Gibson Susumu, Amit Sharma, S. Halavatau, D. Antille, M. Webb, J. Barringer, Jennifer Kelly, Ben C. T. Macdonald
Abstract: Since human settlement approximately 2,000 years ago, Pacific Island nutrient cycles have been increasingly modified. Modern agricultural intensification has resulted in further changes in the island nutrient flows. Country scale agricultural land nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) budgeting in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, and Tuvalu were calculated from FAO country statistic data (1964–2018). Nutrient input data from birds, atmospheric dust, and rainfall and human waste were calculated from literature values. Overall, there are nutrient imbalances in all countries and agricultural lands are exporting nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The budgeting calculations did not consider nutrient losses via erosion, leaching and run-off or denitrification, and the net nutrient fluxes may well be greater than reported. The use of animal and human waste would help off-set nutrient imbalances, but additional macro- and micro-nutrients would need to be added for balanced plant nutrition and soil carbon sequestration. While increasing fertiliser inputs will improve the nutrient balance and potential primary productivity, trade-offs such as nutrient losses will need to be considered. Improving nutrient budgets would need a farming systems approach, whereby the use of cover crops, crop rotations and legumes would augment the fertiliser applications.
{"title":"Declining Soil Nutrient Status Can Constrain Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Pacific Island Countries: A Country Scale Assessment","authors":"Gibson Susumu, Amit Sharma, S. Halavatau, D. Antille, M. Webb, J. Barringer, Jennifer Kelly, Ben C. T. Macdonald","doi":"10.2984/76.3.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.3.7","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Since human settlement approximately 2,000 years ago, Pacific Island nutrient cycles have been increasingly modified. Modern agricultural intensification has resulted in further changes in the island nutrient flows. Country scale agricultural land nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) budgeting in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, and Tuvalu were calculated from FAO country statistic data (1964–2018). Nutrient input data from birds, atmospheric dust, and rainfall and human waste were calculated from literature values. Overall, there are nutrient imbalances in all countries and agricultural lands are exporting nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The budgeting calculations did not consider nutrient losses via erosion, leaching and run-off or denitrification, and the net nutrient fluxes may well be greater than reported. The use of animal and human waste would help off-set nutrient imbalances, but additional macro- and micro-nutrients would need to be added for balanced plant nutrition and soil carbon sequestration. While increasing fertiliser inputs will improve the nutrient balance and potential primary productivity, trade-offs such as nutrient losses will need to be considered. Improving nutrient budgets would need a farming systems approach, whereby the use of cover crops, crop rotations and legumes would augment the fertiliser applications.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69647792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Santos, Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui, Mike N. Yamamoto, T. Iwai, Annette W. Tagawa
Abstract: The anchialine ecosystem, comprised of coastal landlocked habitats containing brackish water, experiences tidal fluctuations due to simultaneous underground connections with the sea and terrestrial aquifer system. Anthropogenic impacts have led to substantial habitat degradation and loss, potentially making the anchialine ecosystem and its biota one of Hawai‘i’s most threatened. Prior analyses of mitochondrial (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from the Hawaiian anchialine atyid shrimp Halocaridina rubra revealed a potential cryptic species complex with strong regional endemism. This study hypothesized that a Halocaridina population discovered in 2018 in southeast O‘ahu, an area with no historically documented anchialine habitats but where a specimen was collected in 1998, represents a unique lineage or genetic group endemic to the region. Comparison of newly generated mtDNA COI sequences to previous ones identified the population as belonging to the South O‘ahu lineage of Halocaridina. However, fixed mutations and significant genetic differentiation distinguish it from the closely related ‘Ewa genetic group of southwest O‘ahu. Given this, we propose the new Maunalua genetic group for Halocaridina from southeast O‘ahu, with an apparent split between groups occurring at approximately the Holocene-Pleistocene Epoch boundary, corresponding well to the geological age of where the new population was discovered. Notably, the 1998 specimen shared the same distinctive coloration as the Maunalua and ‘Ewa genetic groups, implying inclusion within the South O‘ahu lineage. Conservation efforts should consider the currently recognized 15 Halocaridina genetic groups since they represent unique units from all others in both their genetics and geographic distribution.
{"title":"South(East) by Southwest: Identification of a New Halocaridina rubra Holthuis, 1963 (Decapoda: Atyidae) Genetic Group From O‘ahu, Hawai‘i","authors":"S. Santos, Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui, Mike N. Yamamoto, T. Iwai, Annette W. Tagawa","doi":"10.2984/76.3.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.3.5","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The anchialine ecosystem, comprised of coastal landlocked habitats containing brackish water, experiences tidal fluctuations due to simultaneous underground connections with the sea and terrestrial aquifer system. Anthropogenic impacts have led to substantial habitat degradation and loss, potentially making the anchialine ecosystem and its biota one of Hawai‘i’s most threatened. Prior analyses of mitochondrial (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from the Hawaiian anchialine atyid shrimp Halocaridina rubra revealed a potential cryptic species complex with strong regional endemism. This study hypothesized that a Halocaridina population discovered in 2018 in southeast O‘ahu, an area with no historically documented anchialine habitats but where a specimen was collected in 1998, represents a unique lineage or genetic group endemic to the region. Comparison of newly generated mtDNA COI sequences to previous ones identified the population as belonging to the South O‘ahu lineage of Halocaridina. However, fixed mutations and significant genetic differentiation distinguish it from the closely related ‘Ewa genetic group of southwest O‘ahu. Given this, we propose the new Maunalua genetic group for Halocaridina from southeast O‘ahu, with an apparent split between groups occurring at approximately the Holocene-Pleistocene Epoch boundary, corresponding well to the geological age of where the new population was discovered. Notably, the 1998 specimen shared the same distinctive coloration as the Maunalua and ‘Ewa genetic groups, implying inclusion within the South O‘ahu lineage. Conservation efforts should consider the currently recognized 15 Halocaridina genetic groups since they represent unique units from all others in both their genetics and geographic distribution.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48259619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract: The negative effects of introduced small mammals have been well documented on islands, but their presence in the Mariana Islands warrants special attention, as they are an important prey species of the introduced brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis), which devastated the avifauna of Guam and remains a threat for introduction to nearby islands. The U.S. Navy has a major presence in the Mariana Islands and is charged with maintaining biosecurity protocols when transporting equipment between islands. We conducted small mammal trapping on Tinian, located approximately 165 km northeast of Guam, in 2017 as a baseline survey of introduced species distribution in areas used for military training. These data will facilitate long-term monitoring of introduced small mammals and early detection of newly established species. We also report an updated Catch Per Unit Effort index of small mammal abundance and tested for differences in capture success across species and between two trap types: Sherman live traps and Victor snap traps. We confirmed general patterns of abundance and distribution from previous sampling on Tinian: Rattus diardii and Suncus murinus were common and widespread, Mus musculus less common and more patchy in distribution, R. norvegicus rare, and R. exulans not detected. Comparisons between Sherman and Victor traps showed important differences in species-specific capture rates on Tinian and aligned with previous research from the Mariana Islands.
{"title":"Notes on the Introduced Small Mammals of Tinian, Mariana Islands","authors":"Brian T. Leo, A. Wiewel","doi":"10.2984/76.3.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.3.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The negative effects of introduced small mammals have been well documented on islands, but their presence in the Mariana Islands warrants special attention, as they are an important prey species of the introduced brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis), which devastated the avifauna of Guam and remains a threat for introduction to nearby islands. The U.S. Navy has a major presence in the Mariana Islands and is charged with maintaining biosecurity protocols when transporting equipment between islands. We conducted small mammal trapping on Tinian, located approximately 165 km northeast of Guam, in 2017 as a baseline survey of introduced species distribution in areas used for military training. These data will facilitate long-term monitoring of introduced small mammals and early detection of newly established species. We also report an updated Catch Per Unit Effort index of small mammal abundance and tested for differences in capture success across species and between two trap types: Sherman live traps and Victor snap traps. We confirmed general patterns of abundance and distribution from previous sampling on Tinian: Rattus diardii and Suncus murinus were common and widespread, Mus musculus less common and more patchy in distribution, R. norvegicus rare, and R. exulans not detected. Comparisons between Sherman and Victor traps showed important differences in species-specific capture rates on Tinian and aligned with previous research from the Mariana Islands.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49647856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Díaz, Ana Denise Re Araujo, Fabiola Lafarga-De la Cruz, M. Tripp-Valdez
Abstract: Haliotis cracherodii is the only abalone species listed as critically endangered (IUCN Red List) and protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 2009. The population started decreasing in the mid-1980s throughout its biogeographical range due to the “withering syndrome” disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermoregulation of the black abalone, establishing its preferred temperature, locomotion displacement, and critical thermal maximum (CTMax). The preferred temperature (PT) was 13.8 °C. The theoretical temperature for optimal growth of the black abalone was 14.3 °C. The locomotion displacement in the gradient had an interval of 137 to 83 cm h–1. CTMax was evaluated, the first abalone detached from the substrate at a temperature of 25.4 °C and the last one at 31 °C; CTMax of 50% was calculated at 29.7 °C. These data will allow us to maintain and condition the black abalone in captivity with the final goal of producing seed for the restoration of disease-impacted populations on the Baja California Peninsula. ENSO events may also affect the survival of black abalone. We extrapolated the Thermal Safety Margin (TSM) = (28.8 – 18.31 °C) = 10.49 °C in weak ENSOs, but in stronger ENSO the TSM value diminishes to 3.17 °C suggesting that black abalone may be vulnerable to climate change.
{"title":"Thermal Preference and Tolerance of the Black Abalone Haliotis cracherodii (Leach 1814) (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia)","authors":"F. Díaz, Ana Denise Re Araujo, Fabiola Lafarga-De la Cruz, M. Tripp-Valdez","doi":"10.2984/76.2.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Haliotis cracherodii is the only abalone species listed as critically endangered (IUCN Red List) and protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 2009. The population started decreasing in the mid-1980s throughout its biogeographical range due to the “withering syndrome” disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermoregulation of the black abalone, establishing its preferred temperature, locomotion displacement, and critical thermal maximum (CTMax). The preferred temperature (PT) was 13.8 °C. The theoretical temperature for optimal growth of the black abalone was 14.3 °C. The locomotion displacement in the gradient had an interval of 137 to 83 cm h–1. CTMax was evaluated, the first abalone detached from the substrate at a temperature of 25.4 °C and the last one at 31 °C; CTMax of 50% was calculated at 29.7 °C. These data will allow us to maintain and condition the black abalone in captivity with the final goal of producing seed for the restoration of disease-impacted populations on the Baja California Peninsula. ENSO events may also affect the survival of black abalone. We extrapolated the Thermal Safety Margin (TSM) = (28.8 – 18.31 °C) = 10.49 °C in weak ENSOs, but in stronger ENSO the TSM value diminishes to 3.17 °C suggesting that black abalone may be vulnerable to climate change.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45503538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Spaulding, R. Camp, P. Banko, N. Johnson, A. Anders
Abstract: Landbird populations on Tinian Island have been periodically surveyed since 1982 to evaluate the status of non-native and native landbirds. We report the results of surveys in 2013 and the observed changes during 31 years in species population trends based on surveys since 1982. A total of 11 native and 3 non-native species were detected during the 2013 survey. Population sizes were estimated using point-transect distance sampling methods, and population trends were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance for nine forest bird species. In all years, the Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) and Bridled White-eye (Zosterops conspicillatus) were the most abundant species, whereas the White-throated Ground Dove (Pampusana xanthonura) was the least abundant species in 1982, 1996, and 2008, and the Mariana Kingfisher (Todiramphus albicilla) was the least abundant in 2013. The less common species numbered in the low thousands included the Mariana Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla), White-throated Ground Dove, introduced Philippine Collared Dove (Streptopelia dusumieri), Mariana Kingfisher (Todiramphus albicilla), and Micronesian Myzomela (Myzomela rubratra). The Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca) and Tinian Monarch (Monarcha takatsukasae) were estimated to number in the tens of thousands. The most abundant species were the Rufous Fantail, numbering more than 100,000, and the Bridled White-eye, numbering more than 400,000. The overall trends in abundance between 1982 and 2013 showed an increase in the Mariana Kingfisher, Micronesian Starling, Rufous Fantail, White-throated Ground Dove, and Philippine Collared Dove, while populations were stable for the Bridled White-eye and Tinian Monarch. Declines were seen for the Mariana Fruit Dove and Micronesian Myzomela. These trends matched previous analyses with the exception that Tinian Monarch abundance showed an increase in the 2013 survey.
摘要：自1982年以来，天宁岛陆鸟种群一直在定期调查，以评估非本土和本土陆鸟的状况。我们报告了2013年的调查结果，以及根据1982年以来的调查，31年来观察到的物种种群趋势变化。在2013年的调查中，共检测到11种本地物种和3种非本地物种。使用点样带距离抽样方法估计种群规模，并使用9种森林鸟类的重复测量方差分析评估种群趋势。在所有年份中，Rufus Fantail（Rhipipidura rufifrons）和Bridded White eye（Zosterops conclicillatus）是数量最多的物种，而白喉地鸽（Pampusana xanthonnura）是1982年、1996年和2008年数量最少的物种，马里亚纳翠鸟（Todiramphus albicilla）在2013年数量最少。数量在几千只中的不太常见的物种包括马里亚纳果鸽（Ptilinopus roseicapilla）、白喉地鸽、引进的菲律宾项圈鸽（Streptopelia dusumieri）、马里亚纳翠鸟（Todiramphus albicilla）和密克罗尼西亚Myzomela。密克罗尼西亚Starling（Aplonis opaca）和天宁岛君主（Monarcha takatsukasae）的数量估计为数万只。数量最多的物种是数量超过100000的Rufus Fantail和数量超过400000的Bribled White eye。1982年至2013年期间的总体丰度趋势显示，马里亚纳翠鸟、密克罗尼西亚Starling、Rufus Fantail、白喉地鸽和菲律宾领鸽的数量有所增加，而白眼和天宁岛君主的数量稳定。马里亚纳果鸽和密克罗尼西亚Myzomela的数量有所下降。这些趋势与之前的分析一致，但天宁岛君主的丰度在2013年的调查中有所增加。
{"title":"Status of Forest Birds on Tinian Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, with an Emphasis on the Tinian Monarch (Monarcha takatsukasae) (Passeriformes; Monarchidae)","authors":"R. Spaulding, R. Camp, P. Banko, N. Johnson, A. Anders","doi":"10.2984/76.2.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.9","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Landbird populations on Tinian Island have been periodically surveyed since 1982 to evaluate the status of non-native and native landbirds. We report the results of surveys in 2013 and the observed changes during 31 years in species population trends based on surveys since 1982. A total of 11 native and 3 non-native species were detected during the 2013 survey. Population sizes were estimated using point-transect distance sampling methods, and population trends were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance for nine forest bird species. In all years, the Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) and Bridled White-eye (Zosterops conspicillatus) were the most abundant species, whereas the White-throated Ground Dove (Pampusana xanthonura) was the least abundant species in 1982, 1996, and 2008, and the Mariana Kingfisher (Todiramphus albicilla) was the least abundant in 2013. The less common species numbered in the low thousands included the Mariana Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla), White-throated Ground Dove, introduced Philippine Collared Dove (Streptopelia dusumieri), Mariana Kingfisher (Todiramphus albicilla), and Micronesian Myzomela (Myzomela rubratra). The Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca) and Tinian Monarch (Monarcha takatsukasae) were estimated to number in the tens of thousands. The most abundant species were the Rufous Fantail, numbering more than 100,000, and the Bridled White-eye, numbering more than 400,000. The overall trends in abundance between 1982 and 2013 showed an increase in the Mariana Kingfisher, Micronesian Starling, Rufous Fantail, White-throated Ground Dove, and Philippine Collared Dove, while populations were stable for the Bridled White-eye and Tinian Monarch. Declines were seen for the Mariana Fruit Dove and Micronesian Myzomela. These trends matched previous analyses with the exception that Tinian Monarch abundance showed an increase in the 2013 survey.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44434298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract: Hawai‘i’s native waterbirds are conservation reliant and need active management including predator control for the foreseeable future. The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is a detrimental predator to Hawai‘i’s native waterbirds: mongoose prey upon eggs, chicks, and adults. An effective trapping and baiting regime is fundamental in the control of this invasive predator. We examined whether DOC-200 kill traps or Tomahawk live traps are more effective in capturing mongoose. We also compared the cost efficiency of DOC-200 and Tomahawk traps. Throughout the study 114 animals were captured, of which 49 were mongoose (28 males, 14 females, 7 unknown sex). DOC-200 and Tomahawk traps did not differ in the number of mongoose captured. The trapping regime where DOC-200 traps were checked once a week proved to be most efficient ($40.70/mongoose), regimes where DOC-200 traps and Tomahawk traps were checked three times a week cost $65.20/mongoose and $102.80/mongoose, respectively. The results from our study give insight on trap preference, which can be used in other management areas that are impacted by mongoose in Hawai‘i, as well as providing cost effective trapping regimes for managers.
{"title":"Efficiency and Efficacy of DOC-200 Versus Tomahawk Traps for Controlling Small Indian Mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus (Carnivora: Herpestidae) in Wetland Wildlife Sanctuaries","authors":"Lisa S. Roerk, Lindsey Nietmann, Aaron J. Works","doi":"10.2984/76.2.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.8","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Hawai‘i’s native waterbirds are conservation reliant and need active management including predator control for the foreseeable future. The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is a detrimental predator to Hawai‘i’s native waterbirds: mongoose prey upon eggs, chicks, and adults. An effective trapping and baiting regime is fundamental in the control of this invasive predator. We examined whether DOC-200 kill traps or Tomahawk live traps are more effective in capturing mongoose. We also compared the cost efficiency of DOC-200 and Tomahawk traps. Throughout the study 114 animals were captured, of which 49 were mongoose (28 males, 14 females, 7 unknown sex). DOC-200 and Tomahawk traps did not differ in the number of mongoose captured. The trapping regime where DOC-200 traps were checked once a week proved to be most efficient ($40.70/mongoose), regimes where DOC-200 traps and Tomahawk traps were checked three times a week cost $65.20/mongoose and $102.80/mongoose, respectively. The results from our study give insight on trap preference, which can be used in other management areas that are impacted by mongoose in Hawai‘i, as well as providing cost effective trapping regimes for managers.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42558190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract: The National Park of American Samoa (NPSA) was surveyed in 2011 and 2018 using point-transect distance sampling to estimate trends in landbird distribution, composition, population density, and abundance. Surveys were conducted within the Ta‘ū Unit and Tutuila Unit, each on separate islands of American Samoa. We detected a total of 14 species during surveys and there were sufficient detections of seven species to allow for density estimation and abundance within each unit. We assessed differences in density between surveys with a two-sample z-test and found significant declines of Blue-crowned Lorikeets (Vini australis) in the Ta‘ū Unit, and of Samoan Starlings (Aplonis atrifusca) in the Tutuila Unit. Density estimates of the Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus porphyraceus), Pacific Kingfisher (Todiramphus sacer), Polynesian Wattled Honeyeater (Foulehaio carunculatus), and Samoan Starling (in the Ta‘ū Unit) were also lower in 2018 than 2011, but differences were inconclusive because of relatively large variance estimates. Densities of the Polynesian Starling (Aplonis tabuensis) and Pacific Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pacifica) in the Ta‘ū Unit were higher in 2018 than 2011, but differences were similarly inconclusive. Lower 2018 densities could be due to Tropical Cyclone Gita that struck the islands just four months before the surveys. We provide indices of relative occurrence and abundance for the remaining seven species detected, which include the Many-colored Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus perousii) and the rarely detected Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis)—both of which are species of concern in American Samoa.
{"title":"Status of Landbirds in the National Park of American Samoa1","authors":"Seth W. Judge, R. Camp, Visa Vaivai, P. Hart","doi":"10.2984/76.2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.4","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The National Park of American Samoa (NPSA) was surveyed in 2011 and 2018 using point-transect distance sampling to estimate trends in landbird distribution, composition, population density, and abundance. Surveys were conducted within the Ta‘ū Unit and Tutuila Unit, each on separate islands of American Samoa. We detected a total of 14 species during surveys and there were sufficient detections of seven species to allow for density estimation and abundance within each unit. We assessed differences in density between surveys with a two-sample z-test and found significant declines of Blue-crowned Lorikeets (Vini australis) in the Ta‘ū Unit, and of Samoan Starlings (Aplonis atrifusca) in the Tutuila Unit. Density estimates of the Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus porphyraceus), Pacific Kingfisher (Todiramphus sacer), Polynesian Wattled Honeyeater (Foulehaio carunculatus), and Samoan Starling (in the Ta‘ū Unit) were also lower in 2018 than 2011, but differences were inconclusive because of relatively large variance estimates. Densities of the Polynesian Starling (Aplonis tabuensis) and Pacific Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pacifica) in the Ta‘ū Unit were higher in 2018 than 2011, but differences were similarly inconclusive. Lower 2018 densities could be due to Tropical Cyclone Gita that struck the islands just four months before the surveys. We provide indices of relative occurrence and abundance for the remaining seven species detected, which include the Many-colored Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus perousii) and the rarely detected Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis)—both of which are species of concern in American Samoa.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48875033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Thomson, Jean-François Butaud, L. Braglia, D. Mabberley
Abstract: Recent linguistic, morphological, and DNA studies have shown that the Polynesian hibiscus known as kaute—koute, ‘aute, and other cognates—is an undescribed eastern Polynesian Hibiscus species in sect. Lilibiscus. It is described here as Hibiscus kaute L.A.J. Thomson & Butaud, and appears to be extremely rare, if not extinct in the wild. The French botanist Jean Nadeaud (1873) recorded ‘aute in a wild state during the 1850s at the end of Pirae valley (Nahoata) and elsewhere in the interior of Tahiti where it grew on cliff faces. The original wild form—with a single whorl of petals—is also rare in cultivation, both in French Polynesia and elsewhere in the South Pacific Islands. The medicinal Polynesian double-flowered form is uncommon in cultivation and often mistaken for recently-introduced cultivars. As well as being of great cultural importance to Polynesians, kaute is arguably the most significant species in the development of modern Hibiscus hybrids and a missing link in understanding the origins of H. rosa-sinensis. Ex situ conservation measures are urgently needed in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Marquesas Islands) and, internationally, in botanic gardens, for this important progenitor species of Lilibiscus hybrids.
{"title":"Pacific Hibiscus Species (Malvaceae) in sect. Lilibiscus. 2. Hibiscus kaute sp. nov., a Missing Link from Eastern Polynesia1","authors":"L. Thomson, Jean-François Butaud, L. Braglia, D. Mabberley","doi":"10.2984/76.2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.6","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Recent linguistic, morphological, and DNA studies have shown that the Polynesian hibiscus known as kaute—koute, ‘aute, and other cognates—is an undescribed eastern Polynesian Hibiscus species in sect. Lilibiscus. It is described here as Hibiscus kaute L.A.J. Thomson & Butaud, and appears to be extremely rare, if not extinct in the wild. The French botanist Jean Nadeaud (1873) recorded ‘aute in a wild state during the 1850s at the end of Pirae valley (Nahoata) and elsewhere in the interior of Tahiti where it grew on cliff faces. The original wild form—with a single whorl of petals—is also rare in cultivation, both in French Polynesia and elsewhere in the South Pacific Islands. The medicinal Polynesian double-flowered form is uncommon in cultivation and often mistaken for recently-introduced cultivars. As well as being of great cultural importance to Polynesians, kaute is arguably the most significant species in the development of modern Hibiscus hybrids and a missing link in understanding the origins of H. rosa-sinensis. Ex situ conservation measures are urgently needed in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Marquesas Islands) and, internationally, in botanic gardens, for this important progenitor species of Lilibiscus hybrids.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46239207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract: The red-orange flowered clade of Hawaiian Hibiscus species in sect. Lilibiscus are discussed and a botanical key provided. Four species are recognised, viz. Hibiscus kokio Hillebr., H. clayi O. Deg. & I. Deg., H. kahilii C.N. Forbes, and H. saintjohnianus M. Roe. These species are uncommon or rare in nature, but vital elements in the diverse ecosystems in which they occur. Surprisingly, distinctive hibiscus species in this group are still being confused. An incomplete and contested understanding of the taxonomy of these species has hindered their conservation—both in situ and ex situ—and effective use in horticulture and landscaping. Recommendations are provided on conservation measures required to maintain and enhance genetic diversity within these four species, which are threatened by extreme weather events and climate change, invasive alien species, habitat loss, and land degradation.
{"title":"Pacific Hibiscus (Malvaceae) in sect. Lilibiscus. 1. Hibiscus kokio and Related Species from the Hawaiian Archipelago1","authors":"L. Thomson, B. Mashburn","doi":"10.2984/76.2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.5","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The red-orange flowered clade of Hawaiian Hibiscus species in sect. Lilibiscus are discussed and a botanical key provided. Four species are recognised, viz. Hibiscus kokio Hillebr., H. clayi O. Deg. & I. Deg., H. kahilii C.N. Forbes, and H. saintjohnianus M. Roe. These species are uncommon or rare in nature, but vital elements in the diverse ecosystems in which they occur. Surprisingly, distinctive hibiscus species in this group are still being confused. An incomplete and contested understanding of the taxonomy of these species has hindered their conservation—both in situ and ex situ—and effective use in horticulture and landscaping. Recommendations are provided on conservation measures required to maintain and enhance genetic diversity within these four species, which are threatened by extreme weather events and climate change, invasive alien species, habitat loss, and land degradation.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46422989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christian D. Ortega‐Ortiz, Andrea B. Cuevas-Soltero, R. X. García-Valencia, Astrid Frisch‐Jordán, Katherina Audley, A. Olivos-Ortiz, M. Liñán-Cabello
Abstract: The Northeast Pacific subpopulation of the humpback whale migrates every winter-spring to Mexican waters to breed; however, their use of habitat in the Mexican Pacific remains unknown. We investigated the spatial ecology of the humpback whale in the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP) and connections with other Mexican areas. Surveys to search for humpback whales were conducted in winter-spring 2010–2019. The number of individuals, type of group, and activities were recorded, and flukes were photographed to differentiate individuals observed at Mexican areas. A total of 15,384.4 km were travelled in MCP waters and 462 groups of humpback whales were sighted. The dominant group were single and pairs, observed mainly off Colima coast. The principal activity was traveling, and the least frequent activity was likely-feeding. A total of 420 individuals were photo-identified, and through their sighting history, it was possible to calculate that only 2.14% (1.67–12.5%) of them showed site fidelity; this indicates that the MCP is a transit zone to other reproductive areas. A photographic catalog of 798 individuals from Socorro Island was also analyzed to compare with the MCP catalog, but there were no photo-recaptures between two areas. The comparison with catalogs of 302 individuals from the Guerrero coast and 1,459 individuals from Banderas Bay resulted in interchange indices of 1.02E–06 and 2.93E–07, respectively. The MCP is part of the breeding ground of humpback whales, but it seems to be a transit area that does not offer optimum conditions for permanence and sustained habitat use, possibly due to regional anthropogenic activities.
{"title":"Spatial Ecology of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae, Cetacea-Balaenopteridae) from the Mexican Central Pacific1","authors":"Christian D. Ortega‐Ortiz, Andrea B. Cuevas-Soltero, R. X. García-Valencia, Astrid Frisch‐Jordán, Katherina Audley, A. Olivos-Ortiz, M. Liñán-Cabello","doi":"10.2984/76.2.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2984/76.2.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The Northeast Pacific subpopulation of the humpback whale migrates every winter-spring to Mexican waters to breed; however, their use of habitat in the Mexican Pacific remains unknown. We investigated the spatial ecology of the humpback whale in the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP) and connections with other Mexican areas. Surveys to search for humpback whales were conducted in winter-spring 2010–2019. The number of individuals, type of group, and activities were recorded, and flukes were photographed to differentiate individuals observed at Mexican areas. A total of 15,384.4 km were travelled in MCP waters and 462 groups of humpback whales were sighted. The dominant group were single and pairs, observed mainly off Colima coast. The principal activity was traveling, and the least frequent activity was likely-feeding. A total of 420 individuals were photo-identified, and through their sighting history, it was possible to calculate that only 2.14% (1.67–12.5%) of them showed site fidelity; this indicates that the MCP is a transit zone to other reproductive areas. A photographic catalog of 798 individuals from Socorro Island was also analyzed to compare with the MCP catalog, but there were no photo-recaptures between two areas. The comparison with catalogs of 302 individuals from the Guerrero coast and 1,459 individuals from Banderas Bay resulted in interchange indices of 1.02E–06 and 2.93E–07, respectively. The MCP is part of the breeding ground of humpback whales, but it seems to be a transit area that does not offer optimum conditions for permanence and sustained habitat use, possibly due to regional anthropogenic activities.","PeriodicalId":54650,"journal":{"name":"Pacific Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41843273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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