Circus approximans
System : Terrestrial
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Accipitriformes
Accipitridae
  • Not Evaluated
    NE
  • No Alien Population
    NA
  • Data Deficient
    DD
  • Minimal Concern
    MC
  • Minor
    MN
  • Moderate
    MO
  • Major
    MR
  • Massive
    MV
  • General
  • Distribution
  • Impact
  • Management
  • Bibliography
  • Contact
Common name
 
Synonym
Similar species
Summary
Circus approximans was intentionally introduced and released on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia to control rat populations. This bird of prey has colonized all of the Society Islands and has seriously affected indigenous bird species.

Principal source:

Compiler: Comité français de l'UICN (IUCN French Committee) & IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)

Review:

Publication date: 2008-03-14

Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2025) Species profile: Circus approximans. Downloaded from http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Circus+approximans on 31-05-2025.

Countries (or multi-country features) with distribution records for Circus approximans
ALIEN RANGE
NATIVE RANGE
Informations on Circus approximans has been recorded for the following locations. Click on the name for additional informations.
Lorem Ipsum
Location Status Invasiveness Occurrence Source
Details of Circus approximans in information
Status
Invasiveness
Arrival date
Occurrence
Source
Introduction
Species notes for this location
Location note
Management notes for this location
Impact
Mechanism:
Outcome:
Ecosystem services:
Impact information
Red List assessed species 5: EN = 1; VU = 2; NT = 1; LC = 1;
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Management information
Bibliography
8 references found for Circus approximans

Management information
General information
BirdLife International 2021. Species factsheet: Ducula aurorae. http://www.birdlife.org on 02/09/2021.
Blanvillain, Caroline & Salducci, J. & Tutururai, G & Maeura, M. (2003). Impact of introduced birds on the recovery of the Tahiti Flycatcher ( Pomarea nigra), a critically endangered forest bird of Tahiti. Biological Conservation - BIOL CONSERV. 109. 197-205. 10.1016/S0006-3207(02)00147-7.
Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 6th edition.
Holyoak, D. T. and Thibault, J. C. 1984. Contribution a l’Étude des Oiseaux de Polynésie Orientale. Mémoires du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, n.s. Série A, Zoologie, Tome 127. Éditions du Museum, Paris.
ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System), 2008. Online Database Circus approximans Peale, 1848
Summary: An online database that provides taxonomic information, common names, synonyms and geographical jurisdiction of a species. In addition links are provided to retrieve biological records and collection information from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Data Portal and bioscience articles from BioOne journals.
Available from: http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=559298 [Accessed 10 March 2008]
Shine, C., Reaser, J.K., and Gutierrez., A.T. (eds.). 2003. Invasive alien species in the Austral Pacific Region: National Reports & Directory of Resources. Global Invasive Species Programme: Cape Town.
Summary: Available from: http://www.gisp.org/downloadpubs/AP_NATIO.PDF [Accessed April 19 2006]
Soci�t� d Ornithologie de Polyn�sie fran�aise
Summary: Site internet de la Soci�t� d Ornithologie de Polyn�sie fran�aise. De nombreuses informations utiles notamment sur les oiseaux exotiques envahissants et leurs impacts sur l avifaune indig�ne.
Available from: http://www.manu.pf/F_Archipels.html {Accessed 4 April 2008]
Contact
The following 2 contacts offer information an advice on Circus approximans
Ghestemme,
Thomas
Geographic region: Pacific
Ecosystem: Terrestrial
Organization:
Soci�t� d Ornithologie de Polyn�sie fran�aise
Address:
Soci�t� d Ornithologie de Polyn�sie B.P. 21098 98713 - Papeete Tahiti Polyn�sie Fran�aise
Phone:
(689) 52 11 00
Fax:
Meyer,
Jean-Yves
Geographic region: Pacific, Indian Ocean
Ecosystem: Terrestrial
Expert in the botany of French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands, and has worked on ecology and biological control of Miconia calvescens in French Polynesia.
Organization:
D�l�gation � la Recherche
Address:
D�l�gation � la Recherche, Gouvernement de Polyn�sie fran�aise. B.P. 20981, 98713 Papeete, Tahiti, Polyn�sie fran�aise
Phone:
689 47 25 60
Fax:
MR
Circus approximans
Date assessed
2019-05-03
Year published
Eicat category
MR (Major)
Justification for EICAT assessment


The Swamp Harrier is believed to have caused the extinction of two bird species in Tahiti. The Polynesian Imperial-pigeon (Ducula aurorae) is still present on Makatea and the Blue Lorikeet (Vini peruviana) has a small and fragmented island distribution (Shine et al. 2003).
Confidence rating
Low
Mechanism(s) of maximum impact
Predation
Countries of most severe impact
French Polynesia
Description of impacts
The Swamp Harrier preys on native Sea bird species like the Tahiti Petrel and Audubon's Shearwater on Mo'orea and the White Tern, the endemic Ray-green Fruit Dove and the Tahiti Reed Warbler in Tahiti. It is believed to have caused the local extinction of the Polynesian Imperial-pigeon and Blue Lorikeet on Tahiti.
Assessor
Thomas Evans
Contributors
Reviewers
Recommended citation
Thomas Evans (2025). Circus approximans. IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT).