervention. Such an intervention must take into account the ecological parameters highlighted in the present study.