Regarding the Island Thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) in our region - speaking
both politically and biogeographically, Schodde & Mason (1998) have the
following:
Norfolk Island - T. poliocephalus poliocephalus - apparently the nominate
form - regarded as Extinct
Lord Howe Island - T. poliocephalus vinitinctus (common name Vinous-tinted
Thrush) - regarded as Extinct
Christmas Island (Indian Ocean) - T. poliocephalus erythropleurus - regarded
as 'Lower Risk - near threatened'
Given that this bird is splattered near and far across oceanic and
contintental islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and varies
spectacularly in appearance throughout, it doesn't seem very likely that an
exact replacement for the bird could be found for re-introduction to Lord
Howe. The form in New Caledonia was probably the closest useful source, but
it is probably extinct as well. Maybe a candidate from the Solomons might
work - let it settle in and evolve into whatever kind of Island Thrush Lord
Howe can generate. Many Island Thrush populations look for all the world
like Eurasian Blackbirds - the end result might be aesthetically
disappointing, even if ecologically functional.
L.
--
++++++++++++
Lawrie Conole
28 Reid Street
Northcote, VIC 3070
AUSTRALIA
lconole[at]gmail.com
0419 588 993
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