Thermometer birds

In the five years since publication of the 1995-99 action plan, the Megapode Specialist Group has been active in promoting, initiating and executing conservation and research projects on thermometer birds. But the conservation outlook for many species remains bleak. Their habit of nesting on or near beaches, often on small islands, make them vulnerable to disturbance and egg-collection, and several species are greatly threatened. The greatest threats are over-exploitation of their eggs, loss of forested habitats, and introduction of predators.

The 22 species of Megapodes or "thermometer-birds" are found in Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, the Philippines and some Pacific islands. With changing traditions and demographic patterns, and habitat loss, uncontrolled harvesting has reduced some populations to a point where sustainable use has become untenable. The Action Plan provides the most up-to-date assessment of distribution, status and recommendations of action to ensure survival of the most threatened species.