Recent Scientific Papers

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Recent Scientific Papers Recent Scientific Papers Feel free to download published open access scientific papers by SIF staff and research collaborators. If there is a specific paper that you would like a copy of which is listed here but not open access please contact us. 2019 Bunbury N et al. (2019) Five eradications, three species, three islands: Overview, insights and recommendations from invasive bird eradications in the Seychelles. In: IUCN Island Invasives: Scaling up to meet the challenge. Proceedings of the international conference on island invasives 2017 Holmes ND et al. (2019) Globally important islands where eradicating invasive mammals will benefit highly threatened vertebrates. PLoS ONE 14 (3): e0212128. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212128 Labisko J, Griffiths RA, Chong-Seng L, Bunbury N, Maddock ST, Bradfield KS, Taylor ML, & Groombridge JJ. (2019) Endemic, endangered and evolutionarily significant: cryptic lineages in Seychelles’ frogs (Anura: Sooglossidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 126 (3): 417–435. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/bly183 Walton R, Baxter R, Bunbury N, Hansen DM, Fleischer-Dogley F, Greenwood S, & Schaepman-Strub G. (In press) In the land of giants: Habitat use and selection of the Aldabra giant tortoise on Aldabra Atoll. Biodiversity & Conservation 2018 Bunbury N, von Brandis R, Currie JC, van de Crommenacker J, Accouche W, Birch D, Chong-Seng L, Doak N, Haupt P, Haverson P, Jean-Baptiste M, Fleischer-Dogley F (2018). Late stage dynamics of a successful feral goat eradication from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Biological Invasions 20: 1735–1747. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-017-1657-0 Falcon W, Baxter RP, Furrer S, Bauert M, Hatt J-M, Schaepman-Strub G, Ozgul A, Bunbury N, Clauss M & Hansen D. Patterns of activity and body temperature of Aldabra giant tortoises in relation to environmental temperature. Ecology & Evolution 8(4):2108-2121. doi: 10.1002/ece3.3766 Fogell DJ, Martin RO, Bunbury N, Lawson B, Sells J, McKeand AM, Tatayah V, Trung CT, Groombridge JJ (2018). Trade and conservation implications of new beak and feather disease virus detection in native and introduced parrots. Conservation Biology 32 (6): 1325-1335. Hamylton S, Hagan A, Bunbury N, Fleischer-Dogley F, Spencer T (2018) Mapping the lagoon at Aldabra Atoll, Western Indian Ocean. Atoll Research Bulletin 619: 45-59 Scheyer TM, Delfino M, Klein N, Bunbury N, Fleischer-Dogley F, Hansen DM (2018). Trophic interactions between lager crocodylians and giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll, Western Indian Ocean, during the late Pleistocene. Royal Society Open Science 5: 171800. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.171800 2017 Haverkamp PJ, Shekeine J, de Jong R, Schaepman M, Turnbull LA, Baxter R, Hansen D, Bunbury N, Fleischer-Dogley F, Schaepman-Strub G (2017). Giant tortoise habitats under increasing drought conditions on Aldabra Atoll – Ecological indicators to monitor rainfall anomalies and related vegetation activity. Ecological Indicators 80: 354-362 Hansen DM, Austin JJ, Baxter RH, de Boer EJ, Falcon W, Norder SJ, Rijsdijk KF, Thebaud C, Bunbury N & Warren BH. (year). Origins of endemic island tortoises in the western Indian Ocean: a critique of the human-translocation hypothesis. Journal of Biogeography, 44: 1430-1435 Rocha S, Perera A, Bunbury N, Kaiser-Bunbury CN & Harris J. (2016). Speciation history and species- delimitation within the Seychelles bronze geckos, Ailuronyx spp.: molecular and morphological evidence. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2016: 1-21 Santamaria C, Bluemel J, Bunbury N & Curran M. (2017). Cryptic biodiversity and phylogeographic patterns of Seychellois Ligia isopods. PeerJ 5:e3894 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3894 2016 Jackson H, Bunbury N, Przelomska N & Groombridge JJ. (2016). Evolutionary distinctiveness and historical decline in genetic diversity in the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis nigra barklyi. Ibis 158(2): 380–394 Morgan E, Määttänen K, Kaiser-Bunbury CN, Buser A, Fleischer-Dogley F & Kettle C. (2016). Development of twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci for the endangered Seychelles palm Lodoicea maldivica (Arecaceae). Applications in Plant Sciences 4: 1500119 van de Crommenacker J, Richards H, Onezia C, Mahoune T, Accouche W, Fleischer-Dogley F & Bunbury N. (2016) Long-term monitoring of landbirds on Aldabra Atoll indicates increasing population trends. Bird Conservation International 26(3): 337–349 2015 Edwards PJ, Fleischer-Dogley F & Kaiser-Bunbury CN. (2015). The nutrient economy of Lodoicea maldivica, a monodominant palm producing the world’s largest seed. New Phytologist 206: 990–999 Harper G & Bunbury N. (2015) Invasive rats on tropical islands: their population biology and impacts on native species. Global Ecology & Conservation 3: 607–627 Harper G, van Dinther M, Russell J & Bunbury N. (2015) The response of black rats (Rattus rattus) to evergreen and seasonally arid habitats: informing eradication planning on a tropical island. Biological Conservation 185: 66–74 Harris DJ, Perera A, Valente J, Rocha S. 2015. Deep genetic differentiation within Janetaescincus spp. (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Seychelles Islands. Herpetological Journal 25: 205-213. Kaiser-Bunbury C, Fleischer-Dogley F, Dogley D & Bunbury N. (2015) Scientists’ responsibilities towards evidence-based conservation in Small Island Developing States. Journal of Applied Ecology 52: 7–11 Labisko J, Maddock ST, Taylor ML, ChongSeng L, Gower DJ, Wynne F, Wombwell E, Morel C, French GCA, Bunbury N & Bradfield KS. (2015) Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) undetected in the two orders of Seychelles amphibians. Herpetological Review. 64: 41–45 Turnbull LA, Ozgul A, Accouche W, Baxter R, Chongseng L, Currie J, Doak N, Hansen D, Pistorius P, Richards H, van de Crommenacker J, von Brandis R, Fleischer-Dogley F & Bunbury N. (2015) Persistence of distinctive morphotypes in the native range of the CITES-listed Aldabra giant tortoise. Ecology & Evolution DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1764 van de Crommenacker J, Bourgeois YXC, Warren BH, Jackson H, Fleischer-Dogley F, Groombridge J & Bunbury N. (2015) Using molecular tools to guide management of invasive alien species: assessing the genetic impact of a recently introduced island bird population. Diversity & Distributions 21(12): 1414–1427 van Dinther M, Bunbury N & Kaiser-Bunbury CN. (2015) Trial of herbicide control methods for sisal (Agave sisalana) in the arid island environment of Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Conservation Evidence 12: 14–18 2014 Bunbury N. (2014) Distribution, seasonality and habitat preferences of the endangered Madagascar pond-heron Ardeola idae on Aldabra Atoll: 2009–2012. Ibis 156: 233–235 Kaiser-Bunbury C, Cuthbert H, Fox R, Birch D & Bunbury N. (2014) Invasion of yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in a Seychelles UNESCO palm forest. NeoBiota 22: 43–57 Martin RO, Perrin MR, Boyes RS, Abebe YD, Annorbah ND, Asamoah A, Bizimana D, Bobo K, Bunbury N et al. (2014) Research and conservation of the larger parrots of Africa and Madagascar: a review of knowledge gaps and opportunities. Ostrich 85: 205–233 Reuleaux A, Richards H, Payet T, Villard P, Waltert M & Bunbury N. (2014) Breeding ecology of the Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis barklyi. Ostrich 85: 255–265 Reuleaux A, Richards H, Payet T, Villard P, Waltert M & Bunbury N. (2014) Insights into the feeding ecology of the Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis barklyi using two monitoring approaches. Ostrich 85: 245–253 2013 Bunbury N, von Brandis R, Currie J, Jean-Baptiste M, Accouche W, Souyave J, Haupt P & Fleischer-Dogley F. (2013). Goats eradicated from Aldabra Atoll. IUCN Aliens Bulletin 33: 18-24 Bunbury N, Mahoune T, Raguain J & Richards H. (2013). Red-whiskered bulbuls eradicated from Aldabra Atoll. IUCN Aliens Bulletin 33: 8-9 Mortimer JA & von Brandis RG. (2013). Mortality of adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at the nesting beaches of Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Chelonian Conservation & Biology 12(1): 151–157 Quanz C, Bunbury N & Fleischer-Dogley F. (2013) Improving the sustainable operation of a World Heritage Site: Increasing energy efficiency and implementing a renewable energy system on Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. PARKS: International Journal for Protected Areas Conservation 19: 47-58 Reuleaux A, Bunbury N, Villard P & Waltert M. (2013) Status, distribution and recommendations for monitoring of the Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) barklyi. Oryx 47: 561–568 Šúr M, Bunbury N & van de Crommenacker J. (2013a) Frigatebirds on Aldabra Atoll: Census, recommended monitoring protocol and sustainable tourism guidelines. Bird Conservation International 23: 214–220 Šúr M, van de Crommenacker J & Bunbury N. (2013b) Assessing effectiveness of reintroduction of the flightless Aldabra rail on Picard Island, Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Conservation Evidence 10: 80–84 2012 Hagan AB, Hamylton SM & Doak N. (2012). Observations of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean: Lagoon Habitat Mapping and Spatial Analysis of Sighting Records. International Journal of Geographic Information Science 26 (5): 839-853 Hamylton S, Spencer T & Hagan AB. (2012). Spatial modelling of benthic cover using remote sensing data in the Aldabra lagoon, western Indian Ocean. Marine Ecology Progress Series 460: 35-47 Mortimer JA. (2012). Seasonality of Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) reproduction at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles (1981–2008) in the context of the Western Indian Ocean regions (1981–2008) and in the wider Western Indian Ocean region. Chelonian
Recommended publications
  • 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment
    IUCN World Heritage Outlook: https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve - 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve 2020 Conservation Outlook Assessment SITE INFORMATION Country: Seychelles Inscribed in: 1983 Criteria: (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) In the heart of the small island of Praslin, the reserve has the vestiges of a natural palm forest preserved in almost its original state. The famouscoco de mer, from a palm-tree once believed to grow in the depths of the sea, is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. © UNESCO SUMMARY 2020 Conservation Outlook Finalised on 01 Dec 2020 GOOD WITH SOME CONCERNS The protection and management of Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is generally effective and is supported by a national legal framework, although there is a lack of a national protected area system. The management authority is very competent and is effectively implementing science-based programs and outreach and education schemes. However, the future of the site’s key value, the coco de mer palm, is still under threat from illegal collection and over-exploitation for its nuts and kernel. The site's management has reduced both commercial harvesting and illegal collection of nuts based on scientific research, although the conservation impacts of these requires further assessment. The National Government and the managing agency are implementing targeted conservation measures and aim to tighten law and legislation to protect the species, which include an increase in penalty for poaching of coco de mer nuts. Current priorities for the Nature Reserve include continuation and expansion of the outreach and education programme; promoting an increase in the size and connectivity of Vallée de Mai within the Praslin Island landscape, with a legally designated buffer zone; increasing anti-poaching; and continuing to control the harvesting of coco de mer seeds while expanding a program of replanting seedlings.
    [Show full text]
  • Status, Distribution and Recommendations for Monitoring of the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis (Nigra) Barklyi
    Status, distribution and recommendations for monitoring of the Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) barklyi A. REULEAUX,N.BUNBURY,P.VILLARD and M . W ALTERT Abstract The Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) species (Snyder et al., 2000). Their conservation, however, barklyi, endemic to the Seychelles islands, is the only remains a significant challenge. Almost 30% of the c. 330 surviving parrot on the archipelago. Although originally parrot species are threatened (compared to 13% of all birds, classified as a subspecies of the lesser vasa parrot Coracopsis Hoffmann et al., 2010), primarily because of habitat nigra evidence now indicates that the Seychelles population destruction or capture for the pet trade (Snyder et al., may be a distinct species, in which case its conservation 2000), and the Psittacidae is the avian family with the status also requires reassessment. Here, we address the highest number (both relative and absolute) of taxa on status of the C. (n.) barklyi population on the islands of its the IUCN Red List (Collar, 2000). Twelve parrot species are current and likely historical range, Praslin and Curieuse, known to have become extinct since 1600 and historical assess the effect of habitat type on relative abundance, and evidence suggests that others have also been lost identify the most appropriate point count duration for (Stattersfield, 1988). Ten of these documented extinctions monitoring the population. We conducted point count were endemic island species. Such species have typically distance sampling at 268 locations using habitat type as a restricted ranges and population sizes, which make them covariate in the modelling of the detection function.
    [Show full text]
  • Seychelles Birding Trip Report
    Seychelles birding trip report From December 26 (2008) to January 6 (2009) we spend our Christmas holidays on the Seychelles. Curiosity was the main driving force to visit this archipelago in the Indian ocean. Our goals were to see various islands, relax on the wonderful beaches, enjoy the local cuisine, snorkel the coral reefs, and last but not least do some birdwatching. We tried to see and photograph as many as possible endemics and tropical sea birds. December or January is definitely not the best time to visit the Seychelles because it’s the rainy season, and it’s outside the breeding season, making it hard to see some bird species or good numbers. Indeed we had a few days with a lot of rain and other days with very cloudy skies and wind. About half of the time we had marvelous sunny beach weather. Day time temperature usually was around 30°C. With regard to birding the preparation consisted of reading a number of trip reports from internet (see: www.travellingbirder.com) and the ‘Birds of the Seychelles’ by Skerrett et al. (2001). To see all endemics of the northern island of the Seychelles (the so-called granitic group) at least 4 islands need to be visit: Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and Cousin. The first three island can be visited at any time. Tourist day trips to Cousin are usually organized on Tuesdays and Fridays and departure from Praslin, but as it turned out not on January 2, the day we were planning to go there. A fisherman was willing to take us to Cousin on another date in his small boat for 175 Euro.
    [Show full text]
  • PS 20 4 Nov 08.Qxd
    I N THIS I SSUE www.psittascene.org Hope for Thick-billed Parrots Reintroduction of the Kuhl's Lory November 2008 Volume 20 Number 4 PPssiittttaa from the director SWSorld Pccarrot Teerust nnee Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB, UK. or years we've planned to run a WPT member survey to www.parrots.org learn more about who you are, what you think we're doing Fright, and where you think we could improve our work. We contents deeply appreciate so many of you taking the time to provide us 2 From the Director with such valuable feedback. It has been a pleasure reading over all the responses we received both by mail and online. 4 Rays of Hope Thick-billed Parrot Of course those of us who work for the Trust - either as volunteers 8 An Island Endemic Kuhl’s Lory or staff - are committed to the conservation and welfare of parrots 12 Parrots in Paradise … indeed, just getting the job done is very rewarding in its own Seychelles Black Parrot right. But reviewing the survey results was especially delightful 16 Of Parrots and People because you were so enthusiastic about our work, about PsittaScene , Book Review and the Trust in general. We learned a great deal just as we had 17 Species Profile hoped. We'll take all your comments to heart and incorporate your Lilac-tailed Parrotlet suggestions as we find opportunities. You may see some of your 18 PsittaNews PsittaScene ideas in this issue and others we will work in over time. 19 WPT Contacts Among the outstanding results was your enthusiasm for recommending 20 Parrots in the Wild: Kuhl’s Lory the Trust to others.
    [Show full text]
  • Seychelles & Madagascar with Aldabra Atoll
    SEYCHELLES & MADAGASCAR WITH ALDABRA ATOLL ABOARD THE SILVER DISCOVERER OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 6, 2018 Pitta-like Ground Roller was found near a freshly dug nest in Amber Mountain NP (Photo M. Valkenburg) LEADER: MACHIEL VALKENBURG LIST COMPILED BY: MACHIEL VALKENBURG VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM By Machiel Valkenburg When I learned about the option of leading this fascinating Zegrahm cruise for VENT, I jumped right on it, as I knew it would deliver some spectacular birds, mammals, and landscapes. Oooh man I was right! The trip started in paradisiacal surroundings on the island of Mahe, the largest of all islands that together form the Seychelles. Before embarking the Silver Discoverer , we planned some pre-tour birding. In the afternoon we made an outing to find the rare Seychelles White-eye, Seychelles Blue-Pigeon, and Seychelles Sunbird. Rapidly they were found, and good looks were enjoyed by all. In the evening after dinner we went out for probably the rarest and most difficult bird of the entire tour, the Seychelles Scops-Owl. For a long time we heard no response, but just before we decided to leave the designated spot we heard one quick rasping call. Soon after, we found the bird in full delight—just amazing! The enchanting Seychelles Sunbird has a very restricted range (photo M.Valkenburg) Our journey would take us from several Seychellois islands to Madagascar, visiting the world-famous Aldabra Atoll on the way, ending the trip with visits to Reunion and Mauritius. This adventure was one-of- a-kind, with our program visiting so many difficult to reach places where we had the chance of finding many of the world’s most hard-to-get endangered species.
    [Show full text]
  • The Coco-De-Mer Or the Double Coconut (Lodoicea Maldivica): Myths and Facts
    Mini-review Asian Agri-History Vol. 17, No. 4, 2013 (299–309) 299 The Coco-de-mer or the Double Coconut (Lodoicea maldivica): Myths and Facts AB Damania Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (email: [email protected]) Abstract The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km² in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from 4° and 10° south of the equator and which lies between 480 km and 1,600 km from the east coast of Africa. Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. A unique palm [Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers.], endemic to a couple of islands in the Seychelles group, has long been at the root of myths, legends, and unbridled speculation. Mature nuts of the palm, the largest seed in the world, have traveled by way of strong currents in the Arabian Sea to such faraway places like the Maldives, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the Malabar Coast in India and beyond. Because very few people knew of its existence it has many names such as, Coco-de-mer (the coconut of the sea), double coconut, etc. The shape of its male and female infl orescences has given rise to many explanations. The Seychelles Islands transitioned from being uninhabited to being a temporary refuge of pirates, to a dumping ground for African slaves, and then in the possession of France, Great Britain, and fi nally a Republic with a Socialist Government.
    [Show full text]
  • WRA Species Report
    Family: Chrysobalanaceae Taxon: Chrysobalanus icaco Synonym: Chrysobalanus icaco var. pellocarpus (G.F.W Common Name Coco plum Chrysobalanus interior Small icaco Chrysobalanus pellocarpus G.F.W. Mey. icacier Chrysobalanus savannarum Britt. prune colon Questionaire : current 20090513 Assessor: Chuck Chimera Designation: H(HPWRA) Status: Assessor Approved Data Entry Person: Chuck Chimera WRA Score 12 101 Is the species highly domesticated? y=-3, n=0 n 102 Has the species become naturalized where grown? y=1, n=-1 103 Does the species have weedy races? y=1, n=-1 201 Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) - If island is primarily wet habitat, then (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2- High substitute "wet tropical" for "tropical or subtropical" high) (See Appendix 2) 202 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2- High high) (See Appendix 2) 203 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) y=1, n=0 n 204 Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates y=1, n=0 y 205 Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2, ?=-1, n=0 y 301 Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see y Appendix 2), n= question 205 302 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see n Appendix 2) 303 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see n Appendix 2) 304 Environmental weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 305 Congeneric weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see n Appendix 2) 401 Produces spines, thorns or burrs y=1, n=0 n 402 Allelopathic
    [Show full text]
  • Download PDF Report
    Charity number: 800944 THE WORLD PARROT TRUST TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2009 THE WORLD PARROT TRUST CONTENTS Page Reference and administrative information 1 Trustees report 2 - 10 Independent examiners' report 11 Statement of financial activities 12 Balance sheet 13 Notes to the financial statements 14 - 24 THE WORLD PARROT TRUST REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION STATUS Trustees R Vonk A M Reynolds D Woolcock A Hales N Reynolds C Senni S Martin Charity number 800944 Independent examiner Winter Rule LLP Lowin House Tregolls Road TRURO Cornwall TR1 2NA Business address Glanmor House HAYLE Cornwall TR27 4HB Bankers HSBC plc 38 High Street EXETER Devon EX4 3LP (1) THE WORLD PARROT TRUST TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2009 Structure, governance and management The World Parrot Trust is constituted under a trust deed dated 23 January 1989 and is a registered charity. A new trustee may be appointed by a resolution at a trustees meeting (with a quorum of 3 or more trustees). During the year it was agreed that trustees should serve a term of 3 years, with a third of trustees being appointed each year on a rolling programme until all existing trustees are on 3 year terms. At the end of the term the trustee can be nominated for reappointment by the other trustees. Objectives and activities The charity was established to advance the education of the public in aviculture, ornithology, zoology and related sciences and in particular in the Order Psittaciformes - the parrot. The objective of the Trust is to promote the survival of all parrot species and the welfare of individual birds.
    [Show full text]
  • Eradication of Invasive Animals and Other Island Restoration Practices in Seychelles: Achievements, Challenges and Scaling up Perspectives
    G. Rocamora Rocamora, G. Eradication of invasive animals and other island restoration practices in Seychelles: achievements, challenges and scaling up perspectives Eradication of invasive animals and other island restoration practices in Seychelles: achievements, challenges and scaling up perspectives G. Rocamora Scientifi c Director & Chair, Island Biodiversity & Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Anse Royale Campus, Box 1348, Victoria, Seychelles. <[email protected]>. Abstract In recent decades Seychelles has accumulated extensive experience in the management of invasive species and other island restoration practices. Non-government organisations (NGOs), governmental, parastatal and private stakeholders have conducted successful programmes to control and eradicate invasive animals and plants, particularly on small islands of high biodiversity value. Biosecurity protocols have been implemented to prevent (re)infestations. With at least 50 vertebrate populations (33 mammal, 16 bird and one reptile) from 14 diff erent species successfully eradicated, Seychelles is the third country in the world after Australia and the USA for invasive vertebrate eradications from tropical islands, and the seventh when considering all countries. Twenty-four islands have benefi ted from invasive vertebrate eradications and other ecosystem restoration processes to create refuges for native biodiversity. About 470 ha of woodland have been rehabilitated through replanting and recovery of native vegetation, and at least 36 successful island translocations of native birds and reptiles have been conducted. This includes 16 conservation introductions or reintroductions of six endemic land birds (all but one threatened), two of a terrapin species and 18 of Aldabra giant tortoises. Recovery of native species and natural recolonisations have occurred on islands where invasive predators have been removed.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Conservation Outlook Assessment (Archived)
    IUCN World Heritage Outlook: https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve - 2017 Conservation Outlook Assessment (archived) IUCN Conservation Outlook Assessment 2017 (archived) Finalised on 05 November 2017 Please note: this is an archived Conservation Outlook Assessment for Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. To access the most up-to-date Conservation Outlook Assessment for this site, please visit https://www.worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve SITE INFORMATION Country: Seychelles Inscribed in: 1983 Criteria: (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) Site description: In the heart of the small island of Praslin, the reserve has the vestiges of a natural palm forest preserved in almost its original state. The famouscoco de mer, from a palm-tree once believed to grow in the depths of the sea, is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. © UNESCO IUCN World Heritage Outlook: https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/ Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve - 2017 Conservation Outlook Assessment (archived) SUMMARY 2017 Conservation Outlook Good with some concerns The protection and management of Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is generally effective and is supported by a national legal framework, although there is a lack of a national protected area system. The management authority is very competent and is effectively implementing science-based programmes and outreach and education schemes. However, the future of the site’s key value, the coco de mer palm, is currently under threat from illegal collection and over-exploitation for its nuts and kernel. The site's management has recently reduced both commercial harvesting and illegal collection of nuts, although the conservation impacts of these requires assessment.
    [Show full text]
  • 10 Years of Seychelles Black Parrot Breeding Monitoring
    10 years of Seychelles black parrot breeding monitoring: what we now know Monica Griffith and Terance Payet Biogeography / history of the black parrot • Endemic to the Seychelles • Only breed on Praslin • Recorded visitor to Curieuse • Only remaining parrot species left in Seychelles • Previously considered a subspecies of lesser vasa parrot • Only declared distinct species in 2014 due to genetic research supported by SIF • Current population estimates: 1096 – 1742 birds Project aims in 2009 Ringing locations around Praslin, • Basic ecology chicks and adults • Breeding behaviours • Reproductive constraints • Breeding activity and movements through ringing and re-sighting The challenge • Hard to study • Difficult to observe – can’t see through coco de mer leaves • Often nest in dead trees – can’t climb • Different methods required • Baby monitor • Free standing ladders • Time-consuming Major findings so far • Each breeding female has a unique call • Yearly fluctuations in breeding activity • Cavity selection: • Predominantly in coco de mer (15/19 this year) although this could be biased • Entrance should be sheltered • Diameter of tree – 25cm • Size of hole • Single entrance • Depth Black parrots - Vocalisations Major findings so far • Each breeding female has a unique call • Yearly fluctuations in breeding activity • Cavity selection: • Predominantly in coco de mer (15/19 this year) although this could be biased • Entrance should be sheltered • Diameter of tree – 25cm • Size of hole • Single entrance • Depth Black parrots – Breeding activity
    [Show full text]
  • Critical Review of Potential Control Tools for Reducing Damage by the Invasive Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula Krameri) on the Hawaiian Islands
    Klug et al., 2019 Rose-ringed Parakeet Control Tools Critical Review of Potential Control Tools for Reducing Damage by the Invasive Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) on the Hawaiian Islands Page E. Klug1†, William P. Bukoski2, Aaron B. Shiels3, Bryan M. Kluever4, and Shane R. Siers5 15 June 2019 1 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Contents Wildlife Research Center, North Dakota Field Station, Fargo, ND Executive Summary 2 Aims and Goals . .2 2 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Hawaii State Recommendations and Conclusions . .2 Office, Kauai, HI Legal and Regulatory Status 3 3 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Legal Aspects . .3 Wildlife Research Center, Rodents Project, Disclaimer . .3 Fort Collins, CO Rose-ringed Parakeets 4 4 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Physical Description . .4 Wildlife Research Center, Florida Field Vocalizations and Hearing . .6 Station, Gainesville, FL Distribution and Range . .6 5 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Population Growth and Spread . .8 Wildlife Research Center, Hawaii Field Reproduction . .9 Station, Hilo, HI Survival and Mortality . 11 Habitat . 11 † Study director, corresponding author: Flocking and Roosting . 12 [email protected] Food Habits and Feeding Behavior . 12 Sponsor: Effects of Rose-Ringed Parakeets 13 State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Economic Effects . 13 Resources, Honolulu, HI Ecological Effects . 13 Suggested Citation: Human Health and Safety and Wildlife Klug, P. E., W. P. Bukoski, A. B. Shiels, B. M. Disease . 15 Kluever, and S. R. Siers. 2019. Critical review of potential control tools for reducing damage by the Current and Potential Management Practices 16 invasive Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Population Reduction and Population on the Hawaiian Islands.
    [Show full text]