Species recovery plans have been successfully developed
and implemented by stakeholders in Fiji for several
critically endangered species including the Fiji Crested
Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis), the Fiji Petrel (Pseudobulweria
macgillivrayi) and the Fiji Flying Fox (Mirimiri
acrodonta). These plans have been tailored for each species
in relation to their specific biology and threats, involved
extensive consultation with all stakeholders, identified
specific management protocols and personnel to monitor
plan success through species recovery, and utilized opportunities for adaptive management through plan revision
when new information becomes available, all of which
are key features of effective recovery plans. The species
recovery plan for Soga has followed these good examples,
though it is difficult at this stage to determine whether the
key component to date is increased understanding and
awareness originating in the plan or the increased benefits
accruing to landowners from cutting out the middlemen
traders. Future monitoring of management effectiveness in
the in-situ recovery of Soga is necessary to ensure that not
only does the plan result in the successful conservation of
Soga in Fiji, but that it also serves as a good example of
how focused action and commitment through a species
recovery plan can have significant benefits for threatened
species conservation throughout the Pacific region.