Endemic Animals of New Caledonia

The Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a species of lizard native to southern New Caledonia. In 1866, it was described by a French zoologist named Alphonse Guichenot. This species was thought extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994 during an expedition led by Robert Seipp. Along with several other New Caledonian gecko species, it is being considered for protected status by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of ...
Wild Flora and Fauna. Less

Rhacodactylus leachianus, commonly known as the New Caledonian giant gecko or Leach's giant gecko or colloquially Leachie, is a large species of gecko in the family Diplodactylidae. The species, which was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1829, is endemic to New Caledonia. Less

The New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides ) is a medium-sized member of the family Corvidae, native to New Caledonia. The bird is often referred to as the 'qua-qua' due to its distinctive call. It eats a wide range of food, including many types of invertebrates, eggs, nestlings, small mammals, snails, nuts and seeds. The New Caledonian crow sometimes captures grubs in nooks or crevices by poking a twig at the grub to agitate it into biting ...
the twig, which the crow then withdraws with the grub still attached. This method of feeding indicates the New Caledonian crow is capable of tool use. They are also able to make hooks. This species is also capable of solving a number of sophisticated cognitive tests which suggest that it is particularly intelligent. As a result of these findings, the New Caledonian crow has become a model species for scientists trying to understand the impact of tool use and manufacture on the evolution of intelligence. Less

The kagu or cagou (Rhynochetos jubatus ) is a crested, long-legged, and bluish-grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. It is the only surviving member of the genus Rhynochetos and the family Rhynochetidae, although a second species has been described from the fossil record. Measuring 55 cm (21+1⁄2 in) in length, it has pale grey plumage and bright red legs. Its 'nasal corns' are a unique feature not shared with any oth ...
er bird. Almost flightless, it spends its time on or near the ground, where it hunts its invertebrate prey, and builds a nest of sticks on the forest floor. Both parents share incubation of a single egg, as well as rearing the chick. It has proven vulnerable to introduced predators and is threatened with extinction. Less

The Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a small to medium-sized species of gecko first described by Bavay in 1869. This species of gecko is the smallest of the six recognized species in its genus. The Gargoyle gecko, along with several other Rhacodactylus species are being considered for protective measures by CITES, which would put restrictions on their exportation. Less

Nautilus macromphalus, the bellybutton nautilus, is a species of nautilus native to the waters off New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, and northeastern Australia. The shell of this species lacks a callus, leaving the umbilicus exposed, in which the inner coils of the shell are visible. This opening constitutes about 15% of the shell diameter at its widest point.Like all Nautilus species, N. macromphalus usually lives at depths of several hundred ...
metres. During the night, however, they rise to much shallower waters (2 to 20 m depth) to feed.The tentacles of this species are long and thin, having raised ridges which help provide grip when catching prey. N. macromphalus is the smallest species of nautilus. The shell is usually up to around 16 cm in diameter, although the largest specimen ever recorded measured 180 mm.More than 35 shells of N. macromphalus dating to around 6400–7100 years BP were found in a cenote on Lifou, the Loyalty Islands. Based on these radiocarbon dates it is thought the cenote was connected to marine waters for some 700 years before becoming cut off completely. During this time nautiluses were able to enter it through a flooded karst system. Many of these animals apparently became trapped and died there. Less

The terror skink (Phoboscincus bocourti), also called commonly Bocourt's terrific skink, Bocourt's eyelid skink and Bocourt's skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the Île des Pins (Isle of Pines), a small islet off the coast of New Caledonia. First described in 1876, the species was presumed to be extinct, but was rediscovered in 1993, and since then several individuals have been seen. Because of its ...
small area of occupation and small population size, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being "critically endangered". Less

The New Caledonian owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles savesi ), also known as the enigmatic owlet-nightjar, is a large owlet-nightjar with vermiculated grey-brown and black plumage. It has a long, slightly rounded tail, short, rounded wings, and long, stout legs. Its voice is unknown, but other owlet-nightjar species make churring and whistling sounds. It is the second-largest known owlet-nightjar (only the extinct New Zealand owlet-nightjar was ...
larger), much larger than the Australian owlet-nightjar. The New Caledonian owlet-nightjar is endemic to New Caledonia’s Melaleuca savanna and humid forests. Other owlet-nightjars are solitary, nest in holes in trees, and forage from a perch, both sallying out to catch flying insects and descending onto prey on the ground or on trunks and branches. It is unknown if these habits apply to the New Caledonian owlet-nightjar, but this species is larger and has longer legs than the others, so it may be more terrestrial. The type specimen was collected after the bird flew into a bedroom in the village of Tonghoué. This large owlet-nightjar is only known from two specimens taken in 1880 and 1915 and a small handful of sightings. The most recent report is from a 1998 expedition which saw a large nightjar-like bird foraging for insects at dusk in Rivière Ni Valley. That report has been taken to suggest that the species may still survive in small numbers, but that total population is likely smaller than 50 individuals and declining. Less

The horned parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus ) is a species of parrot in the genus Eunymphicus, in the family Psittaculidae. It is a medium-sized parrot endemic to New Caledonia. It is called "horned" because it has two black feathers that protrude from the head and have red tips. Less

The pile-builder megapode (Megapodius molistructor ) is an extinct species of megapode. The subfossil remains were found by Jean-Christophe Balouet and Storrs L. Olson in the Pindai Caves of New Caledonia. Its remains have also been found on Tonga. Less

The Ouvea parakeet (Eunymphicus uvaeensis ) or Uvea parakeet, is a species of parrot in the genus Eunymphicus, in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to the island of Uvea in the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. The species was once considered conspecific with the horned parakeet of Grande Terre, but they have now been split into two species. Less

The cloven-feathered dove (Drepanoptila holosericea ) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is monotypic within the genus Drepanoptila, but this genus is possibly better merged into Ptilinopus. The cloven-feathered dove is endemic to New Caledonia where found in forest and Melaleuca savanna at altitudes up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft).It is considered near-threatened by the IUCN due to habitat degradation and hunting. Less

The New Caledonian ground dove (Pampusana longitarsus ) is a large, extinct species of Pampusana ground dove in the pigeon family, and the largest member of its genus. It was endemic to the island of New Caledonia in Melanesia in the south-west Pacific region. It was described from subfossil bones found at the Pindai Caves paleontological site on the west coast of Grande Terre. The specific epithet refers to the slender and elongated ...
tarsometatarsus, or lower leg bone, of the species. Less

The New Caledonian cuckooshrike or New Caledonian cicadabird (Edolisoma anale ) is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae.It is endemic to New Caledonia. Some taxonomists place this species in the genus Analisoma.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. Less

The striated starling (Aplonis striata ) is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia. Less

The New Caledonian snipe (Coenocorypha neocaledonica ) is an extinct species, of austral snipe, described from late Holocene cave deposits on the French island of New Caledonia in the western Pacific Ocean. The specific epithet is a latinisation of the name of its island home. Less

The rufous whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris ) is a species of whistler found in New Caledonia and Australia. Predominantly a reddish-brown and grey bird, it makes up for its subdued plumage with its song-making ability. Like many other members of the Pachycephalidae, it has a variety of musical calls. Less

The New Caledonian rail (Cabalus lafresnayanus ) is a large and drab flightless rail that is found on the island of New Caledonia in the Pacific. It is a dull brown above, with grey underparts, and has a yellowish, downward-curving bill. No one knows what it sounds like and it is not known whether it is nocturnal or crepuscular.It most likely was driven to extinction from predation by feral cats, dogs, and pigs. Less

The goliath imperial pigeon (Ducula goliath ), also known as the New Caledonian imperial pigeon and the notou, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia. Its natural habitat is humid forests. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a near-threatened species. Less

The red-throated parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea ) is a species of estrildid finch found in New Caledonia. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 20,000 to 50,000 km2.It is found in both subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and shrubland habitats. The IUCN has classified the species as being of least concern. Less

The white-bellied goshawk (Accipiter haplochrous ) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to New Caledonia. The species is also known as the New Caledonia goshawk or New Caledonia sparrowhawk.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, dry savanna, and heavily degraded former forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. Less

The Kanaka pigeon (Caloenas canacorum ), also known as the great green pigeon or greater maned pigeon, is an extinct species of pigeon. It was probably hunted to extinction by the early settlers of New Caledonia and Tonga around 2,500 years ago. It was described from subfossil remains found at the Pindai Caves of New Caledonia. The specific epithet is a Latinisation of kanaka, the name of the native Melanesian people of New Caledonia. It was ...
about 25% larger than its closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon. Less

The crow honeyeater (Gymnomyza aubryana ) is a very large honeyeater endemic to humid forests in New Caledonia in the South Pacific.The species measures 35 to 42.5 cm (13.8–16.7 in). It has orange facial wattles. It superficially resembles a crow with its glossy black plumage and a curved beak. Crow honeyeaters have long rounded wings and a long tail and neck. Their bill is long and bicolored – yellow below, black above. It has a loud, ringing call, ...
which is predominantly heard in the early mornings.It is relatively inconspicuous, and lives either in pairs or alone. It forages for invertebrates and nectar in the canopy and midstory.This bird is critically endangered due to introduced rats. Extensive surveys have only found it in the Parc de la Rivière Bleue area, on the slopes of the Kouakoué, in the Pourina and Ouiné valleys, at Rivière Blanche and on the slopes of Mont Pouédihi and Mt Panie. It is spread throughout the island, though mostly in the south. It is estimated that there are between 50 and 249 birds left. Less

The New Caledonian barn owl (Tyto letocarti ), also referred to as Letocart's barn owl, is an extinct species of owl in the barn owl family. It was endemic to the island of New Caledonia in Melanesia in the southwestern Pacific region. It was described from Holocene aged subfossil bones found at the Gilles Cave paleontological site on the west coast of Grande Terre. The holotype is a complete adult left femur (NCG 1000), held by the Muséum ...
national d'histoire naturelle in Paris. The owl was described as Tyto? letocarti, indicating uncertainty as to generic placement at the time. The specific epithet honours Yves Letocart of New Caledonia's Water and Forest Service, who was active in bird conservation and paleontological work on the island. Less

The yellow-bellied flyrobin (Cryptomicroeca flaviventris ) is a species of passerine bird in the Australasian robin family Petroicidae. It is the only species in the genus Cryptomicroeca. The yellow-bellied flyrobin is endemic to New Caledonia, where it occurs on the island of Grande Terre. It occupies a range of habitats, including dry lowlands, woodland, Pinus and Pandanus forest, and humid forest from sea level up to 1,525 m (5,003 ft). Less

The streaked fantail (Rhipidura verreauxi ) is a species of bird in the family Rhipiduridae. Rhipidura verreauxi has precedence over Rhipidura spilodera (Dickinson & Watling 2006). It is found in Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Less

The New Caledonian myzomela (Myzomela caledonica ) is a species of bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. The species is sometimes considered to be conspecific with (the same species as) the scarlet myzomela of Australia.It is endemic to New Caledonia, where it occurs on the island of Grande Terre and the Isle of Pines. In New Caledonia its natural habitat is humid rainforest, stunted hill forest and savanna woodland. It has also moved into ...
modified habitat such as plantations and gardens.It is around 11 cm in length and typically weighs 6.5 to 8 grams. The males are slightly heavier than the females. The plumage of this species also varies by sex, with the male having a scarlet head, breast and back, black wings and tail and a white belly and rump. The female has a dull brown head, breast and back with a slight red wash on the face, and duller wings and belly. Juvenile birds resemble the female. Less

The barred honeyeater (Glycifohia undulatus ) is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae.It is endemic to New Caledonia. Less

The New Caledonian friarbird (Philemon diemenensis ) is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae.It is endemic to New Caledonia. Less

The southern shrikebill (Clytorhynchus pachycephaloides ), or brown flycatcher, is a songbird species in the family Monarchidae. It is found in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Less

The south Melanesian cuckooshrike (Coracina caledonica ) is an uncommon species of bird in the cuckooshrike family.It is found in New Caledonia, Bougainville Island, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The species is a large (32–37 cm) cuckoo-shrike with a long square tail and all over dark grey plumage. The eye of adults is yellow, whereas that of the juvenile is dark. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and su ...
btropical or tropical moist montane forests. Less

The New Caledonian whistler (Pachycephala caledonica ) is a species of bird in the family Pachycephalidae.It is endemic to New Caledonia. Less

The Melanesian whistler (Pachycephala chlorura ) or Vanuatu whistler, is a species of passerine bird in the whistler family Pachycephalidae. It is found on the Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, and Vanikoro in the far south-eastern Solomons. Less

The grey-eared honeyeater (Lichmera incana ), also known as the dark-brown honeyeater, is a passerine bird of the honeyeater family which is found in Vanuatu and New Caledonia in the south-west Pacific. It is sometimes known as the silver-eared honeyeater, but this name is also used for the silver-eared honeyeater (Lichmera alboauricularis ) of New Guinea. Less

The small Lifou white-eye (Zosterops minutus ), also known as the sulphur white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the island of Lifou in New Caledonia. Less

The large Lifou white-eye (Zosterops inornatus ) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia. Less

The forest white-eye, or Cameroon green white-eye (Zosterops stenocricotus ) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found from southeastern Nigeria to southwestern Central African Republic and northern Gabon.Its natural habitats are subtropical, tropical moist montane forests, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. It is threatened by habitat loss. Less

Mniarogekko chahoua is commonly known as the mossy New Caledonian gecko, short-snouted New Caledonian gecko, Bavay's giant gecko, or mossy prehensile-tailed gecko. It is an arboreal gecko found natively on the southern portion of the island of New Caledonia and on the outlying islands of Île des Pins. Less

Correlophus sarasinorum, also called commonly Roux's giant gecko, Sarasins' giant gecko, Sarasin's giant gecko (incorrectly), and the suras gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is native to the southern portions of the outlying New Caledonian island of Grande Terre. Less

The rough-snouted giant gecko (Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus ), also known as the greater rough-snouted gecko or tough-snouted gecko, is a species of gecko found in New Caledonia. Less

The copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum ) is a skink of the family Scincidae that is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. Less

Candoia bibroni australis is a nonvenomous boa subspecies endemic to the Solomon Islands. Less