In French Polynesia, Benjamin Ignace is working with the Manu association to protect two rare bird species, the Fatu Hiva and Tahiti monarchs. These birds are crucial for maintaining forest ecosystems by spreading seeds and controlling insect populations. They are also culturally significant in French Polynesia, especially in the Marquesas region, where they appear in local legends and traditions. Both species are endangered, with the Fatu Hiva monarch having only 15 individuals left and the Tahiti monarch numbering 164. Since 2019, Ignace and the Manu association have focused on monitoring these small bird populations to understand how conservation efforts are affecting them. This includes tracking their movements, the development of young birds, and the process of egg incubation. A major challenge has been the spread of invasive species, such as black rats and feral cats, which prey on the birds. Mosquitoes, which carry a disease called avian malaria, also pose a serious threat, especially on the island of Fatu Hiva. To combat the mosquito threat, a captive breeding program was started in 2022. Eggs are collected and raised in captivity until safer conditions can be created for their release into the wild. While this work is ongoing, there have been some successes. The Tahiti monarch population has grown significantly, from 20 individuals in 1998 to 164 today, showing that recovery is possible with the right efforts. Invasive species remain the most immediate threat, with black rats being particularly dangerous. Although biosecurity measures like using dogs to check boats and packages have helped keep rats off some islands, only three islands in Polynesia are currently free of them. Feral cats, which are domestic cats that have returned to a wild state, also hunt the birds, as the birds have not evolved to avoid them. Climate change adds to the challenges, with shifting weather patterns affecting the survival of chicks and allowing mosquitoes to reach higher altitudes. However, conservationists believe that addressing invasive species is more urgent than tackling climate change at this time. Despite limited resources and awareness, efforts to protect the Fatu Hiva monarch have increased in recent years, offering hope for the future of these rare birds.