Wings of Ua Huka: Preserving Paradise One Bird at a Time
At Tahiti Islands Travel, we believe travel should uplift, protect, and sustain. Beyond curating unforgettable journeys, we are deeply committed to honoring the cultural and natural heritage of our islands.
Today, we are proud to support a cause close to our hearts: the protection of Ua Huka’s rare and endemic birds through the incredible work of the Vaiku’a Association.
In the heart of the Marquesas, the island of Ua Huka is home to extraordinary biodiversity. It shelters two critically endangered birds found nowhere else on Earth:
- The Pihiti (Ultramarine Lory), a vibrant parrot whose electric blue feathers light up the treetops
- The Pati’oti’o (Iphis Monarch), a small forest bird with a delicate call and vital role in the island’s ecosystem
In 2014, the local NGO Vaiku’a i te manu o Ua Huka, meaning “Protecting Ua Huka’s birds,” was born under the guidance of SOP MANU, the Polynesian Ornithological Society.
Their mission: to ensure these endemic species continue to thrive, free from the threats that have decimated bird populations across other islands.
Remarkably, Ua Huka is one of only three inhabited islands in The Islands of Tahiti still free of the black rat, an invasive predator responsible for widespread extinction across the Pacific. Preserving this delicate balance is an ongoing battle.
To protect the island from accidental rat introduction via ships and cargo, Vaiku’a implemented an innovative biosecurity program with the help of specially trained rat-detection dogs. Since 2015, three exceptional dogs, Dora, Tip, and Duke, have patrolled the island’s port, ensuring Ua Huka remains a safe haven.
This program, the first of its kind in The Islands of Tahiti, is a model for conservation and a testament to what passionate local leadership and international support can achieve.
In addition to biosecurity, Vaiku’a is engaged in:
- Reforestation and restoration of native habitats
- Public education and youth engagement
- Combatting invasive plant and animal species
- Long-term conservation of rare and fragile island ecosystems
As we continue to develop meaningful partnerships with purpose-driven organizations, we are inviting you and our mutual guests to be part of this movement. Whether your guests are nature lovers, birding enthusiasts, or simply travelers who care, they now have the opportunity to support a real cause, one that preserves the soul of the Marquesas for generations to come.
If you would like to learn more about how your guests can contribute or get involved during their stay in the Marquesas, please reach out to us.
*** Source and Photo credit: Association Vaiku’a
