Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010).
Status NT
Collection for birds' nest soup and vandalism of caves are the principle threats. Also, proposed development of canyoning and caving tourism may be a threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Mascarene Swiftlet (Aerodramus francicus) [XC471845]
by Cedric Mroczko from B\u00e9bour, Saint-Beno\u00eet, France (call, echolocation calls?)
Mascarene Swiftlet (Aerodramus francicus) [XC471844]
by Cedric Mroczko from B\u00e9bour, Saint-Beno\u00eet, France (echolocation calls?)
Subspecies
Genus often merged into Collocalia. Forms superspecies with Seychelles Swiftlet (Aerodramus elaphrus), and sometimes considered conspecific. Has alternatively been lumped with Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus), although the two do not appear to be closely related. In past, was treated as part of a composite species also including Moluccan Swiftlet (Aerodramus infuscatus), Mountain Swiftlet (Aerodramus hirundinaceus), White-rumped Swiftlet (Aerodramus spodiopygius) and Australian Swiftlet (Aerodramus terraereginae). Differences between birds on Reunion and Mauritius suggest that two subspecies may be involved.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
francicus (Gmelin, 1789) - Western Mascarene Islands (Mauritius and Réunion).
saffordi Kirwan, Shirihai & Schweizer, 2018 - Réunion (Mascarene Islands, western Indian Ocean).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet