Annual Report of DCLE Birds and Bats Monitoring Project in RISL

DCLE Birds and Bats Monitoring Report #15

(Reporting period: October 2017–September 2018)

Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement

October 2018

Prepared by Daisuke Horii

Cover photograph: Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis) at Jellyfish Lake in June 2018

Contents ABSTRACT ...... 1 1 Introduction ...... 2 2 Purposes of this Monitoring Project ...... 2 3 Reporting Period ...... 2 4 Methods ...... 2 5 Monitoring Sites and Stations ...... 2 6 Surveyors ...... 3 7 Results and Discussion ...... 4 7.1 Species Richness and Rarity ...... 4 7.1.1 Result ...... 4 7.1.2 Discussion ...... 4 7.2 Diversity Index ...... 6 7.2.1 Result ...... 6 7.2.2 Discussion ...... 6 7.3 Keystone Indicator Species ...... 7 7.3.1 Result ...... 7 7.3.2 Discussion ...... 7 8 Other Remarkable Topics ...... 10 8.1 White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucocoryn pelewensis)...... 10 8.2 Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis) ...... 10 8.3 Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) ...... 11 8.4 Palau Ground Dove (Alopecoenas canifrons) ...... 11 8.5 Ngeanges after Rodent Eradication Project ...... 11 9 Outcomes ...... 12 10 Challenges and Recommendations ...... 12 11 Acknowledgments ...... 13 12 Reference ...... 13 Appendix 1. Monitoring Datasheet ...... 14 Appendix 2. Coordinates of Monitoring Stations ...... 15

ABSTRACT Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement (DCLE) has begun the monitoring project for birds and bats in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (RISL) since October 2017 with strong support from ornithologists from Belau National Museum. The DCLE monitoring team established a total of 14 sites with 28 stations and one transect line. The seven sites are visited every month, and the other seven sites are visited semi-annually (in March and September). Fifteen minutes stationary counting was applied for the stations and transect survey was applied for the transect line. A total of 573 datasheets with 6,920 records have been collected by September 2018. The data covered 41 species (40 birds and 1 bat) in RISL by then. Also, a new species record of Palau—Blue-and-White Flycatcher—was confirmed in October 2018, which was out of the reporting period, but only the finding is included in this report because of the significance. Thus, a total of 42 species were observed by the DCLE monitoring team in RISL in October 2018. In terms of species richness and rarity, seven species (Black Noddy, Collared Kingfisher, Micronesian Myzomela, Micronesian Starling, White tern, Morningbird, and Palau Fruit Dove) were observed at all of the 14 sites. The highest species richness was 32 species at Ngemelis followed by Jellyfish Lake and Ngchus with 31 species. Some species were commonly sighted at specific sites; for example, Giant White-eye was observed every time at Ngchus and nine out of 12 times at Ngeremdiu. Diversity indices—Shannon index (H’) and Simpson index (D)—were calculated to analyze biological diversities of the 14 sites. Ngchus and Ngemelis are the top two diverse sites of the monthly sites, and Ngerukuid and Ulebsechel are the top two sites of the semiannual sites. Micronesian Imperial Pigeon, Palau Bush Warbler, Palau Fruit Dove, and Micronesian Megapode were treated as Keystone Indicator Species based on the former study (MNRET, 2013) and their ecological characteristics. Jellyfish Lake had the highest mean values of the indicator species except for Micronesian Megapode. Therefore, it can be said that Jellyfish Lake holds one of the richest environments among the monthly sites. Aside from the regular monitoring, the DCLE monitoring team observed several remarkable things like the new species record of Blue-and-White Flycatcher. Another thing was the team found its nest and a pair of White-breasted Woodswallow at Ngeruktabel. It was a great finding because their breeding habits have not been well known in Palau. However, the nest became abandoned while the team monitored the nest once a month from April–June 2018. Through conducting the monitoring for a year, some operational and ecological challenges were recognized. It is recommeded to address that challenges, so that RISL will be a more attractive place for birds, other creatures and people in Palau.

1 Introduction The Republic of Palau is known as the biologically richest country among Micronesia (Pratt and Etpison, 2008). Total of 168 bird species are recorded (Otobed et al., 2018), and 13 species are endemic to Palau. The all endemic species can be found in the UNESCO World Heritage—Rock Island Southern Lagoon (RISL). Because birds are widespread, generally conspicuous, comparatively well-studied, and responsive to environmental change, they are known as useful biodiversity indicators (BirdLife International, 2018). It means that monitoring birds’ status tells us the environmental status of the RISL. The World Heritage inscription encourages the State Party—Koror State Government (KSG)—to “strengthen and formalize coordination and liaison on science and monitoring in the property among national and overseas organizations with a view to enhancing the use of such information in the adaptive management of the property” (UNESCO, 2012). Moreover, the Rock Island Southern Lagoon Management Plan (KSG, 2012) inscribes under Goal 1 Biodiversity/Natural System Health Enhancement, “to create a database of all relevant scientific knowledge about the RISL to identify critical knowledge gaps and use existing data to inform policy.” The bird’s status in the RISL has been studied by researchers (Pratt et al., 1980; VanderWef et al., 2006; Wiles and Conry, 1990); however, no regular (e.g., monthly) monitoring had been conducted in RISL. Therefore, Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement (DCLE) has begun the monitoring project since October 2017. This project has been consulted with ornithologists from the Belau National Museum (BNM).

2 Purposes of this Monitoring Project  To provide scientifically defensible data to inform the leadership of KSG and the leadership of Palau about the environmental status of RISL by using the birds as the indicators of the environment

3 Reporting Period October 2017–September 2018 (12 months)

4 Methods The monitoring method is designed based on existing protocols (DCLE and BNM, 2016; MNRET, 2013) and advice from ornithologists. The DCLE monitoring team conducted in the early morning from 7:00 AM through 9:00 AM. Stationary counting for 15 minutes or transect survey is applied based on the characteristics of the monitoring sites. All information is noted on the datasheet (Appendix 1). The data is stored in the DCLE database (MS Access 2013) as well as in eBird website (https://ebird.org/) with its DCLE account (https://ebird.org/profile/OTg0MDI4/PW).

5 Monitoring Sites and Stations The DCLE monitoring team established a total of 14 sites (Fig. 1) with 28 stations and one transect line. The seven sites are visited every month, and the other seven sites are visited semiannually (in March and September). All sites are selected by the monitoring plan (DCLE and BNM, 2016). The monitoring stations were located with the ornithologist. Signage (Fig. 2) for the stations has been installed at the monthly monitoring sites. All coordinates of the monitoring stations are shown in Appendix 2.

Fig. 1 The 14 Monitoring sites in RISL

Fig. 2 Signage for the monitoring stations

6 Surveyors Surveyors (Fig. 3) of this monitoring project are Conservation Officers and Coastal Management Officers of DCLE and an ornithologist from BNM. Ornithologists from BNM (Alan R. Olsen and Milang Eberdong) trained the DCLE officers for more than three months prior to the actual monitoring started in October 2017.

Fig. 3 Surveyors and assistants of the project

7 Results and Discussion There are three sections about the Results and Discussion; 7.1 Species Richness and Rarity, 7.2 Diversity Index, and 7.3 Key Stone Indicator Species. In each of the sections, the discussion comes following its results. 7.1 Species Richness and Rarity Species richness is the total number of species in the specific sites. Rarity is the frequency of observation of each species at each site. Those two indicators bring ideas at which sites particular species can be found more often than other sites. 7.1.1 Result The result is shown in Table 1. A total of 40 species was recorded in the 14 sites. Seven species (Black Noddy, Collared Kingfisher, Micronesian Myzomela, Micronesian Starling, White tern, Morningbird, and Palau Fruit Dove) were observed at all of the 14 sites. The highest species richness was 32 species at Ngemelis followed by Jellyfish Lake and Ngchus with 31 species. Some species were commonly sighted at specific sites; Giant White-eye was observed every time at Ngchus and nine times in Ngeremdiu, Little Pied Cormorant was found ten times in Jellyfish Lake. Red Junglefowl was not recorded in Ngeanges even though the bird is commonly distributed in the other rock islands. The species richness in semiannual sites cannot be compared with monthly sites because the monitoring efforts between the two categories were different—twelve times for the monthly monitoring sites and two times for the semiannual sites for a year. 7.1.2 Discussion All of the 14 endemic species (13 bird species and one bat species) can be found in RISL (Olsen and Milang, 2017). The DCLE monitoring team has recorded 11 endemic species in RISL. The unrecorded endemic species were Palau Owl, Palau Nightjar, and Palau Ground Dove. Palau Owl and Palau Nightjar are nocturnal species, so it is unlikely to be found by monitoring at daytime. Palau Ground Dove is known to live at Ulong, but it is said that the population is becoming very low. Its status in the ICUN Red List is currently NT (Near Threaten), but the status will probably be changed in November 2018 (see 8.4). The sound of Slaty-legged Crake was heard at Jellyfish Lake. Pratt and Etpison (2008) reported that the bird could be found in RISL, but only one sight, at Ngerukutable in 2012, had been reported in eBird before we found it at Jellyfish Lake in 2018.

Table 1 Result of Species Richness and Frequency of Observation in RISL (October 2017–September 2018) Species Monthly Sites (Total 12 times visit) Semi‐annual Sites (Total 2 times visit) Species \ Sites Coverage Ngemelis Jellyfish Lake Ngchus Euidelchol Ngeremdiu Ulong Ngeanges Ulebsechel Ngerchong Ngeruktabel Ngerukuid Mecherchar Babelomekang Kmekumer 1Palau Fruit Dove 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2Micronesian Starling 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 3Black Noddy 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 11 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 4 Collared Kingfisher 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 5Micronesian Myzomela 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 6 Morningbird 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 9 time(s) 10 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 9 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 7White Tern 14 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 9 time(s) 9 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 8Palau Flycatcher 13 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 9 time(s) 10 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 9Dusky White‐eye 13 site(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 9 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 10 Palau Fantail 13 site(s) 11 time(s) 11 time(s) 10 time(s) 10 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 11 Citrine White‐eye 13 site(s) 9 time(s) 12 time(s) 9 time(s) 10 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 10 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 12 Palau Swiftlet 13 site(s) 10 time(s) 10 time(s) 9 time(s) 8 time(s) 8 time(s) 9 time(s) 5 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 13 Sulphur‐crested Cockatoo 13 site(s) 9 time(s) 9 time(s) 7 time(s) 3 time(s) 10 time(s) 10 time(s) 8 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 14 White‐tailed Tropicbird 13 site(s) 8 time(s) 9 time(s) 9 time(s) 7 time(s) 5 time(s) 12 time(s) 6 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 15 Brown Noddy 13 site(s) 11 time(s) 7 time(s) 8 time(s) 5 time(s) 6 time(s) 9 time(s) 4 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 16 Micronesian Megapode 12 site(s) 12 time(s) 1 time(s) 7 time(s) 6 time(s) 4 time(s) 12 time(s) 11 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 17 Palau Bush Warbler 11 site(s) 6 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 12 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 18 Palau Fruit Bat 11 site(s) 10 time(s) 8 time(s) 8 time(s) 6 time(s) 5 time(s) 8 time(s) 10 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 19 Micronesian Imperial Pigeon 11 site(s) 11 time(s) 12 time(s) 8 time(s) 3 time(s) 7 time(s) 12 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 20 Nicobar Pigeon 11 site(s) 5 time(s) 4 time(s) 6 time(s) 2 time(s) 2 time(s) 7 time(s) 5 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 21 Eclectus Parrot 10 site(s) 4 time(s) 6 time(s) 4 time(s) 1 time(s) 6 time(s) 1 time(s) 4 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 22 Rufous Night Heron 9 site(s) 6 time(s) 2 time(s) 5 time(s) 1 time(s) 8 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 23 Red Junglefowl 8 site(s) 3 time(s) 7 time(s) 7 time(s) 1 time(s) 10 time(s) 8 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 24 Giant White‐eye 8 site(s) 4 time(s) 1 time(s) 12 time(s) 9 time(s) 3 time(s) 3 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 25 Pacific Reef Heron 8 site(s) 4 time(s) 1 time(s) 3 time(s) 3 time(s) 6 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 26 Palau Cicadabird 8 site(s) 6 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 27 Black‐naped Tern 8 site(s) 3 time(s) 3 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 28 Rusty‐capped Kingfisher 6 site(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 4 time(s) 1 time(s) 29 Common Sandpiper 5 site(s) 6 time(s) 4 time(s) 3 time(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 30 Little Pied Cormorant 3 site(s) 10 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 31 Blue‐faced Parrotfinch 3 site(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 1 time(s) 32 Bridled Tern 3 site(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 2 time(s) 33 Greater Crested Tern 2 site(s) 1 time(s) 1 time(s) 34 Slaty‐legged Crake 1 site(s) 2 time(s) 35 Eastern Cattle Egret 1 site(s) 1 time(s) 36 Grey Wagtail 1 site(s) 1 time(s) 37 Grey‐streaked Flycatcher 1 site(s) 1 time(s) 38 Grey‐tailed Tattler 1 site(s) 1 time(s) 39 Lesser Frigatebird 1 site(s) 1 time(s) 40 Pacific Golden Plover 1 site(s) 1 time(s) Species Richness at each site 31 species 30 species 30 species 28 species 27 species 26 species 26 species 22 species 22 species 21 species 21 species 21 species 15 species 12 species

7.2 Diversity Index Diversity index is a quantitative measure of species diversity in a community. Shannon index (H’) and Simpson index (D), which are commonly used to describe species diversity, were applied in this report. Those indices account for both abundance and evenness of the species present. Technically, H’ is equally sensitive to rare and abundant species, and D is sensitive to abundant species (Morris et al., 2014) The Shannon index (H’) is calculated by following the equation. The index (H’) becomes higher when diversity is higher. S (species richness) is the total number of species in the community; Pi is the proportion of S made up of the ith species. ln The Simpson index (D) equals the probability that two entities taken at random from the dataset of interest (with replacement) represent the different type. S and Pi are the same definitions as of the Shannon index. In Simpson index, rare species with only a few representatives do not affect the diversity.

1 To calculate those indices, the dataset was sorted out based on the following rules: (1) X (presence) data is converted into 10 counts data; (2) Species data which was counted out of the count-time (i.e., 15 minutes) are included for indices calculation, (3) The abundance of each species at each site is the total number of the abundance of each month. 7.2.1 Result Table 2 shows the diversity indices (H’ and D) and species richness (S) of the monitoring data. The numbers in red represent the highest biodiversity in each of the criteria (H’, D, and S), while the numbers in blue represent the lowest biodiversity. With regard to monthly monitoring sites, based on the Shannon index (H’), Ngchus (3.0056) is the most diverse community followed by Ngemelis (3.0015) and Ulong (2.9504). According to the Simpson index D, Ngemelis (0.9368) is the most followed by Ulong (0.9342) and Ngchus (0.9339). In the semiannual monitoring sites, top 3 diverse sites were Ngerukuid (H’=2.8600, D=0.9364), Ulebsechel (H’=2.8268, D=0.9278), and Mecherchar (H’=2.7573, D=0.9238). Table 2 Diversity Indices and Richness at Monitoring Sites Monthly sites Semiannual sites Site H’ D S Site H’ D S Ngchus 3.0056 0.9339 31 Ngerukuid 2.8600 0.9364 22 Ngemelis 3.0015 0.9368 32 Ulebsechel 2.8268 0.9278 23 Ulong 2.9504 0.9342 27 Mecherchar 2.7573 0.9238 22 Ngeanges 2.9035 0.9334 27 Ngerchong 2.7402 0.9206 23 Jellyfish Lake 2.8855 0.9278 31 Ngeruktabel 2.7020 0.9072 22 Ngeremdiu 2.8602 0.9203 28 Babelomekang 2.4083 0.8823 16 Euidelchol 2.8044 0.9222 29 Kmekumer 2.3065 0.8871 13

7.2.2 Discussion The monthly sites and semiannual sites are separately considered because the species richness is one of the main factors for the indices, and monthly sites have higher species richness than semiannual site due to the number of monitoring conducted for a year. However, the semiannual site of Ngerukuid has relatively higher diversity in terms of the Simpson index (D)—its D is the second highest value in total. Because D are sensitive to abundant species, it implies an abundance of each species were large in Ngerukuid even though the species richness was low (i.e., 22). 6

7.3 Keystone Indicator Species Although all birds are known as good indicator species, some species are described as playing critical roles in the environment. They are called “keystone species.” In Palau, three forest-dependent birds are suggested as the keystone indicator species by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment & Tourism (MNRET, 2013). They are Micronesian Imperial Pigeon (Ducula oceanica), Palau Bush Warbler (Horornis annae), and Palau Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus pelewensis). Micronesian Megapode (Megapdius laperouse senex) is also considered as a suitable indicator species in this report because it needs a unique environment to make their nest mounds. Also, the megapode is listed as EN (endangered species) under the ICUN Red List, so their status is important for conservation purpose. The megapode occurs only in Palau and the Northern Mariana Islands (BirdLife International, 2018). 7.3.1 Result Table 3 shows mean abundance, maximum abundance, and standard deviation of each of the keystone indicator species for the 15 minutes counts. Only the maximum abundance is shown in the semiannual sites because those sites were monitored only twice a year (n=2). The highest mean abundance of each species in the monthly sites are follows: Micronesian Imperial Pigeon with 6.75 (SD=3.47), Palau Bush Warbler with 7.83 (SD=3.83), and Palau Fruit Dove with 18.75 (SD=5.97) at Jellyfish Lake; Micronesian Megapode with 7.08 (SD=2.47) at Ulong. Fig. 4–Fig. 7 on the next page show the abundance of each species by months and sites. Monthly monitoring sites are described as line graphs, and semiannual monitoring sites are described as bar graphs. 7.3.2 Discussion The results describe the population differences of the indicator species among the sites. Jellyfish Lake had the highest mean values of the indicator species except for Micronesian Megapode. Therefore, it can be said that Jellyfish Lake holds one of the richest environment among the monthly sites. It is hard to see the trends of population change of the indicator species with only one year data (Fig. 4–Fig. 7), but it is expected to see some clear trends after long-term monitoring. It is known that megapodes inhabit Ngerukuid (VanderWerf, 2007) and Kmekumer (Olsen et al., 2012), but the DCLE monitoring team could not observe megapodes in those islands during the visits. In Ngerukuid, the team did not conduct monitoring on the islands but from a boat; therefore, there were less chances to see and hear them. Table 3 Keystone Indicator Species Species Micronesian Palau Palau Micronesian Sites Imperial Pigeon Bush Warbler Fruit Dove Megapode mean Max. SD mean Max. SD mean Max. SD mean Max. SD Euidelchol 0.25 1 0.45 5.75 16 4.83 12.42 17 4.06 1.00 3 1.13 Jellyfish Lake 6.75 11 3.47 7.83 17 3.83 18.75 33 5.97 0.08 1 0.29 Monthly Ngchus 2.67 11 3.39 6.42 13 3.68 16.75 42 10.24 1.33 4 1.37 Sites Ngeanges 0.17 2 0.58 6.17 11 2.48 6.33 13 2.64 3.42 6 1.78 (n=12) Ngemelis 3.67 13 3.80 1.33 5 1.67 11.00 18 4.90 5.25 8 1.60 Ngeremdiu 1.08 4 1.24 7.17 19 4.45 16.25 38 10.78 0.75 3 1.14 Ulong 2.25 4 1.06 5.42 13 3.70 15.25 34 7.62 7.08 11 2.47

Max Max Max Max Babelomekang 2 7 34 1 Kmekumer 0 0 5 0 Semiannu Mecherchar 0 6 20 7 al Ngerchong 0 0 14 5 Sites Ngeruktabel 3 33 6 (n=2) 10 Ngerukuid 8 0 14 0 Ulebechel 3 8 32 5 *SD: standard deviations, Max.: maximum

Counts 6

0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 2017 2018 Micronesian Imperial Pigeon

Babelomekang Kmekumer Mecherchar Ngerchong Ngeruktabel Ngerukuid Ulebsechel Euidelchol Jellyfish Lake Ngchus Ngeanges Ngemelis Ngeremdiu Ulong

Fig. 4 Monthly Counts of Micronesian Imperial Pigeon

20 18 16 14 12 10

Counts 8 6 4 2 0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 2017 2018 Palau Bush Warbler

Babelomekang Kmekumer Mecherchar Ngerchong Ngeruktabel Ngerukuid Ulebsechel Euidelchol Jellyfish Lake Ngchus Ngeanges Ngemelis Ngeremdiu Ulong

Fig. 5 Monthly Counts of Palau Bush Warbler

45 40 35 30 25 20 Counts 15 10 5 0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 2017 2018 Palau Fruit Dove

Babelomekang Kmekumer Mecherchar Ngerchong Ngeruktabel Ngerukuid Ulebsechel Euidelchol Jellyfish Lake Ngchus Ngeanges Ngemelis Ngeremdiu Ulong

Fig. 6 Monthly Counts of Palau Fruit Dove

6 Counts 4

0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 2017 2018 Micronesian Megapode

Babelomekang Kmekumer Mecherchar Ngerchong Ngeruktabel Ngerukuid Ulebsechel Euidelchol Jellyfish Lake Ngchus Ngeanges Ngemelis Ngeremdiu Ulong

Fig. 7 Monthly Counts of Micronesian Megapode

8 Other Remarkable Topics The DCLE monitoring team sometimes encounters remarkable birds and scene aside from the regular monitoring with 15 minutes count. In this section, those exceptional topics are mentioned. 8.1 White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucocoryn pelewensis) The DCLE monitoring team searched Ngeruktabel to look for White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorhynchus pelewensis) from the boat. Then, a pair of the bird and its nest was found in April 2018. Eggs and juveniles were not confirmed from the boat, but two adults were taking turns sitting on the nest. It seemed that they were taking care of unseen eggs together. Their breeding habits are not well known in Palau (Pratt and Etpison, 2008). Past three identified nests of the bird in RISL were not succeeded (information form Glenn Mckinlay). One month later, the DCLE monitoring team revisited the nest. The nest was abandoned even though it did not look damaged; it seemed just like before (intact). The pair was perching about 10 meters far from the original place where the nest locates. The pair flew often, but their new nest could not be found. They kept calling each other or alarming to the DCLE monitoring team.

Fig. 8 White-breasted Woodswallow and its nest (red circle) in RISL

8.2 Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis) The DCLE monitoring team found a nest with one unhatched egg of Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis) at the rock island where Ranger’s outpost locates in Ngemelis in September 2018. The egg hatched one month after the first visit. The monitoring team saw its nestling.

Fig. 9 A Nest of Nicobar Pigeon at Ngemelis (Left: The nestling of Nicobar Pigeon, Right: Surveyors searching the nest)

8.3 Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) The DCLE monitoring team found an unfamiliar bird at Euidelchol in October 2018. This finding was shared with the Palau Bird Records Committee, then it was identified as first-year male Blue-and-white Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana). This species is the new record in Palau as well as in Micronesia region. It will be the 169th bird species in Palau since the Palau Bird Records Committee recognized 168 species by 2018r (Otobed et al., 2018). The flycatcher is native in Japan, Korea, China, and Russia for breeding season; Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia countries, such as the Philippines, for non- breeding season (BirdLife International, 2018). Although the month the bird was seen was out of this reporting period, it is noteworthy to put that significant finding in this report.

Fig. 10 Blue-and-White Flycatcher at Euidelchol

8.4 Palau Ground Dove (Alopecoenas canifrons) The DCLE monitoring team could not observe Palau Ground-Dove (Alopecoenas canifrons) during the reporting period in RISL. The bird is currently listed as NT (Near Threaten) under the IUCN Red List; however, local people and birders have claimed it is getting scarce to see the bird. The status will probably be changed to EN (Endangered) in November 2018 according to Hannah Wheatley from the BirdLife International. The discussion can be found at the BirdLife’s Globally Threatened Bird Forums (https://globally-threatened-bird-forums.birdlife.org). The DCLE’s monitoring results were also used for the debate on its amendment.

8.5 Ngeanges after Rodent Eradication Project Island Conservation and DCLE conducted a rodent eradication project in Ngeanges in March–April 2017. Before the eradication, DCLE Conservation Officers captured four Micronesian Megapode in Ngeanges and then moved them to Ngemelis in order to let them be apart from the poisonous baits. After the project, the four captive megapodes were returned to Ngeanges with a leg band in May 2017. During this reporting period, there was no significant change in the status of birds in Ngeanges, but it is hoped that the increase in population and species will be confirmed in the future.

9 Outcomes The DCLE bird monitoring project brought several outcomes. Key numbers are shown in Table 4. A total of 573 datasheets, which includes 6,920 records, have been collected by September 2018. Table 4 Key Numbers Key Numbers Detail 573 datasheets 573 datasheets have been collected by September 2018. 6,920 records 6,920 records have been stored in the database by September 2018 42 species The DCLE monitoring team found 42 species (41 birds and 1 bat) in RISL by October 2018. The 40 species were found in the regular monitoring (15 minutes count), and the other 2 species (White-breasted Woodswallow and Blue-and-White Flycatcher) were found out of the 15 minutes count. 42 days The monitoring was conducted for 42 days from October 2017–September 2018. 14 sites The monitoring covered 14 sites—7 monthly sites and 7 semiannual sites. 29 stations There were total 28 stations and 1 transect line at the 14 sites. 10 surveyors Conservation Officers and Coastal Management Officers have deepened their skills on how to identify birds by sounds and sights. A total of 10 staffs—5 Conservation Officers, 3 Coastal Management Officers, 1 Supervisor, and 1 Expert—contributed the datasheets. 1 new species The DCLE monitoring team found a new species record (Blue-and-White Flycatcher) at Euidelchol in Palau in October 2018.

10 Challenges and Recommendations Operational and ecological challenges were recognized (Table 5). RISL will be a more attractive place for birds, other creatures and people by addressing that challenges. Table 5 Challenges and Recommendations Category Challenges Details and Recommendations Ecological Habitat loss Some habitats for birds were cleared for tourists’ use in RISL. For challenges example, there is little vegetation on the floor at Ulong that might have affected decrease of opportunities to see Palau Ground Dove. It is recommended that the development of tourist area should be considered with the ecological relationship. Harassment DCLE found one juvenile of Whilte-tailed Tropicbird died in its nest at Ulong. The nest located very close to tourists’ benches, and tourists sometimes harassed the bird. It is recommended to install signage to inform that harassing wildlife is inappropriate. Operational Unexpected encounter DCLE monitoring team sometimes encountered rare birds or challenges unique behavior of the birds. That situation is recorded on datasheets, but the evidence (i.e., pictures) is essential. It is recommended to purchase cameras with a high magnification lens because DCLE currently does not have those cameras. Unexpected weather It is sometimes hard to decide whether DCLE monitoring team can condition go to RISL when the weather condition is not good. It is recommended to have a specific procedure on postponement (e.g., postpone if the white flag is up).

11 Acknowledgments We, DCLE, would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Alan R. Olsen, who passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2018, contributes great passion and dedication to realize the DCLE Birds and Bats Monitoring Project for birds and people in Palau. Also, we thank Milang Eberdong for his long continuous commitment to support the DCLE monitoring team, and the Palau Bird Records Committee for their strong support and their identification of Blue-and-White Flycatcher.

12 Reference BirdLife International (2018) Monitoring and indicators. Retrieved March 30, 2018from http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/science/monitoring-and-indicators BirdLife International (2018) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 26/10/2018. DCLE and BNM (2016) Bird Monitoring Plan of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage Site KSG (2012) Rock Island Southern Lagoon Management Plan 2012-2016 MNRET (2013) Standardized Protocol for the Environmental Monitoring of Terrestrial and Coastal Protected Areas Otobed, Demei & R. Olsen, Alan & Eberdong, Milang & Ketebengang, Heather & T. Etpison, Mandy & Pratt, Doug & H. McKinlay, Glenn & Wiles, Gary & A. VanderWerf, Eric & O'Brien, Mark & Leidich, Ron & Basilius, Umai & Yalap, Yalap. (2018). First Report of the Palau Bird Records Committee. Western Birds. 49. 192-205. 10.21199/WB49.3.2. Pratt, H. D. & Engbring, J. & Bruner, P. L., & Berrett, D. G. (1980) Notes on the taxonomy, natural history, and status of the resident birds of Palau. Condor 82:117–131. Pratt, H.D. and T. Etpison, Mandy (2008) Birds and Bats of Palau R. Olsen, Alan & Eberdong, Milang & Ketebengang, Heather & Po-hao, Chen (2012) Nesting Mounds and Status of an Endemic Subspecies of the Endangered Micronesian Megapode, Megapodius laperouse senex Hartlaub 1867 (Megapodiidae), in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage Site, Palau Islands, Oceania. R. Olsen, Alan and Eberdong, Milang (2017) Survey of the Non-Migratory Birds of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage Site in Palau. Micronesica 2017-03, 6 pp. UNESCO (2012) WHC-12/36.COM/8B Nominations to the World Heritage List VanderWerf, E. A. & Wiles, G. J. & Marshall, A. P., & Knecht, M. (2006) Observations of migrants and other birds in Palau, April–May 2006, including the first Micronesian record of a Richard’s Pipit. Micronesica 39:11–29. VanderWerf, E. A. (2007) 2005 bird surveys in the Republic of Palau. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Honolulu, Hawaii. Wiles, G. J., & Conry, P. J. (1990) Terrestrial vertebrates of the Ngerukewid Islands wildlife preserve. Micronesica 23:41–66.

Appendix 1. Monitoring Datasheet

Appendix 2. Coordinates of Monitoring Stations Category Site Station Longitude (E) Latitude (N) Note Monthly Ulong Station1 134.28346 7.28419 Monitoring Station2 134.28243 7.28582 Sites Station3 134.28165 7.28701 Ngchus Station1 134.37012 7.22362

Station2 134.36966 7.22452 Euidelchol Station1 134.36076 7.18960 Chelechol era Kesiil

Station2 134.36073 7.18828 Chelechol era Kesiil Jellyfish Lake Station1 134.37454 7.16330

Station2 134.37504 7.16200 Ngeremdiu Station1 134.44471 7.25485 Station2 134.44356 7.25641 Station3 134.44205 7.25775 Ngeanges Station1 134.37389 7.20673 Station2 134.37297 7.20814 Station3 134.37174 7.20952 Ngemelis Station1 134.23512 7.13004 Station2 134.23386 7.13174 Transect1 – – Semiannual Babelomekang Station1 134.31897 7.14716 Monithoring Kmekumer Station1 134.24025 7.19058 Sites Mecherchar Station1 134.38308 7.13642 Bkul A Chesemiich Station2 134.38178 7.14151 Ngeroblobang Ngerechong Station1 134.36422 7.11510

Station2 134.36391 7.11387 Ngerukeuid Station1 134.26144 7.18102 On boat Station2 134.26405 7.17662 On boat Ngeruktabel Station1 134.38772 7.23162 Klou el Mariar Ulebsechel Station1 134.49030 7.30176 Station2 134.48274 7.31379 On boat