DOCSLIB.ORG

Technical-Report-For-The-Eradication

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Technical-Report-For-The-Eradication Cover illustrations: Mainland Antigua from Maiden Island West. Credit Sophia Steele – Fauna & Flora International THE OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE PARTNER ORGANISATIONS OF THE OFFSHORE ISLANDS CONSERVATION PROGRAMME. PUBLISHED BY Offshore Islands Conservation Programme St. John’s, Antigua RECOMMENDED CITATION Lawrence, S.N., Bell, E.A., Challenger, S.C. & Steele, Sophia (2019) Technical Report for the Eradication of Black Rats Rattus rattus from Maiden Island West, Antigua. Report for the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The award-winning Offshore Islands Conservation Programme (OICP) was established in 1995 as the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project, and operates under a partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Environmental Awareness Group, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Fauna & Flora International. This partnership is working towards the Vision of healthy, functioning coastal ecosystems that are sustainably managed for the conservation of native wildlife and for the benefit of local people. Our activities include environmental education, endangered species management, invasive species control, habitat restoration, research and monitoring, and strengthening local governance and management capacity. This study was co-funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Program, Project #F17AP00667 - Improving and Conserving Critical Bird Habitat on Antigua & Barbuda’s Offshore Islands, and the Global Environment Facility Grant - Preventing the COSTS of IAS in Barbados and the OECS. Contact details: Ms Natalya Lawrence, Project Coordinator, Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, Environmental Awareness Group, P. O. Box 2103, St John’s, Antigua, West Indies. www.eagantigua.org; Email: [email protected] ii 1. Executive Summary Since 1995, the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme (OICP) has eradicated harmful alien invasive mammals from 15 offshore islands around Antigua. This has resulted in visible improvements in habitat quality and significantly boosted the populations of rare and endemic reptiles, birds, invertebrates and plants (Daltry et al., 2014). This is the Technical Report following the operation to eradicate black rats Rattus rattus from Maiden Island West (1.21 hectares) in accordance with the methods recommended in the Operational Plan and Feasibility Study Report produced for the island. Maiden Island West is a part of the globally recognised Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA – AG006) and Offshore Islands Key Biodiversity Area, and lies 0.72 km off the southwestern coast of Antigua. The operation was administered by partner organisations of the OICP, particularly by the Environmental Awareness Group and the OICP Coordinator Natalya Lawrence during the fieldwork stage of the operation. The eradication was facilitated by Elizabeth Bell but was completed under the leadership of Natalya Lawrence. The eradication was completed with a steady team of local and regional volunteers from the Boys’ Brigade of Antigua and Barbuda, volunteers and interns from the Department of Environment, volunteers from the Community Development Division and from the Environmental Awareness Group. The owners of Maiden Island West, the Hall Family, were also crucial to the success of the eradication, providing transportation, shelter, and facilities for the eradication team as well as participating in the execution of the eradication. Equipment and all necessary approvals were in place by 27th June, and the field work began on 30th June, 2018. The eradication operation was officially completed by 17th August, 2018. At the end of the operation, all equipment and material were removed from the island leaving 13 lockable permanent bait stations in place, with a maximum separation of 30m between stations. During the eradication operations, several stations were consistently attacked by hermit crabs. The bait poses no threat to the crabs. Although there was concern that the crabs would get to the bait and consume it all before the rats could, trail cameras showed that the rats were easily able to access and help themselves to the bait. Other non-target species, including ants, cockroaches and mould, had much less impact on bait take. There was no evidence of non-target species being affected by the bait or subjected to secondary poisoning throughout the operation. One dead juvenile black-crowned night heron was collected and a necropsy was done. Results showed no signs of secondary poisoning. After consultation with Elizabeth Bell, it was determined that the bird could have died from natural causes. The intensive monitoring phase of the operation suggested that all rats had been eradicated from Maiden Island West. The long-term monitoring will be undertaken by the Hall Family on a monthly basis. 3 There were several sightings of mongooses on the mainland (Seaforth area) close to the island. However, no mongooses have ever been detected on the island (either historically or presently) and the distance needed to be swum by a mongoose to reach the island would be very unattractive to these animals. Nevertheless, it would be wise to have a biosecurity protocol for mongooses in place in the event that they are inadvertently transported to the island. In summary: 1. The eradication of black rats from Maiden Island West was a ground-based operation using bait stations and Klerat brodifacoum grain-based wax blocks that was completed by August, 2018. 2. The eradication of rats from Maiden Island appears to be successful. 3. In line with common international practice, Maiden Island West can only be officially declared rat- free if no further signs are detected within 2 years of eradication. 4. Bait station interference from hermit crabs was high. 5. There was no evidence that non-target species were affected or subjected to secondary poisoning throughout the operation. 6. Ecological monitoring of seabirds, land birds, reptiles and vegetation should be initiated and continued to document the effects of the eradications on the native flora and fauna. 7. Only with constant vigilance and an ongoing commitment from all OICP staff and the Hall Family to prevent, detect and respond to any incursions will the overall goal of the operation be achieved. 4 2. Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 3 2. Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 5 3. Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 6 4. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 7 4.1 Purpose and Scope of the Technical Report .................................................................. 7 4.2 Implementing Agency and Sponsors .............................................................................. 7 4.3 Context for Maiden Island West’s Restoration .............................................................. 7 5. The Reasons for the Maiden Island West Rat Eradication ............................................................ 8 6. Project Site and Target Species ..................................................................................................... 9 9 6.1 Maiden Island West ....................................................................................................... 9 6.2 Black Rats ..................................................................................................................... 10 7. Eradication Preparation, Implementation and Monitoring .......................................................... 12 7.1 Summary of Activities for Phase 1 of the Eradication .................................................. 12 7.2 Summary of Phase 2 of Maiden Island West Eradication ............................................ 17 8. Crab Interference ......................................................................................................................... 21 9. Problems Encountered ................................................................................................................. 22 10. Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 22 11. Conclusions ................................................................................................................................. 22 12. References ................................................................................................................................... 24 13. Appendix ..................................................................................................................................... 26 13.1 Eradication Schedule ........................................................................................................... 26 13.2 Biosecurity Checklist for Hall Family ................................................................................. 30 13.3 Bird Species Observed......................................................................................................... 33 5 3. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme (OICP) with financial
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Capacité Issue 4
    CAPACITÉ Special Feature on Combating Invasive Alien Species CAPACITÉ – ISSUE 9 In this issue of Capacité, we turn our focus to invasive alien species (IAS). Several grants in the CEPF Caribbean portfolio are addressing this issue. And with good reason too. According to the CEPF Ecosystem Profile for the June 2014 Caribbean islands hotspot, the spread of invasive aliens is generally consid- ered the greatest threat to the native biodiversity of the region, especially to its endemic species, with invasive aliens recorded in a wide range of habitats throughout the hotspot. Inside this issue: An overview article by Island Conservation provides a useful context for un- Invasive Species on 2 Caribbean Islands: derstanding the threat of IAS in the Caribbean. Fauna & Flora International Extreme Threats but shares information about its work in the Eastern Caribbean along with useful Also Good News tips on using fixed-point photographs as a monitoring tool. From the Philadel- phia Zoo we learn about efforts to investigate the presence of the fungal dis- Making Pictures that 4 ease chytridiomicosis in amphibians in four key biodiversity areas in His- Speak A Thousand paniola. Words On the Case of the 6 We also feature the field-based work of the Environmental Awareness Group Highly Invasive in Antigua’s Offshore Islands, and of Island Conservation in association with Amphibian Chytrid Fun- gus in Hispaniola the Bahamas National Trust. These field-based efforts are complemented by initiatives by CAB International and Auckland Uniservices Ltd. to promote Connecting the Carib- 8 networking between and among IAS professionals and conservationists and bean KBAs via a Virtual build regional capacity to address IAS issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Alsophis Rijgersmaei Cope, 1869 (Squamata: Dipsadidae) Sur L'île De
    Questel K. (2021). Alsophis rijgersmaei Cope, 1869 (Squamata: Dipsadidae) sur l’île de Saint-Barthélemy. Mise à jour : janvier 2021. Bulletin de l’ATE numéro 7. 8p. 1 Karl Questel Le Bulletin de l’ATE numéro 7 Mise à jour : Janvier 2021 Alsophis rijgersmaei Cope, 1869 (Squamata: Dipsadidae) sur l’île de Saint-Barthélemy Ceci est la version basse définition pour le web. Si vous souhaitez une version haute définition pour l'impression, veuillez demander à : [email protected] This is the low definition version for the web. If you want a high definition version for printing, please request to : [email protected] 2 Questel K. (2021). Alsophis rijgersmaei Cope, 1869 (Squamata: Dipsadidae) sur l’île de Saint-Barthélemy. Mise à jour : janvier 2021. Bulletin de l’ATE numéro 7. 8p. Alsophis rijgersmaei en bref / Alsophis rijgersmaei in short. La plus grande taille documentée. - 108 cm (du museau au cloaque (LV) - Snout to vent (SVL)) Largest documented size. - 138 cm (du museau au bout de la queue (LT) - Snout to the end of the tail (TL)). Une femelle. A female. Nombre d’écailles ventrales et ♀ -Ventrales, ventral : 197-206. sous-caudales par sexes identifiés (Min-Max). -Sous-caudales, sub-caudal : 93-102. Number of ventral and sub-caudal scales ♂ -Ventrales, ventral : 201-208. by identified sexes (Min-Max). -Sous-caudales, sub-caudal : 109-117. Moyennes générales de toutes les données ♀+♂+? -Ventrales, ventral : 197-208. disponibles: mâles, femelles et non sexés -Sous-caudales, sub-caudal : 93-122. (Min-Max). (Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Anguilla) General averages of all available data: males, females and not sexed (Min-Max).
    [Show full text]
  • The Antiguan Racer Alsophis Antiguae
    Oryx Vol 35 No 2 April 2001 Five years of conserving the 'world's rarest snake', the Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae Jenny C. Daltry, Quentin Bloxam, Gillian Cooper, Mark L. Day, John Hartley, McRonnie Henry, Kevel Lindsay and Brian E. Smith Abstract The Critically Endangered Antiguan racer evidently benefited from the project's rat eradication Alsophis antiguae is confined to Great Bird Island, a 9.9- programme. The snakes are still seriously threatened by ha (24.5-acre) islet off the north-east coast of Antigua in other intrinsic and extrinsic factors, however, including the Lesser Antilles. This island represents well under inbreeding depression, frequent hurricanes, invasive 0.1 per cent of the species's historical distribution range. predators and deliberate killing by tourists, as well as During the past 5 years, the total number of racers aged the problem that Great Bird Island is too small to 1 year or more has fluctuated between 51 and 114, and support more than about 100 individuals. This paper currently stands at approximately 80. Since 1995, the describes the activities and impact of this project to date, Antiguan Racer Conservation Project (ARCP) has en- and outlines a series of conservation activities to deavoured to save this harmless snake from extinction safeguard the long-term future of the species, which by using a combination of education, conservation include reintroduction of the Antiguan racer to restored breeding, habitat restoration, local capacity building islands within its former distribution range. and applied research. The Antiguan racer's ecology and population dynamics have become well understood Keywords Alsophis, Antigua, Antiguan racer, conser- after 5 years of intensive study, and the species has vation, invasive species, reintroduction.
    [Show full text]
  • Biology and Impacts of Pacific Island Invasive Species. 1. a Worldwide
    Biology and Impacts of Pacific Island Invasive Species. 1. A Worldwide Review of Effects of the Small Indian Mongoose, Herpestes javanicus (Carnivora: Herpestidae)1 Warren S. T. Hays2 and Sheila Conant3 Abstract: The small Indian mongoose, Herpestes javanicus (E. Geoffroy Saint- Hilaire, 1818), was intentionally introduced to at least 45 islands (including 8 in the Pacific) and one continental mainland between 1872 and 1979. This small carnivore is now found on the mainland or islands of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. In this review we document the impact of this species on native birds, mammals, and herpetofauna in these areas of introduction. The small Indian mongoose has been 1), typically has an adult body mass in the introduced to numerous islands, including range of 300 to 900 g and a body length eight in the Pacific. Beyond its native range from 500 to 650 mm (Nellis 1989). It has in southern Asia, this species now occurs on the slender body shape typical of the herpes- islands or mainlands elsewhere in Asia, Africa, tid family, with short legs, short brown fur, Europe, North America, South America, and and a tail that makes up roughly 40% of the Oceania. Its negative effects on native biota animal’s total length. Dentition is 3:1:4:2, of these areas are a concern to natural-area with a wide carnassial shear region. Females managers. have 36 chromosomes and males have 35, because the Y chromosome has translocated name onto an autosome (Fredga 1965). A more complete species description may Herpestes javanicus (E.
    [Show full text]
  • No, It's a Photosynthetic Salamander
    November - December 2010 Issue 190 - 191 NEWSLETTER OF THE BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Is It A Bird, Is It A Plane? No, It’s A Photosynthetic Salamander... Scientists find photosynthetic organisms living inside a vertebrate’s cells for the first time... Scientists have known for quite some time that plants, algae, some bacteria and a few invertebrates were capable of taking advantage of photosynthesis, which converts sunlight directly into energy. But now, for the first time, a photosynthetic vertebrate has been found. The incredible creature is none other than the fairly common spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). The spotted salamander is not a new species for researchers, and it has long been known that the animal’s embryos share a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae. That relationship, however, was always assumed to be an outside one, whereby the algae and the salamander work separately toward a fair exchange of resources. THE BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY 63 Years in Herpetology Registered Charity No. 205666 Website: http://www.thebhs.org 1 Photosynthetic Salamander It turns out that researchers just weren’t looking closely enough. While studying a batch of salamander embryos, scientist Ryan Kerney of Dalhousie University (Canada) saw something different than the prevailing dogma would suggest - a bright green colour coming from inside their cells. That colour usually indicates the presence of chlorophyll, which is the light- absorbing green pigment that makes photosynthesis possible. “On a lark, I decided to take a long-exposure fluorescent image of a pre-hatchling salamander embryo,” said Kerney. After backing that experiment up using transmission electron microscopy, he confirmed his suspicion.
    [Show full text]
  • REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: SERPENTES: COLUBRIDAE ALSOPHISANTIGVAE N Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles
    632.1 REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: SERPENTES: COLUBRIDAE ALSOPHISANTIGVAE n Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. Henderson, R.W., R. Powell, J.C. Daltry, and M.L. Day. 1996. Alsophis antiguae. Abophis antiguae Parker Antiguan Racer Alsophis leucomelas antiguae Parker, 1933: 158. Spe-locality. "Antigua." Syntypes, British Museum of Natural History (BMNH) 1946.1.4.46, 1946.1.4.47 (re-registered numbers assigned after World War 11). juveniles, both females, col- lected by Mr. Gardiner, date of collection unknown (not examined by authors). Alsophis antiguae: Parker, 1936:228. Alsophis antillemis antiguae: Schwartz, 1966:216. Content. Two subspecies are recognized: A. a. antiguae and A. a. sajdaki. Definition. This moderately sized (maximum known SVL 71 1 mm) colubrid has 184-201 (males) or 185-201 (females) ventrals, 1 16- 126 (males) or 95- 105 (females) subcaudals, 19 (occasionally 21) dorsal scale rows at midbody, 818 supralabials, usually 10110 infralabials, 111 or 2J2 preoculars, 2J2 postoculars, 1+2J1+2 temporals, and 111 loreals. The frontal scute is long l and narrow. The cloacal scute (= anal plate) is divided. See I subspecific diagnoses for descriptions of dorsal and ventral color I and patterns. I Descriptions. In addition to those of Parker (1933, 1936), - descriptions are in Henderson (1989 [1990]) and Schwartz and Henderson (1 99 1). Illustrations. Lazell(1967) included a black-and-white ~ho- Map. Range of Alsophis antiguae (modified from ~chwartz tograph of an individual from Great Bird Island. Henderson and Henderson, 1991). ripe-localities are too imprecise to lot. (1989 [1990]) provided a black-and-white photograph of A. a. The nominate subspecies probably has been extirpated (see text), sa,daki and drawings illustrating the dorsal of A.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eradication of Black Rats (Rattus Rattus) from Dog Island, Anguilla, Using Ground-Based Techniques
    E. Bell, J. Daltry, F. Mukhida, R. Connor and K. Varnham Bell, E.; J. Daltry, F. Mukhida, R. Connor and K. Varnham. The eradication of black rats (Rattus rattus) from Dog Island, Anguilla, using ground-based techniques The eradication of black rats (Rattus rattus) from Dog Island, Anguilla, using ground-based techniques E. Bell1, J. Daltry2, F. Mukhida3, R. Connor4 and K. Varnham5 1Wildlife Management International Limited, PO Box 607, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand, <[email protected]>. 2Fauna & Flora International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, United Kingdom. 3Anguilla National Trust, The Valley, Anguilla. 4 Department of Environment, Government of Anguilla, The Valley, Anguilla. 5 RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. Abstract Rat eradication techniques developed in New Zealand are a proven method for removing invasive rodents from islands worldwide. This technology moved rapidly from ground-based bait station operations to aerial application of rodenticides. Rat eradications on tropical islands using similar methods, have not always been as successful as those in temperate regions. As most previous eradications in the Caribbean have been on islands smaller than 50 ha, the eradication of black rats (Rattus rattus) from 207 ha Dog Island was a significant increase in size. Reptile and seabird populations on Dog Island had been in decline for a number of years and black rats were identified as the most likely factor. Following the feasibility study in 2007, the Dog Island Recovery Project was launched in 2011. This was a multiple-year project incorporating a ground-based eradication with establishment of biosecurity procedures to prevent reinvasion, alongside long-term monitoring of native species.
    [Show full text]
  • In Situ Ex Situ
    Integration of In Situ and Ex Situ Data Management for Biodiversity Conservation Via the ISIS Zoological Information Management System A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at George Mason University by Karin R. Schwartz Director: Thomas C. Wood, Ph.D., Associate Professor New Century College Fall Semester 2014 George Mason University Fairfax, VA ii THIS WORK IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NODERIVS 3.0 UNPORTED LICENSE. iii DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my daughters Laura and Lisa Newman and my son David Newman who are the source of all my inspiration and to my parents Ruth and Eugene Schwartz who taught me the value of life-long learning and to reach for my dreams. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project encompassed a global collaboration of conservationists including zoo and wildlife professionals, academics, government authorities, IUCN Specialist Groups, and regional and global zoo associations. First, I would like to thank Dr. David Wildt for the suggestion to attend a university outside my Milwaukee home base and come to the east coast. I thank my dissertation director Dr. Tom Wood for being supportive and along with Dr. Mara Schoeny, offering lodging in their beautiful home during my stay in Virginia for the last semesters of my program. I thank Dr. Jon Ballou for his valuable input as I benefitted from his wisdom and expertise in the area of conservation action planning, population management and conservation genetics. I would like to thank my other committee members Dr. Larry Rockwood and Dr. E. Chris Parsons for their valuable input, suggestions and edits for the dissertation, especially in their respective areas of population ecology and marine mammal conservation as well as their ongoing support throughout my program.
    [Show full text]
  • Update on the Natural History and Conservation Status of the Saint Lucia Racer, Erythrolamprus Ornatus Garman, 1887 (Squamata: Dipsadidae)
    Herpetology Notes, volume 9: 157-162 (2016) (published online on 01 August 2016) Update on the natural history and conservation status of the Saint Lucia racer, Erythrolamprus ornatus Garman, 1887 (Squamata: Dipsadidae) Robert J. Williams1,*, Toby N. Ross1, Matthew N. Morton1, Jennifer C, Daltry2 and Lenn Isidore2, 3 Abstract. The ground snake Erythrolamprus ornatus is a dipsadid endemic to Saint Lucia, West Indies; it was first categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 1996. There have been no sightings of the snake on the main island of Saint Lucia since the 1800s, and although the species is believed to have once been common on Saint Lucia prior to the introduction of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus), by 1936 the species was presumed extinct. In 1973, a single E. ornatus was found on the mongoose free, 9.4 ha (12.3 ha surface area) islet of Maria Major, less than 1 km off the southern tip of Saint Lucia. All subsequent accounts of the species have been from Maria Major alone. Here we report the findings of the first detailed study of the population size, diet, and ecology of the Saint Lucia racer, which took place on Maria Major over 30 days between October 2011 and March 2012. Daylight searches produced a total of 41 snake encounters resulting in capture of 11 individuals. A Capture Mark Recapture (CMR) estimate of population size suggests there are fewer than 50 mature individuals on Maria Major. We therefore propose a revised classification of Critically Endangered. Erythrolamprus ornatus on Maria Major appear to be smaller and less colourful than individuals once described from the main island of Saint Lucia, possibly the effects of a genetic bottleneck in this isolated population.
    [Show full text]
  • Caribbean Skinks Listing Petition
    BEFORE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR PETITION TO LIST NINE SPECIES OF CARIBBEAN SKINKS AS ENDANGERED UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT Puerto Rican Skink (Spondylurus nitidus) at Guajataca State Forest in Quebradilllas, Puerto Rico. © Puerto Rico Wildlife: Alfredo Colón. Http://alfredocolon.zenfolio.com. CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY February 11, 2014 i Notice of Petition _____________________________________________________________________________ Sally Jewell, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20240 [email protected] Dan Ashe, Director U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20240 [email protected] Douglas Krofta, Chief Branch of Listing, Endangered Species Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Room 420 4401 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 [email protected] Cindy Dohner, Regional Director Region 4 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1875 Century Boulevard NE, Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30345 [email protected] PETITIONERS Collette L. Adkins Giese Amphibian and Reptile Senior Attorney Center for Biological Diversity PO Box 339 Circle Pines, MN 55014-0339 [email protected] Tierra Curry Senior Scientist Center for Biological Diversity PO Box 11374 Portland, OR 97211 [email protected] ii Dr. Renata Platenberg Reptile Ecologist St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands [email protected] Submitted this 11th day of February, 2014 Pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), 16 U.S.C. § 1533(b); Section 553(e) of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 553(e); and 50 C.F.R. § 424.14(a), the Center for Biological Diversity and Dr. Renata Platenberg hereby petition the Secretary of the Interior, through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”), to list nine species of Caribbean skinks as endangered species and to designate critical habitat to ensure recovery.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Report on the Eradication of Black Rats (Rattus Rattus)
    REDONDA RESTORATION PROGRAMME: Technical report on the eradication of black rats ( Rattus rattus) from Redonda, Antigua & Barbuda Cover illustration: Magnificent frigatebirds, Fregata magnificens, on their nest sites on Redonda (Photo: Elizabeth Bell, WMIL). THE OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE PARTNER ORGANISATIONS OF THE REDONDA RESTORATION PROGRAMME. PUBLISHED BY: Redonda Restoration Programme, St. John’s, Antigua RECOMMENDED CITATION: Bell, E.A., Ibbotson, J. & Daltry, J.C. (2017) Technical report on the eradication of black rats Rattus rattus from Redonda, Antigua and Barbuda. Report from Wildlife Management International Ltd and Fauna & Flora International to the Redonda Restoration Programme, St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Author details: Ms. Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell Dr Jenny Daltry, FRGS Senior Ecologist Head of Caribbean and Senior Conservation Biologist Wildlife Management International Ltd Fauna & Flora International PO Box 607, The David Attenborough Building Blenheim 7240 Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ New Zealand United Kingdom United Kingdom www.wmil.co.nz www.fauna‐flora.org Email: [email protected] Email: jenny.daltry@fauna‐flora.org Mr. Jack Ibbotson Loddon, Main Street Long Riston East Yorkshire United Kingdom Email: [email protected] All photographs in this report are copyright ©WMIL unless otherwise credited, in which case the person or organization credited is the copyright holder. The Redonda Restoration Programme was launched in 2016 by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Environmental Awareness Group, British Mountaineering Council, Fauna & Flora International, Island Conservation and Wildlife Management International Ltd. This partnership is working to rehabilitate Redonda into a healthy island ecosystem that is sustainably managed for the conservation of indigenous biodiversity, and to preserve Redonda’s important historical values and facilitate the sustainable use and enjoyment of Redonda by present and future generations.
    [Show full text]
  • Control of the Black Rat Rattus Rattus for the Conservation of the Antiguan Racer Alsophis Antiguae on Great Bird Island, Antigua
    Conservation Evidence (2006) 3, 28-29 www.ConservationEvidence.com Control of the black rat Rattus rattus for the conservation of the Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae on Great Bird Island, Antigua Daltry J.C. Fauna & Flora International, Jupiter House, 4th Floor, Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2JD, UK SUMMARY The critically endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae, used to be abundant throughout the Lesser Antillean islands of Antigua (and its satellite islands) and Barbuda. Non-native black rats Rattus rattus were identified as a serious predator of the snake on Great Bird Island, therefore the decision was made to eradicate the rats. A poison-baiting programme proved successful, with the racer population more than doubling in only 18 months in response. Other fauna, including several species of seabirds and hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata, also benefited greatly from rat removal. BACKGROUND The Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae is a ACTION harmless colubrid snake which used to be abundant throughout the Lesser Antillean Study site: Great Bird island (9.9 ha) islands of Antigua (and its many satellite comprises of a variety of distinct macro islands) and Barbuda (total area of 440 sq km) habitats, including beaches, forest, grassland in the Carribean. It is an ambush predator, and cliffs. It is a coralline limestone island feeding mainly on lizards such as Watts’ anole with more than half of its area covered in dry Anolis wattsi , spotted anole Anolis leachi and littoral forest, with a maximum canopy height Antiguan ground lizard Ameiva griswoldi . It is of around 6 m. The centre of the island is low a diurnal, ground dwelling snake preferring lying and sandy, sparsely covered with grasses, habitat with a dense canopy cover, dense agaves and trees.
    [Show full text]