The Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) is endemic to Mauritius. The species declined dramatically as a result of habitat destruction, the introduction of invasive competitor and predator species and the use of pesticides. The Mauritius Kestrel was reduced to four known wild individuals in 1974 and was considered one of the rarest birds in the world. Emergency measures were taken to save the species. Intensive conservation management actions were initiated as of the late 1980s by the MWF. As a result of these actions, the Mauritius Kestrel population has risen to some 350 birds today. The purpose of this project is to safeguard the Mauritius Kestrel population by using conservation management techniques to further encourage population growth, which include; the provision of artificial nest sites, the removal of exotic competitors from nesting sites, close monitoring of the population and hand rearing and releases.

The position
A unique opportunity to join a dynamic field team, and contribute to the conservation of what was formerly considered the rarest bird in the world. The project is widely considered as one of the most successful bird conservation projects ever conducted. The position offers the successful applicant the opportunity to learn a wide range of field skills relating to the monitoring and management of the species including bird handling (ringing, blood sample collection and collection of morphometric measurements). 

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a species and a project that is known internationally amongst conservationists, to contribute to the recovery of the species and interact with conservation biologists from around the world. We regularly run talks and presentations given both by visiting scientists and our own staff where you will learn about other conservation recovery projects run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. You will also be offered an opportunity to work on Round Island for a week or two, a predator free island closed to the public with a unique ecosystem.