Seychelles magpie robin  (Copsychus sechellarum)

This bird has been affected by habitat loss and degradation following the colonisation of the Seychelles by humans (3). In addition, predation by introduced species such as cats and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and competition with the introduced common myna (Acridotheres tristis) may have also been responsible for the dramatic decline in the magpie robin (2). At present, the very low population size means that the species is extremely vulnerable both to chance events and to the problems associated with inbreeding.

Since 1990, Birdlife International has operated a Seychelles Magpie Robin Recovery Programme and the RSPB joined this effort in 1998 (6). Birds have been introduced to small, predator-free islands and a predator eradication programme is being initiated on Frégate Island (2). Breeding success has been boosted through a number of measures such as the creation of habitat and supplementary feeding, and a genetic study is currently underway to investigate inbreeding (2). Although the population remains Endangered, the Seychelles Magpie-robin Recovery Programme is still on course to achieve its goal of a population of 200 individuals, spread over 7 islands by the year 2006 (2).