After more than five years of conservation, the communities of Keia, Veitatei and Tavaenga in Oneroa, Mangaia, temporarily opened the Fruit Bat Raui for two days on 6 and 7 July, following an agreement by the three Pava of the three Punas.
The two-day opening allowed community members to hunt fruit bats during the season when they are considered best for eating, while maintaining the Raui as an important conservation measure.
Community members reported a significant increase in fruit bat numbers over the five-year period, with some estimating that numbers had doubled or even tripled.
One community member noted that fruit bats were now plentiful and could be seen in large numbers, particularly between 5:00pm and 6:00am, compared with previous years when they were more difficult to find.
There was no set limit on the number of fruit bats each person could take during the two-day opening, as there was no practical system in place to monitor individual catches. The three Pava have identified this as an area for consideration, including possible catch limits and monitoring for any future openings.
The temporary opening provided an opportunity for the community to access an important traditional food source while also seeing the results of more than five years of local conservation efforts. The Raui continues to support the recovery and long-term protection of Mangaia’s fruit bat population.
