Atiu Swiftlet
VU

Atiu Swiftlet

Aerodramus sawtelli

Stable

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atiu_swiftlet

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Aerodramus sawtelli faces significant pressure from cave disturbance and habitat modification across its limited range in the Cook Islands. Tourism activities and guano harvesting operations directly impact the cave systems essential for roosting and nesting. The species' restricted distribution to just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while introduced predators pose additional risks to both adults and nestlings in accessible cave entrances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This swiftlet inhabits limestone caves and caverns on volcanic islands in the Cook Islands archipelago. The species requires specific cave environments with suitable acoustic properties for echolocation-based navigation and appropriate ledges or surfaces for nest construction.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Atiu Swiftlet classified as Vulnerable?
Atiu Swiftlet is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Aerodramus sawtelli faces significant pressure from cave disturbance and habitat modification across its limited range in the Cook Islands. Tourism activities and guano harvesting operations directly impact the cave systems essential for roosting and nesting. The species' restricted distribution to just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while introduced predators pose additional risks to both adults and nestlings in accessible cave entrances.
Where does Atiu Swiftlet live?
Atiu Swiftlet occurs in Cook Islands. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Atiu Swiftlet?
The main threats to Atiu Swiftlet are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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