Frigatebirds Fregata: impacts of potential taxonomic change on population and conservation status

Abstract

Summary Frigatebirds have been in taxonomic oblivion for nearly a century. A new genetic study by Martins et al. (2022) provides a stimulus and potential basis for a long-overdue modern review, which might lead to recognition of up to five new species-level taxa, two of which would be “Critically Endangered” globally and may already be effectively extinct. Even some of the more widespread frigatebird taxa are subject to multiple anthropogenic threats and, outside strictly protected and managed areas, may already be in serious decline. Seabird experts and organisations need urgently to review all available data relevant to frigatebird taxonomy and populations, collect additional material for genetic analysis, undertake new assessments of conservation status, and (in collaboration with appropriate regulatory authorities) propose and execute appropriate conservation and management actions.