rvos eod fo te ieaue upbihd nomto fo correspon­ from information unpublished literature, the from records previous lived on the atoll or have visited it regularly over many years. years. many over regularly it visited have or atoll the on lived

dents, and the results of personal interviews with resident Pohnpeians who have have who Pohnpeians resident with interviews personal of results the and dents,

August, and and August,

is based largely on my observations on all of the islands during during islands the of all on observations my on largely based is

cited as to date are are date to as cited

birds on Nikalap Aru on on Aru Nikalap on birds

file in the Smithsonian Institution archives. Engbring et al. al. et Engbring archives. Institution Smithsonian file the in

shall shall

on Nikalap Aru, Imwinyap, and Wolouna in in June Wolouna and Imwinyap, Aru, Nikalap on

Wolouna during during Wolouna

Nikalap Aru and Pamuk during during Pamuk and Aru Nikalap

matically, and previous distribution records are scanty and cover only a few of of few a only cover and scanty are records distribution previous and matically,

the islands. J. Marshall and several assistants surveyed vertebrate populations on on populations vertebrate surveyed assistants several and Marshall J. islands. the

uh ilgcl inventories biological ough

Micronesica Micronesica

Ant Atoll is one of many small Pacific island groups that have not had thor­ had not have that groups Pacific small island of many one is Atoll Ant

populations. populations.

. . species least five of at other bers

reational visitors and exploitive hunters may present a future threat to to threat future a present may hunters exploitive and visitors reational

about about

impact on these seabird populations, but an increasing number of rec­ of number increasing an but populations, seabird these on impact

bird, followed closely by the Micronesian Honeyeater Honeyeater Micronesian the by closely followed bird,

The Micronesian Starling Starling Micronesian The

ratra). ratra).

mals for the first time. None is endemic to the atoll. All occur on Pohn­ on occur All atoll. the to is endemic None time. first the for mals

Established introductions include the Red Junglefowl Junglefowl Red the include introductions Established

pei, the nearest high island, and most are widely distributed in Oceania. Oceania. in widely distributed are most and island, high nearest the pei,

at least four mammals mammals four least at

recorded from Ant Atoll, five of the reptiles, nine birds, and two mam­ two and birds, nine reptiles, the five of Atoll, Ant from recorded

Abstract-Thirteen Abstract-Thirteen

(1957), (1957),

29(1): 29(1):

6,000 6,000

Wolouna Island is an important seabird nesting area, hosting hosting area, nesting seabird important an is Island Wolouna

iiino Mteais n cec, olg f irnsa P.O Micronesia, College of Science, and Mathematics of Division

and additional information is included in Marshall's field notes on on notes field Marshall's in included is information additional and

25-27 25-27

21

-

14-16 14-16

pairs of Black Noddies Noddies Black of pairs

Reptiles, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals Ant of Atoll,

36, 36,

Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941. 96941. Micronesia of States Federated Pohnpei, Kolonia,

November November

11 11

1996 1996

June June

May May

26 26

species species reptiles, of

June June

. .

(Rattus rattus, rattus, (Rattus

Eastern Eastern Caroline Islands

1982, 1982,

Its vertebrate fauna has never been reviewed syste­ reviewed been never has fauna vertebrate Its

1956. 1956.

DONALD DONALD

1994, 1994,

(Aplonis opaca) opaca) (Aplonis

1983 1983

and and

Introduction Introduction

9-12 9-12

Their observations were summarized by Mar­ by summarized were observations Their

and and

Subsistance hunting may have minimal minimal have may hunting Subsistance

(Engbring, pers. comm.). The present study study present The comm.). pers. (Engbring,

12 12

W. W.

December December

(Anous minutus) minutus) (Anous

and and

R. R.

21 21

25 25

BUDEN BUDEN

exulans, Fe/is catus, Sus scrofa). scrofa). Sus catus, Fe/is exulans,

January January

25 25

birds, and seven mammals are are seven mammals and birds,

is the most numerous land land numerous most the is

June June

1982 1982

1955, 1955,

1995. 1995.

and and

1983. 1983.

and Nikalap Aru and and Aru Nikalap and

(Gallus (Gallus ga/lus)

and smaller num­ smaller and

(1990) (1990)

1983; 1983;

Mzml rub­ (Myzomela

This study includes includes study This

They censused land land censused They

. .

Box 159 159 Box

15-21 15-21

all their records records all their

observed birds birds observed

July

and and

, ,

1

- 5 5

Cocos Cocos

(Bryan (Bryan

2 2

Bruguiera Bruguiera

Rhizophora Rhizophora

also also is a common

about about m 10-15 tall

The The largest in girth

11 11 km wide, with a

-

15 15 m apart. Marshall

-

up up wide. meters to several

Canavalia, Canavalia, Cassytha, Ipom­

Hernandia Hernandia

With With Wolouna exception the of

• •

2

and and

1991), island-style pres- hotel island-style still is 1991),

Pisonia grandis. grandis. Pisonia

-

Tournefortia Tournefortia

Terminalia Terminalia littoralis

and and

Area Area

and and

Except for a few isolated and isolated meagre shelters Except for few a

Guettarda Guettarda speciosa, Hernandia sonora, Mor­

. .

Study Study

account account for over half the total land area (Bryan

) )

spp., spp.,

2

Micronesica Micronesica I), 996 29( I

Scaevola Scaevola

Allophylus Allophylus ternatus, Artocarpus a/ti/is, Barringtonia asia­

30 30 m tall and irregularly spaced 5

-

is is locally common on windswept rocky beaches and on sandy

Mangroves Mangroves are scarce, but I found small patches of

. .

Vigna

and and Nikalap Aru km (0.5 and and

Ant Ant Atoll is currently uninhabited but is visited from Pohnpei by hunters,

The The forest extends to sandy or rocky beaches or is bordered by scrub or

Glassman Glassman recorded of vascular (1953) species plants 58 on Ant Atoll.

Ant Ant Atoll is located in the eastern Caroline Islands, 18.5 km southwest of

) )

2

used used by visitors, I saw no standing evidence of widespread human occupation.

The The framework of a short-lived small, (1989

the the larger islands up until the early when 1970s the copra industry became un­

profitable comm.) profitable pers. Hauley, (W.

production production at least from the late throughout 1800s most of this century under

direction direction of Henry Nanpei and heirs. Up his settlements in on people to lived 500

fishermen, recreational divers, and weekend picnicers. Ant was managed managed Ant copra was for picnicers. and fishermen, weekend recreational divers,

oea, oea,

covering covering about a hectare on the eastern of side Panshanki.

the the shoreline vegetation is shrouded in vines, mainly

along along some of the interisland passes, and one stand fairly extensive of

shrubs shrubs comprise irregularly spaced patches of strand vegetation. In many areas,

and and more sheltered lagoon shores. Grasses, sedges, vines, and small, scattered

Pemphis Pemphis acidula

thickets thickets of largely consisting

shoreline shoreline tree, but not as large. Mosses and ferns are common ground cover and

tica, tica, Cordia subcordata, Ficus

occur occur mainly at the forest edge, along sandy lagoon-side beaches. They include

and and I 3 m in diameter at breast height.

inda inda citrifo/ia, Neisosperma oppositifolia, epiphytes. epiphytes.

Barringtonia, Barringtonia, Calophyllum inophyllum, Cordia,

1971). 1971).

rows." rows." But these plantations have fallen into disuse in recent decades and the

mon mon forest trees include

present present regeneration natural forest of is rather than human by Other design. com­

( 1957) 1957) stated ( that on Nikalap Aru "coconut trees are throughout planted in

forest forest is the predominant vegetation; only the smallest islets, Wolouna and To­

lonmurui, lonmurui, are covered mainly with broadleaf woodland and coastal scrub. The

coconut coconut trees are 20

km

1971, Pohnpei Pohnpei 1971, State Land Commission The islands 1985). of (11 12 them strung

dry dry shod or so nearly during The tides. the largest lowest two islands, Pamuk (0.6

passage between Imwinyap Imwinyap and Nikalap passage between are separated shallow, Aru, islands by the

(the (the only island in the northwestern quadrant), and excluding the deep water

easily easily wadeable gaps up to hundred several some meters wide, able to crossed be

along along southeastern the km cover perimeter) 1.86

family family on Pohnpei. The atoll is about km 12.5 long and 7

reef shelf ranging ranging and about reef shelf m wide a to km lagoon covering 74 300 1100

Pohnpei, the nearest large, high island (Fig. 1). It is privately owned by the Nanpei Nanpei the by owned privately Pohnpei, It is (Fig. high island nearest large, the 1). 22 22

t::>o t::>o

Figure I. Location map for Ant Atoll. CAR CAR Atoll. Ant for map Location I. Figure

I I

. .

1000 1000

· ·

, ,

1 1

N N

lands, NG NG lands,

(formerly (formerly

Pamuk Pamuk

km km

CAR CAR

Gilbert Islands), MAR MAR Islands), Gilbert

.. ..

I I

:. :.

. .

= =

·· ··

·· ··

......

·.. ·..

.. ..

New Guinea New

0 0

,__:;·Wolouna ,__:;·Wolouna

. .

:·~enipiual :·~enipiual

.. ..

(\Jl;~~~1:G;j;~:~tp (\Jl;~~~1:G;j;~:~tp

. .

· ·

····

Shikaroi Remba Remba Shikaroi

ANT ATOLL ATOLL ANT

Buden

......

. .

. .

. .

··· ···

......

Pohnpei Pohnpei

. .

: :

.

. .

Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Atoll Ant of Vertebrates

5km 5km

= =

. .

Tolonmuru1 Tolonmuru1

·····. ·····.

......

l l

Mariana Islands, MSL MSL Islands, Mariana

.:\ .:\

\ \

[rNaro~ [rNaro~

= =

Ant Atoll Atoll Ant

•• ••

Caroline Islands Caroline

Nikalap Nikalap

-:. -:.

165° 165°

0 0

MSL MSL

.

~

-:._.,;·· -:._.,;··

: :

-~-

.. ..

.. ..

::: :::

}{\.·:"-°··· }{\.·:"-°···

......

Pasa~~· Pasa~~·

...

.

· ·

, ,

, ,

. .

. .

., .,

KIR KIR

....

= =

:"' :"'

··· ···

· ·

. .

.. ..

. .

asal Is­ Marshall

= =

'.':KIR

Kiribati Kiribati

.·. .·.

......

.• .•

· ·

......

.. ..

·· ··

180° 180°

. .

15° 15°

00 00 23 23

Pa­

= =

at a camp- at a

(hawksbill (hawksbill

-

100 for for a 100 charcoal

± ±

Panmuk Panmuk Pamuk known (also as

= =

distributions distributions on Ant appear to reflect

Eretmochelys Eretmochelys imbricata

"site "site

REPTILES REPTILES

Methods Methods

Species Species Accounts

Micronesica Micronesica 29(1), 1996

Pukennge Pukennge in Marshall (1957).

= =

(green (green turtle) and

Toronmurui, Toronmurui, and Pamuk

. .

following following Connors The (1983). terms used to abun­ describe

mydas--carapace mydas--carapace than cm probably length less 30

= =

C. C.

is is treated as a distinct species from the American Golden-Plover

Chelonia Chelonia mydas

The The specimens of 189 lizards collected by hand have been deposited in the

Place Place names and map (Fig. 1) are from Bryan (1971) with some modifica­

Status Status of lizards and birds was assessed by transect counts and by general

Bird names names Bird are from Pratt that except al. et Golden-Plover (1987) the Pacific

turtle).-I turtle).-I did not encounter turtles any live on Ant Atoll, but and saw the scutes

bones of a small small a bones of

tution, tution, Washington, D.C.; and the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ),

Harvard Harvard University

Pohnpei; Pohnpei; the National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Smithsonian Insti­

B. P. Bishop Museum, Museum, Micronesia P. Collection, Honolulu; B. Bishop of Reference the College

lmwintiati). lmwintiati). Nikalap Aru

taya, taya, Tolonmurui

aerial aerial mosaic survey (Pohnpei State Land Commission Also, Pasa 1985).

tions. tions. The two islands as identified Imwinyap and Wachikichiki in Bryan (1971)

timating timating population size.

are are merged to match the size and configuration of Imwinyap in a more recent

numbers numbers of individuals per kilometer, indicating relative abundance without es­

Counts Counts waterbirds of on flats and reef beaches, and are all lizard as given species

distances distances estimated were map scale 15,000 using (Pohnpei a State 1: Land Com­

and and coastal transects paralleled the strand line. No transect was repeated and

mission 1985). Land Land mission 1985). birds censused were using fixed-width, 50-m strip transects.

than than half the days).

lines lines across the breadth of the island or parallel to the long axis near mid-island,

observations observations throughout the study period. Forest transects roughly were straight

than than individuals or five small flocks recorded during this study, and no evidence

day day and weather conditions), fairly common (10-30/day), uncommon (up to 10/

of of greater abundance presented in previous studies). For lizards, the terms are

day day on most days), and scarce (up to 5/day, but possibly unrecorded on more

fairly fairly common (5-15/day), uncommon (1-5 on most days), and scarce (no more

common common (at least sightings/day in 30 suitable habitat and under optimum time of

dance of birds are very common (30 or more more or common common sightings/day), are birds (30 (15-30/day), very dance of

(Pluvialis (Pluvialis dominica)

(Pluvialis fulva) fulva) (Pluvialis

intensive intensive occupation over a substantial period of time."

sample from from Imwinyap, sample and stated that

known, known, but Ayres et al. reported (1979) a date of AD 800

24 24 ent ent on Nikalap Aru. The dates of the original occupation of Ant Atoll are un­ imdsgtnsad uos ftrls etn nteaol Adtoal, several Additionally, atoll. the on nesting turtles of rumors and sightings firmed Pohnpeians I queried indicated that both green (mainly) and hawksbill turtles are turtles hawksbill and green (mainly) both that indicated queried I Pohnpeians

ieo h etr n fPmk nJl 19.Picad 18)rpre uncon­ (1981) reported 1994. Pritchard July in Pamuk of end western the on site

cainlyse ntelgo ad ntere,ad hyrpre nsso both of nests reported they and reef, the on and lagoon the in seen occasionally pce eerglry on o aa Nklp r, n Pmk ni aot the about until Pamuk and Aru, Nikalap Pasa, on found regularly species were

UN 195)cletdo iaa Aub .Mrhl uig 10 139055) during by Marshall J. Aru (USNM collected on Nikalap

fbidnsa ih. uig h a, olce ay eet eflaig bark exfoliating beneath many collected I day, the During night. at buildings of on dead broadleaf trees and saw numerous others within the interstices of aerial of interstices the within others numerous saw and trees broadleaf dead on roots of strangler figs stranglerof roots Tbe )adi h otaudn gcoo h tl Tbe2.Mrhl (1957) Marshall 2). (Table atoll the on gecko abundant most is the 1) and (Table collected

o truhu teaol n i h nylzr eodd nWlua sad It Island. Wolouna on recorded lizard only is the and atoll, the throughout mon

eet bad ad te dbi t h ihtd ie n bnah ed ak on bark dead beneath and line, tide high the at debris other and boards beneath

r i e. 1955. Dec. in Aru

a ms nmru a ngt n h wlsad idw o svrl abandoned several of windows and walls the on night at numerous most was ulig o Nklp Aru Nikalap on buildings

hrln re.Iddnt encounter not did I trees. shoreline Marshall (1957) collected it on Wolouna in May 1956 and saw it also on Nikalap on 1956 also saw it and May in (1957) Wolouna on it collected Marshall

found it chiefly in coastal habitats at night, mainly low on tree trunks and on the on and trunks tree on low mainly night, at habitats chiefly it coastal in found

mi boettgeri Emoia . caer11/eoca11da E.

Species

Gekkonidae

Lepidodacty/11s lugubris Lepidodacty/11s ats pelagicus Nactus eohrs ate/es Perochirus Scincidae 1970s.

. impar E. E. Eugongy/11s a/bofasciolatus apoei smaragdina Lampro/epis eyr mutilata Gehydra • oceanica G. Np Wo

hssuy pu in niae ih rcrs only records sight indicate signs plus study, this

Table

jakati

Localities

=

=

Gehyra mutilata. Gehyra

Lepidodactylus lugubris. Lepidodactylus

Gehyra oceanica.

Nactus pelagicus.

aap, Na Nakappu,

Wolouna.

I.

G. oceanica

itiuin eod o iad o At tl. ubr ae pcmn olce during collected specimens are Numbers Atoll. Ant on lizards of records Distribution

are listed clockwise: Ps clockwise: listed are

=

ao, Rm Naron,

-

-

(Ficus prolixa).

nNklp r i e. 1955. Dec. in Aru Nikalap on

-

The

The

The

15

+

6

5

7 2

7

I

I

s i Im Ni Ps

.

Buden: Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Buden: Ant of Vertebrates

uig h dy ms o te pcmn ee found were specimens the of most day, the During

cai ek scmo on is gecko common oceanic

-

ny eod f mtltn gco soe specimen one is gecko mutilating a of record only

okgcoi arycmo truhu teaol I atoll. the throughout common fairly is gecko rock

•

•

II

2 2 12 10

=

=

6

2

given in species accounts. species in given

3

5

I

I

The

Pasa, Ni Pasa,

eb, Sh Remba,

4

2 2

3 3

I

I I

+

mourning gecko is uncommon to fairly com­ fairly to uncommon is gecko mourning

L.

It has been recorded on nearly all islands nearly the on been recorded has It

2

3

lugubris

,

=

n p Na Np Pn

n atrss niae eod fo ohr sources other from records indicate asterisks and

iaa Au Im Aru, Nikalap

=

hkri Rn Shikaroi,

in the interior parts of the forest. the of parts interior the in

7

+

+ +

Island•

II

m Sh Rm

2

2

2 5

I

=

=

eiia To Renipiua,

2 2

3

Cocos

miyp Pn Imwinyap,

2

5

I

+

n o Pm To Rn

rns n walls and trunks

-

+

11 1955. Dec.

=

=

Tolonmurui,

•

Panshanki,

7

Wo

25 26 Micronesica 29(I), 1996

Table 2. Relative abundance of lizards on Ant Atoll.

Individuals observed per km Species Forest• Strandb Statusc

Gekkonidaed Gehyra mutilata 0 '!" G. oceanica 8.8 C Lepidodactylus lugubris 0.6 UC-FC Nactus pelagicus 5.6 FC Perochirus ate/es 0.9 UC-FC Scincidaec Emoia boettgeri 22.3 10.4 C E. caeruleocauda 0 0 s E. impar 57.5 22.0 C E.jakati 0.8 2.0 S-UC Eugongylus albofasciolatus 0 0 S-UC Lamprolepis smaragdina 2.5 9.6r C

• The distances (km) covered during transect counts on each island are: Pasa 0.8 day/ 1.0 night, Nikalap Aru 1.7/0.8, Imwinyap 0.8/0, Panshanki 0.2/0, Nakappu 0.2/ 0, Naron 0.5/0.5, Remba 0.2/0.5, Shikaroi 0/0.6, Pamuk 0.9/0 (total = 5.3 krn/3.4 km). h The distances (km) covered during daytime transect counts on each island are: Pasa 2.2, Nikalap Aru 1.6, Nakappu 0.4, Naron 0.5, Remba 0.2 (total = 4.9 km). ,. Overall status based on specimens collected, transect counts, and general obser­ vations throughout the study; C = common, FC = fairly common, UC = uncom­ mon, S = scarce. J Counted during nighttime surveys only, and mainly forest edge. c Counted during daytime surveys only. r Mainly in trees at the forest/strand edge. ground. It was the only gecko I observed foraging in coral rubble at the strand line. The specimens I collected are the first records for Ant Atoll. Perochirus ateles.- The Micronesian gecko is common to fairly common in forest and has been recorded on nearly all the islands. Most of the specimens were taken from beneath dead bark on tree trunks during the day, syntopically with Gehyra oceanica. A clutch of about 15-20 hatched eggs that I found in a rotted Cocos stump on Nikalap Aru in Aug. probably belonged to P. ate/es. In their size and placement, the eggs closely resembled those of P. ate/es I collected on Pakin Atoll earlier in the year. I did not encounter the Micronesian gecko on Nikalap Aru, but Marshall (1957) collected it there in Dec. 1955. Emoia boettgeri.- Boettger's skink is common in forest and shaded coastal strand, but less numerous in more open, sun-exposed areas. I usually saw it on the ground and less frequently on the trunks of large trees, especially breadfruit (Artocarpus). Marshall (1957) collected E. boettgeri on Nikalap Aru in Dec. 1955. Emoia caeruleocauda.- A Pacific blue-tailed skink that I collected on the side of a trail through forest and near the site of the old hotel on Nikalap Aru on 3 August 1994 is the only record.

est

publ. field notes) listed listed notes) field publ.

eeitreit (rwih green (brownish intermediate were

July, Aug., and Nov., and G. Suhm saw one on Pasa on on Pasa on one saw Suhm G. and Nov., and Aug., July,

eual ewe one (hr ti omn nmnrvs n mnae for­ montane and mangroves in common is it (where Pohnpei between regularly

May May

coloration, and tendency to hide when disturbed make detection difficult. difficult. detection make disturbed when hide to tendency and coloration,

may be larger than the scanty sightings sightings suggest movements furtive their scanty as the than be larger may

were active throughout the day, from about about from day, the throughout active were shall's shall's

accumulation of plant debris, including heaps of discarded discarded of heaps including debris, plant of accumulation Pukennge ( ( Pukennge

(1957) (1957)

the other Pohnpei state atolls I have surveyed-Maki) have I atolls state Pohnpei other the

is is

ground

also common in strand vegetation, where where vegetation, strand in common also

(1957) (1957)

(41

and in low vegetation, although it readily climbed trees to avoid capture. It was was It capture. avoid to trees climbed readily it although vegetation, low in and

occasionally on the ground the on occasionally on on

of sampling) and Wolouna. I observed observed I Wolouna. and sampling) of

records west of the main channel into the lagoon are one I collected on Imwinyap Imwinyap collected on I one are lagoon the into channel main the of west records tree trunks (especially (especially trunks tree he sad Nklp Aru (Nikalap islands three

ard on the atoll and has been recorded on all but Shikaroi (probably an artifact artifact an (probably Shikaroi but all on recorded been has and atoll the on ard

grasses. I saw it occasionally on Pasa and Nikalap Aru during Aug. The only only The Aug. during Aru Nikalap and Pasa on occasionally it saw I grasses. tributed. It is the most arboreal of the skinks on the atoll and is usually seen on on seen usually is and atoll the on skinks the of arboreal most the is It tributed.

in open, sunlit areas of forest and coastal strand with ground cover of weeds and and weeds of cover ground with strand coastal and forest of areas sunlit open, in end of Pamuk. Pamuk. of end

for the striped bronze skink, which was from Imuntiati," a village at the eastern eastern the at village a Imuntiati," from was which skink, bronze striped the for

ably pertain to to pertain ably

skinks with bluish tails on Ant Atoll, which he reported under under reported he which Atoll, Ant on tails bluish with skinks

kalap Aru (Crombie, unpubl. check-list) and Marshall's field notes summarizing summarizing field notes Marshall's and check-list) unpubl. (Crombie, Aru kalap

records for for records

11 11

E. E.

-

Dec

%

18 18

White-tailed Tropicbird Tropicbird White-tailed

Eugongy/us a/bofasciolatus.-1 a/bofasciolatus.-1 Eugongy/us

mi impar. Emoia

apoei smaragdina Lamprolepis

Emoia jakati. Emoia

jakati

) )

Engbring et al. al. et Engbring

1956. 1956.

July and one collected by Marshall (USNM (USNM Marshall by collected one and July

were distinctly green, green, distinctly were

collected collected

. .

(1957) (1957)

recorded it on Nikalap Aru in Dec. Dec. in Aru Nikalap on it recorded

, ,

1955. 1955.

mainly in grassy, weedy areas or on the forest floor where there was an an was there where floor forest the on or areas weedy grassy, in mainly

, ,

There are no other records. I observed small numbers of of numbers small observed I records. other no are There

= =

9

but the Pamuk specimen was apparently inadvertently listed under under listed inadvertently apparently was specimen Pamuk the but

-

The "striped bronze skink" mentioned by Marshall by Marshall mentioned skink" bronze "striped The

12 12

iaa Aru) Nikalap

sight records (no specimens collected) of small, dorsally striped striped dorsally small, of collected) specimens (no records sight

E. impar E.

L. smaragdina smaragdina L.

Dec. Dec.

-

-

The The

The The

1990) 1990)

Cocos) Cocos)

1955 1955

. .

P

The specimens I collected are the first confirmed records. records. specimens first the collected confirmed I are The

letie oprsrpd kn stems omn liz­ common most is the skink copper-striped blue-tailed

Jakati skink is scarce to uncommon and usually found found usually and uncommon to scarce is skink Jakati

. .

and Ant Atoll, but none during my stay on the atoll. atoll. the on stay my during none but Atoll, Ant and

lepturus lepturus

, ,

. .

state "all the lizards came from Pukennge ... except except ... Pukennge from came lizards the "all state

Buden

. .

Imwinyap, Remba) over a period of of period a over Remba) Imwinyap,

Of the the Of

.

19 (24 19

Pato /epturus). (Phaethon

There are no USNM records of of records USNM no are There

-

and limbs, as well as on shrubs and vines, and only only vines, and and shrubs well on as as limbs, and

on Nikalap Aru in Dec in Aru Nikalap on

The The

: :

Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Atoll Ant of Vertebrates

, ,

%

among the birds he observed at Wolouna in in Wolouna at observed he birds the among

79 79

saw no more than eight eight than more no saw

greenish brown, yellowish brown) yellowish brown, greenish

green tree skink is common and widely dis­ widely and common is skink tree green

) )

BIRDS BIRDS

for which I recorded dorsal coloration, coloration, dorsal recorded I which for

were brown, and the remaining remaining the and brown, were

E. E.

E

. .

impar impar

cyanura cyanura

1955. 1955.

0900 0900

-

mainly in forest on the ground ground the on forest in mainly

139062) 139062)

o ae dusk late to

All those I saw were on the the on were saw I those All

Scarce Scarce

is the predominant lizard on on lizard is predominant the

, ,

Pingelap

. .

1955. 1955.

21 21

iio. asal (un­ Marshall visitor.

on Pamuk during during Pamuk on

E. albofasciolatus albofasciolatus E.

Jan. Jan.

Cocos Cocos

E

E

, ,

. .

. .

n ai. Mar­ Pakin. and

(1957) (1957)

. .

jakati jakati

The population population The

1995. 1995.

16 16

cyanura, cyanura,

husks

days during during days

P. lepturus lepturus P.

. .

doubtless doubtless

28 (35%) (35%) 28

Marshall Marshall

Marshall Marshall

rm Ni­ from

, ,

cryptic cryptic

. .

prob­

They They

10

on on

32 32

27 27 -

was was not

It It

was was among

Tournefortia Tournefortia

8 8 m high and

-

based based on Marshall's

leucogaster leucogaster

sula sula

to to fairly common and pre­

S. S.

resident resident on Wolouna, but

gathering gathering over Wolouna in the

to to very common resident on Wol­

minor minor

Probably Probably an uncommon to common

Vncommon Vncommon

Vncommon Vncommon

F. F.

-

-

-

being being carried away by a "hunter" from Pohn­

minor).

Micronesica Micronesica ), 1996 29(1

were seen, and and seen, (USNM one female were original 461663,

gallus).-Introduced gallus).-Introduced and feral. Marshall (1957) re­

minor) minor)

on on Nikalap Aru in Dec. 1955. Engbring et al. (1990)

F. F.

sula sula

(Egretta sacra). (Egretta

(Fregata (Fregata

along along the northeastern shore. Marshall (1957) reported

(Sula sula).-Common sula).-Common (Sula

S. S.

(Gallus (Gallus

sacra sacra

(Sula (Sula leucogaster).

on on 21 Jan. including 1995, adults five on nests, along with ten

E. E.

sula sula

" " orange feet, bluish throat, brown above, white below."

Tournefortia Tournefortia

-

being being taken away by visiting Pohnpeians, all on 15 July 1994. I also saw

Red Red Junglefowl

Pacific Reef-Heron Reef-Heron Pacific

Great Great Frigatebird

Brown Brown Booby

Red-footed Red-footed Booby

throughout throughout the atoll; breeding is undocumented but very probable. Marshall

ported ported chickens in the settlements he visited on Ant Atoll, but none "feral in the

between between Pasa and Pamuk (Table 3).

recorded recorded it on Nikalap Aru and Imwinyap in June, and they counted ten on

sumed sumed resident. Reef-Heron The Pacific occurs regularly on beaches and flats reef

counted counted an average of 1.2/km while walking along beaches and interisland flats

visits, 13 were were visits, dark, 13 and each six were white or piebald. During July and Aug., I

phase phase and were five white. Of the 25 I recorded throughout the atoll during my

Wolouna Wolouna on June 12 Of the 1983. they 12 recorded as to color, seven were dark

(1957) (1957) observed

afternoon afternoon and roosting at night in May 1956.

1956. Additionally, Additionally, 1956. immature a live booby captured on Wolouna and brought to

among among young seabirds collected for food and above selected is others to be raised

resident resident breeding on Wolouna Island. Pohnpeians have told me it is occasionally

downy downy young. Marshall recorded (1957)

I I saw 50-100 adults and subadults in flight and at least five nests each with a

I saw in July July and I in saw Aug. in flight over the was lagoon. At Wolouna on Jan. 21 1995, three three each with one downy white young), all on the ground beneath

pei pei on July, but 15 I found no other indication of nesting then, and the only adult

white white young (presumably

as as pets, often being trained to take food from the hand. I observed one downy

is is unknown.

hundreds hundreds of frigatebirds and boobies observed by Marshall in (1957) May 1956

on on the northeastern shore on 21 Jan. Whether 1995.

adults adults and several nests (two each with two eggs, one with one hatchling, and

(dark (dark anteriorly, pale posteriorly) perched in a tree on 15 July, and about ten

saved. saved.

unrecorded unrecorded elsewhere. I saw one immature with distinctly bicolored underparts

field notes field

Marshall Marshall on Pamuk on Dec. 11 probably 1955 was S.

other other nests each with one downy white young. All the nests were 3

number 5120) was collected from from number collected roost its was at 5120) dusk on May reads May) (label 14 15

notes notes indicate about 40

ternoon ternoon and roosting overnight during 14-16 May 1956. His unpublished field

hundreds hundreds of frigatebirds and "boobies" gathering over Wolouna in the late af­

about about S. 100

four four other young perched in trees, and about other six young (all presumably S.

mainly mainly in

ouna ouna but unrecorded I elsewhere. saw three adults and young five each on a nest,

sula) sula) 28 28

fulva fulva

jungle," and none was recorded by Engbring et al. (1990). I heard at least two two least at (1990). heard I al. et Engbring by recorded was none and jungle,"

gal/us gal/us

(unpubl. field notes) recorded recorded field notes) (unpubl.

the past two decades suggests these birds are part of a feral population. population. feral a of part are birds these suggests decades two past the

on Imwinyap on 25 Nov. The lack of permanent human habitation on Ant for for Ant on habitation human permanent of lack The Nov. 25 on Imwinyap on

Pacific Golden-Plover Golden-Plover Pacific

on Panshanki on 21 July, and another on Nikalap Aru on 4-5 Aug. Marshall Marshall Aug. on 4-5 Aru Nikalap on another 21 on and July, on Panshanki

calling near the old hotel grounds on Nikalap Aru during Aug., and another another and Aug., during Aru Nikalap on grounds old hotel the calling near

d d

• •

c c

hni .,Nkpu ., ao 0 Naron 0.2, Nakappu 1.0, shanki

b b

lonmurui lonmurui

iio, C vr omn C common = C common, very = VC visitor,

• •

o, = scarce = S mon,

Caroline Islands Reed-Warbler Reed-Warbler Islands Caroline

ing not confirmed but very probable very but confirmed not ing

omn Fairy Common Micronesian Honeyeater Honeyeater Micronesian

Micronesian Starling Starling Micronesian

Sooty Tern Tern Sooty Micronesian Kingfisher Kingfisher Micronesian

Tattler spp. spp. Tattler

Pohnpei Lory Lory Pohnpei

Great Crested Tern Tern Crested Great Micronesian Pigeon Pigeon Micronesian

Black Noddy Noddy Black

Brown Noddy Noddy Brown

Whimbrel* Whimbrel*

Black-naped Tern* Tern* Black-naped

Ruddy Turnstone* Turnstone* Ruddy

a-ald Godw Bar-tailed

Great Frigatebird Frigatebird Great Bristle-thighed Bristle-thighed

White-tailed Tropicbird Tropicbird White-tailed Pacific Golden-Plover* Golden-Plover* Pacific

Red Junglefowl Junglefowl Red

Pacific Reef-Heron Reef-Heron Pacific

Brown Booby Booby Brown

Red-footed Booby Booby Red-footed

= =

Species Species

Status Status

Based Based

Recorded Recorded

B B

Based Based

13.6 13.6

observations and transect counts. Asterisks indicate new atoll records; nc = = nc records; atoll new indicate Asterisks counts. transect and observations

= resident year-round, breeding confirmed, confirmed, breeding year-round, resident =

al 3 Table

km). km).

n oet uvy only surveys forest on

on coastal surveys only and from upper beach to reef edge (total distance distance (total edge reef to beach upper from and only surveys coastal on

based on summer records only; probably more numerous in winter. winter. in numerous more probably only; records summer on based

0

.

** **

1, 1,

. .

nWlua sad n ajcn re ad aon ra only area lagoon and reef adjacent and Island Wolouna on

Pamuk Pamuk

Curlew* Curlew*

-

Status and abundance of birds on Ant Atoll based on general general on based Atoll Ant on birds of abundance and Status

Tern Tern

i . .

t* t*

1.1, 1.1,

observed on transect but not counted. counted. not but transect on observed

(Pluvialis (Pluvialis

Wolouna Wolouna

Buden

P. dominica dominica P.

: :

Pasa 0.8 km, Nikalap Aru 2.3, Imwinyap 0.8, Pan­ 0.8, Imwinyap 2.3, Aru Nikalap km, 0.8 Pasa

: :

BC BC

(B) (B)

(B) (B)

(B) (B)

BVC BVC

BVC BVC

B B

(B) (B)

B UC-FC UC-FC B NBV NBV

BVC BVC NBV NBV

NBVSc NBVSc

B B NBVUC< NBVUC<

NBV NBV

NBVS NBVS

BUC BUC NBVSc NBVSc

(B) (B)

(B) (B)

B B

B B

B B

Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Atoll Ant of Vertebrates

.

, ,

C

FC-VCd FC-VCd

UC-Cd UC-Cd

ucd ucd

C-VCd C-VCd

5

0

I = introduced and feral, feral, and introduced = I

, ,

FC FC

UC UC

UC UC

S-UC S-UC

-

/u/va).-Nonbreeding visitor. I saw one one saw I visitor. /u/va).-Nonbreeding

Sil Sil

UC-FC UC-FC

.

VC VC

Status• Status•

1 1

eb 0 Remba

UC< UC<

Sc Sc

UCc UCc

(total= 8.1 km) 8.1 (total=

, ,

( (

C fil common fairly = FC

= =

.

P. P. fulva)

2

(B) (B)

, ,

hkri ., eiia ., To­ 0.7, Renipiua 0.3, Shikaroi

rsdn ya-on, breed­ year-round, resident =

id/m Birds/ha Birds/kmb

0.3 0.3

0.7 0.7

0.5 0.5

. .

nc nc

nc nc

nc nc

1.2 1.2

on Wolouna in May 1956 1956 May in Wolouna on

NBV NBV

Density Density

, ,

= nonbreeding nonbreeding =

C uncom­ = UC

. .

4

0

0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2

2.7 2.7

0.1 0.1

1.0 1.0

nc nc

nc nc

nc nc

nc nc

nc nc

.

.

9 9

5 5

• •

G. G.

P. P. 29 29

15 15

in­

and and

I I ob­

1956. 1956.

A. A. in­

(1957) (1957)

(H. (H.

brevipes brevipes

1994, 1994,

tahitiensis tahitiensis

is the the is only

binoculars binoculars

1956. 1956.

H. H.

N. N.

at at unspecified

40 40

visitor. visitor. I saw

1994 1994

and and May

Aug. Aug.

X X

May May

5 5

occur occur throughout

Marshall Marshall (unpubl.

binoculars. binoculars.

10 10

visitor. visitor. I saw

1955 1955

and and considered it the

July), July), and about saw

Aug. Aug.

40 40

visitor. visitor. The one I saw

and and

5 5

14-16 14-16

15 15

4 4

1956. 1956.

sumatrana sumatrana

1995. 1995.

X X

resident. resident. Marshall

1956 1956

a scarce to to uncommon a scarce res­

S. S.

and and

Nonbreeding Nonbreeding

visitor. visitor. I saw one on Reni­

10 10

throughout throughout the atoll July, in

4 4

Jan. Jan.

H. H. brevipes

-

and and Gray-tailed Tattler

21 21

However, However, I report all the records

flightless young young flightless scurrying beneath

5-10, 5-10,

Nonbreeding Nonbreeding

and and

July, July, three agitatedly adults circling

The The darkest birds were

Nonbreeding Nonbreeding

m m with

Probably Probably

. .

m. m.

15 15

-

17 17

-

Vncommon Vncommon

common common to very common resident on

-

Marshall Marshall notes) included (unpubl. field

.

The The rufous rump and base of tail were

-

1994

incanus. incanus.

Nonbreeding Nonbreeding

10-50 10-50

during during to visits Nikalap Aru and Pamuk in

20-50 20-50

-

H. H.

1987). 1987).

Fairly Fairly

H. H. incanus

1995. 1995.

-

on on Wolouna in May

together together on Wolouna on

on on Wolouna on

Micronesica Micronesica ), 1996 29(1

and and on Wolouna in May

Both Both

Jan. Jan.

P. fu/va) fu/va) P.

Marshall Marshall (unpubl. notes) recorded field

(Numenius (Numenius tahitiensis).

20 20

, , and Nov.

. .

40 40

.

. .

. .

21 21

(Sterna (Sterna bergii).

1955, 1955,

(Heteroscelus (Heteroscelus brevipes)

interpres interpres

(Arenaria (Arenaria interpres).

(Limosa (Limosa lapponica).

(Sterna sumatrana) (Sterna

. .

1994. 1994.

(max

1956. 1956.

A

Nov. These are the first records. All the the Nov. birds records. are These had All the first moderately

26 26

(Sterna fuscata). (Sterna

July July doubtless was

1994 1994

July, 4 adults adults 4 July, at Remba on

(presumably (presumably

(Numenius phaeopus). (Numenius

in in his observations at Ant Atoll during Dec.

Marshall Marshall notes) (unpubl. recorded field

18 18

sparsely sparsely vegetated rock on the reef flat between Pasa and Nikalap

adults adults along with young several recently fledged on Wolouna on

and and

16 16

, ,

July, July, and three or four others on beaches between Imwinyap and

25 25

in in flocks of up to

16 16

1994. 1994.

Nonbreeding Nonbreeding visitors. I observed one to tattlers several daily throughout

occasionally, occasionally, usually in flocks small of

10-15 10-15

-

1955. 1955.

1955. 1955.

Sooty Sooty Tern

Black-naped Black-naped Tern

Great Great Crested Tern

Ruddy Ruddy Turnstone

Bar-tailed Bar-tailed wit God

Bristle-thighed Bristle-thighed Curlew

Whimbrel Whimbrel

Wandering Wandering Tattler

"Pluvialis" "Pluvialis"

Nov. Nov.

100-200 100-200

Wolouna, Wolouna, but unrecorded I elsewhere. saw

ident. ident. I observed eight recently fledged young and three territorial adults at To­ localities at at localities Ant in Dec.

25 25

over over a large

served served lonmurui lonmurui on

recorded recorded a large colony (with on eggs) Wolouna during

Aru Aru on 2 Aug., and 3-4 adults along the channel into the lagoon on 4 Aug. and

terpres terpres

Dec. Dec. July, July, Aug., and Nov.

July, July, and other adults in over flight the lagoon and flats reef occasionally during

most most common waterbird on Ant Atoll (at least on Nikalap Aru, and Pamuk) in

field notes) notes) field recorded

record. record. The white rump and barred with clearly tail seen were

on on a sandspit at the end western of Nikalap Aru on Aug., Aug., and Nov.

when when the bird at flushed distances of

in flight, and in and flight, they clearly were at seen on on Wolouna in May

long curlew-type bills, striped striped crowns, and brown-colored bills, curlew-type long rumps that evident were

Pamuk Pamuk on another another on Wolouna on

piua piua on one one on a sandspit at the western end of Nikalap Aru on

"Heteroscelus" "Heteroscelus"

evident evident when the flew birds

Micronesia in migration migration Micronesia in (Pratt al. et

identification identification was uncertain

as as a species pair because most were seen under poor viewing conditions when

Panshanki Panshanki on

and and one conspicuously pale gray bird with much white on the underparts on seen

Ant Ant Atoll during July, Aug

canus).

Dec. Dec.

and and 30 30

common of the land birds. birds. land the of common

dent. I saw Lories on Imwinyap, Panshanki, Naron, Remba, and Pamuk in July, July, in Pamuk and Remba, Naron, Panshanki, Imwinyap, on Lories saw I dent.

nJl n Ag 19.Ircre 14.9/km recorded 1994. I Aug. and July in

scrub on all islands with the exception of Nakappu, Tolonmurui, and Wolouna Wolouna and Tolonmurui, Nakappu, of exception the with islands all on scrub

heard heard

small numbers (in pairs or groups of 3 of groups or pairs (in numbers small

but breeding is undocumented. Marshall (1957) recorded the Micronesian Pigeon Pigeon Micronesian the recorded (1957) Marshall undocumented. is breeding but

each on two visits in June 1982 and 1983. I saw 5 saw 1983. I 1982 and June in visits two on each

n h lre ilt, rcrig 27/km recording islets," larger the on

during July, Aug., and Nov. 1994. 1994. Nov. and Aug., July, during

on Nikalap Aru in May 1956, and Engbring et al. (1990) considered it it (1990) considered al. et Engbring 1956, and May in Aru Nikalap on

about 50 active nests per 100 100 m per nests active 50 about

many eggs and young on Wolouna on 15 July 1994 and counted an average of of average an counted and 1994 15 July on Wolouna on young and eggs many

many nests contained eggs or (less frequently) downy young. young. downy (less frequently) or eggs contained nests many ouna in May 1956, and Engbring et al. (1990) observed "about a dozen birds" birds" dozen a "about observed (1990) al. et Engbring 1956, and May in ouna

on the island. There was a similar number of nesting birds on 21 Jan. 1995 and and 1995 Jan. 21 on birds nesting of number similar a was There island. the on

in forest throughout. Marshall (1957) recorded recorded (1957) Marshall throughout. forest in

July 1994. The nests were high in the crowns of broadleaftrees, including including broadleaftrees, of crowns the in high were nests 1994. The July

pairs each on Panshanki (3 separate colonies), Renipiua (1), and Pamuk (1) in in (1) Pamuk and (1), Renipiua colonies), separate (3 Panshanki on each pairs

encounter the Black Noddy on Nikalap Aru and Imwinyap. I saw saw I Imwinyap. and Aru Nikalap on Noddy Black the encounter

when they estimated 6,000 active nests and "15,000 or more" birds. They did not not did They birds. more" or "15,000 and nests active 6,000 estimated they when

et al. (1990) observed breeding on Wolouna in June 1982 and again in June 1983 1983 June in again 1982 and June in Wolouna on breeding observed (1990) al. et

eual truhu te tl, nldn sal reig oois faot 5 about of colonies breeding small including atoll, the throughout regularly

Guettarda, Hernandia, Neisosperma, Neisosperma, Hernandia, Guettarda, corded corded

presumably in nests or roosts in the tops of coconut trees. Marshall (unpubl. field field (unpubl. Marshall trees. coconut of tops the in roosts or nests in presumably

over over

on Nikalap and Pamuk in Dec. 1955. 1955. Dec. in Pamuk and Nikalap on

Pasa to Pamuk during summer 1994. Most of the birds were observed in flight flight in observed were birds the of Most 1994. summer during Pamuk to Pasa

notes) considered it the second most abundant waterbird (after (after waterbird abundant most second the it considered notes)

al. (1990) (1990) al. reported

unrecorded and which is occupied by a large colony of of colony large a by occupied is which and unrecorded

and heard young calling in June 1983. I observed observed 1983. I June in calling young heard and

of seabirds known to breed on Wolouna. Wolouna. on breed to known seabirds of

Brown Noddy is abundant throughout the atoll, excluding Wolouna, where it is is it where Wolouna, excluding atoll, the throughout abundant is Noddy Brown

within a 30 m span of strand at the same site on the eastern shore on 21 Jan. Jan. 21 on shore eastern the on site same the at strand of span m 30 a within

of about 150 adults, at least 20 ambulatory but flightless young, and many eggs eggs many and young, flightless but ambulatory 20 least at 150 adults, about of

venters distinguished them from young of other tern species. I also saw a colony colony a saw also I species. tern other of young from them distinguished venters

1995. Engbring et al. (1990:230) included the Sooty Tern in an unannotated list list unannotated an in Tern Sooty the included (1990:230) al. et Engbring 1995.

Tournefortia Tournefortia

Pohnpei Lory Lory Pohnpei

Micronesian Pigeon Pigeon Micronesian

Common Fairy-Tern Fairy-Tern Common

Black Noddy Noddy Black

Brown Noddy Noddy Brown

Cocos Cocos

D. oceanica oceanica D.

A. minutus minutus A.

forest, and others (including young) were heard calling while while calling concealed were heard young) (including others and forest,

shrubs on 15 July. The dark backs with pale flecks and the pale pale the and flecks pale with backs dark The July. 15 on shrubs

in small numbers (2-3 together maximum) in forest and coastal coastal and forest in maximum) together (2-3 numbers small in

nesting in trees on Wolouna during 14-16 May 1956. 1956. Engbring May 14-16 during Wolouna on trees in nesting

(Anous minutus). (Anous

A. stolidus stolidus A.

(Trichoglossus rubiginosus).-Uncommon rubiginosus).-Uncommon (Trichoglossus

(Anous stolidus).-Common stolidus).-Common (Anous

(Ducula oceanica). (Ducula

(Gygis alba). (Gygis

Buden: Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Atoll Ant of Vertebrates Buden:

s"bnat o iaa (514 Nikalap on "abundant" as

2

, ,

roughly estimating a total of about 6,000 nests nests 6,000 about of total a estimating roughly

-

and and

2 2

Very Very

-

-

on Nikalap Aru in June 1983. I saw and and saw I 1983. June in Aru Nikalap on

6) regularly on most of the other islands islands other the of most on regularly 6)

Pisonia. Pisonia.

Uncommon Uncommon

2 2

common resident. Marshall (1957) re­ (1957) Marshall resident. common

for the entire atoll making it the least least the it making atoll entire the for

-

Probably Probably

G. alba alba G.

-

to very common resident. The The resident. common very to

I observed a large colony with with colony large a observed I

A. stolidus stolidus A.

10 adults on 21 Jan. 1995 1995 and Jan. 21 on 10 adults

to fairly common resident resident common fairly to

etn i re o Wol­ on trees in nesting

an uncommon resident, resident, uncommon an

A. minutus. minutus. A.

/

n peue resi­ presumed and

km

on all islands from from islands all on

Arenaria interpres) interpres) Arenaria

2

) )

and Imwinyap Imwinyap and

Engbring et et Engbring

"abundant "abundant

A. minutus minutus A.

Cordia, Cordia,

-

50 50 31 31

Aug. Aug.

sapling sapling

1-4 1-4

resident resident in

on on Pasa on 21

Guettarda Guettarda

common common and pre­

common common and pre­

sapling sapling at the forest

Common Common

-

atoll-wide is well below below atoll-wide well is

.

2 2

common common resident. Marshall

T. T. rubiginosus

Allophylus Allophylus

on on Nikalap Aru, and Engbring et al.

in in Dec. No 1956. eggs or flightless young

(Acrocephalus syrinx) (Acrocephalus

was was the most abundant land bird on the atoll

is is most numerous in thickets and dense un­

A. A. opaca

It It

(Myzomela (Myzomela rubratra).-Very

tree tree where nestlings were calling during

Micronesica Micronesica 29(1), 1996

syrinx syrinx

(Halcyon (Halcyon cinnamomina).-Fairly

(Aplonis (Aplonis opaca).-Very

. .

A

Cocos Cocos

recorded recorded by Engbring et al. (1990) for Nikalap Aru in June

2 2

Myzomela Myzomela rubratra)

Kingfishers Kingfishers were also recorded on Ant by Marshall (1957) and Eng­

was was recorded on Nikalap Aru by Marshall and (1957) Engbring et al.

. .

Marshall Marshall (unpubl. notes) field collected juvenile a (USNM, female original

Micronesian Micronesian Honeyeater

Micronesian Micronesian Starling

Caroline Caroline Islands Reed-Warbler

Micronesian Micronesian Kingfisher

syrinx syrinx

. .

1994. 1994.

1955. 1955.

1983. Marshall Marshall 1983. (unpublished notes) field considered it the second most common

sumed sumed resident. The Micronesian Honeyeater currently is the second most nu-

number number 5025) that was soliciting food from adults on Nikalap Aru on Dec. 11

have been observed, but breeding is almost certain. Engbring et al. (1990) reported almost reported but certain. observed, is been breeding Engbring have (1990) et al.

visits visits to the crown of a

with with streaked breasts during July and Aug., and at least one adult made several

seeing an adult with nesting material on 12 June 1982. I observed many many I observed an adult immatures material June nesting on with seeing 1982. 12

land land bird (after

that that of l,841/km

in in July and Aug. although 1994, my estimate of 450/km

(1990) observed observed (1990) it on Nikalap Aru and Imwinyap. I saw Micronesian Starlings

( 1957 and and unpubl. 1957 notes) recorded (

where it it has where been recorded. never

( often often in small groups ( of 3-6) on all the islands with the exception of Wolouna,

and and a pair of adults was observed within 1-2 m of the nest on Naron.

branches. branches. No or present, young eggs were but an adult entered the nest at Pamuk

and and delicate plant fibers woven around the junction of three or more diverging

the the exception of Tolonmurui, and it the is only land bird recorded on Wolouna,

on Naron on 20 July. Both nests were cup-shaped cup-shaped on grasses Naron and of were comprised July. largely Both nests on 20

forest forest and coastal scrub.

which supports which supports several presumed breeding pairs (this study and Marshall 1957).

edge edge on Pamuk on July, 16 and another about 4 m high in a

(1990). I (1990). found one nest about m 1.5 high in an

derstory, derstory, and frequent less in the forest canopy. I observed it on all islands with

A

(Engbring et al. 1990), and 4th in 1994 (this (this study). and Whether (Engbring 4th et al. rankings these in 1994 reflect 1990),

differences in in differences methods and observers unknown. is

an an increase in the Kingfisher population, a decrease in other or species, possibly

dance dance among land birds in 1956 (Marshall, unpubl. field notes), 5th in 1983

bring et al. (1990). The The bring et Micronesian al. (1990). Kingfisher ranked 6th (last) in relative abun­

passed passed by

swooping swooping down from moderately high perches and scolding vociferously as I

and and Pasa. In July and Aug., many birds were paired and territorial, aggressively

Kingfisher is widespread in forest throughout, in throughout, forest widespread is Kingfisher unrecorded being only on Wolouna

sumed sumed resident; breeding is undocumented but very probable. The Micronesian

Marshall Marshall (1957) saw Lories on Nikalap Aru and observed trees "with holes in

which which Lories evidently nesting" were on Pamuk in Dec. 1955.

32 32

Jan. Jan. and 1995, Engbring et al. recorded (1990) it on Nikalap Aru in June 1983. Aug., Aug., and Nov. H. 1994. Segal (pers. comm.) saw

other islands. islands. other

uncle is the local caretaker, indicated cats were feral on Pasa and probably on on probably and Pasa on feral were cats indicated caretaker, local the is uncle

Nikalap Aru and Pamuk. I did not see any on Ant Atoll, but S. Santos, whose whose Santos, S. but Atoll, Ant on any see not did I Pamuk. and Aru Nikalap

kalap Aru and Pamuk, but none feral. feral. none but Pamuk, and Aru kalap

visits the island. island. the visits

one dog on Nikalap Aru that probably belonged to the caretaker who occasionally who occasionally the belonged to caretaker probably that Aru one on Nikalap dog

were consumed during "the ritual feasting of high status people on Ant." I saw saw I Ant." on people status high of feasting ritual "the during consumed were

from an undated archeological site on Imwinyap and suggested that the animals animals the that suggested and Imwinyap on site archeological undated an from

to Nikalap Aru and Pamuk in Dec. Dec. in Pamuk and Aru Nikalap to

Aug. Aug.

ranged from from ranged

f.), and Shikaroi Shikaroi and f.),

(pers. obs. and information from regular visitors). The The visitors). regular from information and obs. (pers.

but none on Wolouna and Pasa, which apparently are the only rodent-free islands islands rodent-free only the are which apparently Pasa, and Wolouna on none but

I saw rats frequently (up to six in view together on Imwinyap during midday on on midday during Imwinyap on view together in six to (up frequently rats saw I

among undated skeletal remains at an archaeological site on Imwinyap in in Imwinyap on site archaeological an at remains skeletal undated among

R. exulans exulans R.

E. su/cata su/cata E.

flight at the level of the forest canopy. One pair was copulating while hanging hanging while copulating was pair One canopy. forest the of level the at flight on Wolouna in May May in Wolouna on beach on Remba on on Remba on beach

(1957) (1957) crochiropteran on a Pohnpei state atoll is one that I observed in flight along the the along flight in observed I that one is atoll state Pohnpei a on crochiropteran

cords of of cords

high from a a from high

199.8). 199.8).

Aug. Aug.

eraging eraging

merous in in merous

Remba, Renipiua, and Pamuk. It was usually observed during the day and in in and day the during observed usually was It Pamuk. and Renipiua, Remba,

forest understory and canopy, and on all islands with the exception of Wolouna. Wolouna. of exception the with islands all on and canopy, and understory forest

Engbring et al. al. et Engbring

merous land bird on Ant Atoll, after the Micronesian Starling (this study and and study (this Starling Micronesian the after Atoll, Ant on bird land merous food from adults during summer summer during adults from food

18 18

Breeding is undocumented, but I observed several I several observed recently but fledged soliciting Breeding young is undocumented,

= =

220.0). 220.0).

July July

Sus Sus

Fe/is Fe/is

Canisfami/iaris.

Rattus Rattus

Emballonura Emballonura sulcata.-The

Pteropus molossinus.-The molossinus.-The Pteropus

1994 1994

1994. 1994.

considered both species abundant on Nikalap Aru, but did not see see rats any not did but Aru, Nikalap on species abundant both considered

The males weighed weighed males The

1994), 1994),

0.4 0.4

scrofa.

Pteropus Pteropus

catus.

is common (pers. obs.). obs.). (pers. is common

as collected on Nikalap Aru by J. Marshall on on Marshall by J. Aru Nikalap on collected as

on Nikalap Aru Aru Nikalap on

1955. 1955.

spp spp

I recorded it on Pasa, Nikalap Aru, Imwinyap, Panshanki, Naron, Naron, Panshanki, Imwinyap, Aru, Nikalap Pasa, on it recorded I

per hectare on survey counts throughout the atoll during July and and July during atoll the throughout counts survey on hectare per

Cocos Cocos

170

and on nearly every island from Nikalap Aru westward to Pamuk, Pamuk, to westward Aru Nikalap from island every nearly on and

-

-

.. ..

1990); 1990);

-

-

Marshal Marshal

I observed it frequently in all habitats, from coastal scrub to to scrub coastal from habitats, all in frequently it observed I

210 210

(I (I

Marshal Marshal

on Nikalap Aru in Dec. Dec. in Aru Nikalap on

Johnson Johnson

frond on Nikalap Aru on on Aru Nikalap on frond

-

18 18

m.) all were were all m.)

1956. 1956.

mm mm

Marshall Marshall

asal upb. il oe)cniee i h ms nu­ most the it considered notes) field (unpubl. Marshall

July July

(1957) (1957)

(x (x

(1957) (1957)

140-249 140-249

Ayres et al. al. et Ayres

1994. 1994.

Buden

(5 (5

(1962) (1962)

= =

males, 3 females), Naron Naron females), 3 males,

one futbt sfil omn nfrs, av­ forest, in common is fairly bat fruit Pohnpei

nyrcr o hahtie bt r fay mi­ any of or bat sheath-tailed a of record only 186.0) 186.0)

(1957) (1957)

Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Atoll Ant of Vertebrates :

recorded domesticated pigs during visits to Ni­ to visits during pigs domesticated recorded

Presumably, it was a stray from Pohnpei, where where Pohnpei, from it stray was a Presumably,

Rattus rattus. rattus. Rattus recorded domesticated cats during his visits to to visits his during cats domesticated recorded

1994. 1994.

listed two male male two listed

1955. 1955.

MAMMALS MAMMALS

g g

(x (x

H. H.

and females measured measured females and

recorded domesticated dogs during visits visits during dogs domesticated recorded

(1979) (1979)

= =

Ayres et al. al. Ayres et

Segal (pers. comm.) reported pigs were were pigs reported comm.) Segal (pers.

1955 1955

182.4) 182.4)

4 4

recorded recorded

probably pertain to to pertain probably

Aug. Marshall's Marshall's Aug.

n head In

and females females were and

Rattus rattus rattus Rattus

(1979) (1979)

12 12

R. rattus rattus R.

/

(I (I

body length, the males males the length, body

10 10

I collected in July and and July in collected I

m.), Remba Remba m.),

excavated dog bones bones dog excavated

Dec. Dec.

188-211 188-211

and one female female one and

(1957) (1957)

and and

1955. 1955.

P. molossinus molossinus P.

160-265 160-265

R. exulans exulans R.

mm mm

Marshall Marshall

ih re­ sight

(I (I

m., m.,

1978. 1978.

(x (x

g g

= =

(x (x

33 33 I I

and and

and and

Eugon­

was was the most

are are first records

Emba/lonura Emba/lonura sulcata

were were common on the

among among birds, and mam­ five

Eugongylus Eugongylus albofasciolatus

E. E. boettgeri

and and

Gallus Gallus gallus

Chelonia Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata)

Discussion Discussion

being more more being numerous in sand strand, especially

Micronesica Micronesica I), 29( 1996

(Artocarpus). (Artocarpus). Lamprolepis smaragdina

Emoia Emoia impar

E. jakati jakati E.

much much higher than mine vs. (1,841 450 for starling, 1,548

2 2

were completely completely were terrestrial, with the larger and more robust

morning morning point counts (Engbring et al. 1990), vs. strip transects

(Nactus (Nactus pe/agicus, Emoia caeru/eocauda, E. impar)

-

is the the is only indigenous resident mammal, whereas

being being more frequent in shady, densely vegetated areas near cover, and the

Land Land distributed are bird widely species throughout the forest and appear to

(Rattus (Rattus rattus, R. exulans, familiaris, Canis catus, Fe/is Sus scrofa,). Pteropus

The The indigenous avifauna is comprised of eight nonbreeding visitors and 16

Thirteen Thirteen of 25 reptiles, birds, species and mammals seven are recorded from

arboreal arboreal among skinks, occurring mainly on trees, vines, and shrubs, and only

trees, trees, especially breadfruit

ground ground vegetation, the in and but low frequently capture evaded large climbing by

among among vines and grasses.

smaller and and smaller more gracile

titioning titioning of habitat space. Among the skinks,

be be most numerous overall at the forest edge. Lizards showed more obvious par­

Emoia Emoia jakati

not not estimate population size.

reported reported the starling, honeyeater, and reed-warbler as being the three most com­

gylus gylus

mon mon land birds, although he ranked the honeyeater ahead of the starling. He did

throughout throughout area-Nikalap day and study), sample the (this 3) Aru (Engbring only

2) 2) method

et al. 1990) vs. all 12 islands islands (this study). all vs. Marshall 12 et al. unpubl. notes) also (1955, 1990) field

one one or a combination of factors, including I) real differences in population size,

vs. 271 for for honeyeater, 271 vs. for 97 and vs. reed-warbler), may 369 attributed be to any

estimates estimates of birds/km

roughly roughly the same proportion in the Engbring et al. survey and in mine are Mi­

here. here. The three most common in species decreasing order of abundance, and in

cronesian cronesian Starling, Micronesian Honeyeater, and Caroline Islands Reed-Warbler.

Engbring et al. ( 1990) recorded only the same six species of land land of birds that report I species the six recorded same only 1990) Engbring al. et (

unlikely unlikely to be found, among especially the land birds. Both Marshall and (1957) The The disparity in absolute counts for the three, with the Engbring et al. (1990)

winter winter doubtless add will to the number of migrants, but additional breeders are

of of terns, two boobies, a frigatebird, and a heron. Additional observations during

for for Ant Atoll.

three three lizards

documented documented or presumed resident breeders, including six land birds, six species

reptiles as as reptiles indigenous. Both turtles (

the the absence of any direct evidence of human transport, I have treated all the

all all lizard on species remote islands Pacific may be considered introduced, but in

is is recorded as a probable vagrant. The herpetofauna consists of two sea turtles,

five geckos, geckos, and five skinks. six Crombie and Steadman suggested that (1987) nearly

mo/ossinus mo/ossinus

mals mals

Ant Ant Atoll. Introduced include species

34 34

Nikalap Nikalap Aru in July and Aug. but none 1994, elsewhere. common common on Pasa at least into the I 1980s. observed about 30 semiferal pigs on

Ayres, W. S., A. E. Haun & & Haun E. A. S., W. Ayres,

(SPREP) and the Pacific Island Network (PIN). (PIN). Network Island Pacific the and (SPREP)

in part by grants from the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme Programme Environment Regional Pacific South the from grants by part in Atoll and to to and Atoll

Herbst for confirming identification of of identification confirming for Herbst

G. Zug for identification of several atypical examples of of examples atypical several of identification for Zug G.

USNM collection, J. Marshall for copies of selected pages from his field notes, notes, field his from pages selected of copies for Marshall J. collection, USNM

Hartsell and and Hartsell

exploitation of nesting seabirds discouraged because the island is ecologically very very is ecologically island the because discouraged seabirds nesting of exploitation

dreds of dead and dying birds on the ground. ground. the on birds dying and dead of dreds H. Segal. I am grateful to A. Edward for assistance in arranging transport to Ant Ant to transport arranging in assistance for Edward A. to grateful am I Segal. H.

"utr wo a sotn idsrmnnl it nsig oois wt hun­ with colonies, nesting into indescriminantly shooting was who "hunter" a Edward, Edward,

vulnerable. An increasing number of visitors will probably have a negative impact, impact, negative a have will probably visitors of number increasing An vulnerable.

low reproductive rate. Wolouna should be established as a protected area and the the and area protected a as established be should Wolouna rate. reproductive low

and and

were much greater in the past when people resided on Ant and subsisted largely largely subsisted and Ant on resided people when past the in greater much were

I found just as many active nests of of nests active many as just found I

Tern. According to many Pohnpeians, visitors to Wolouna frequently take young young take frequently Wolouna to visitors Pohnpeians, many to According Tern.

the pelicaniforms cannot tolerate any but very slight exploitation due to their very very their to due exploitation slight very but any tolerate cannot pelicaniforms the also that the terns and perhaps other seabird species breed throughout the year. year. the throughout breed species seabird other perhaps and terns the that also

on local foods rather than on imported goods. Nevertheless, seabirds, particularly particularly seabirds, Nevertheless, goods. imported on than rather foods local on

deleterious to the populations-A. populations-A. the to deleterious

depredations, however, seem to be on a small scale and may not be especially especially be not may and scale small a on be to seem however, depredations,

birds as food, and young frigatebirds are popular as "pets." These "traditional" "traditional" These "pets." as popular are frigatebirds young and food, as birds

than it was in the early 1980s (Engbring et al. 1990). Many Pohnpeians indicate indicate Pohnpeians Many 1990). al. et (Engbring 1980s early the in was it than

in little-used or abandoned buildings. buildings. abandoned or little-used in the most important breeding sites for seabirds in the Pohnpei area. area. Pohnpei the in seabirds for sites breeding important most the

and branches at night. All All night. at branches and reptiles (only (only reptiles

lugubris, lugubris,

forest. forest. footed Booby, Brown Booby, Great Frigatebird, Great Crested Tern, and Sooty Sooty and Tern, Crested Great Frigatebird, Great Booby, Brown Booby, footed

served foraging on the ground in coral rubble at night, but it also occurred in in occurred also it but night, at rubble coral in ground the on foraging served ogl aot ,0 pis f lc Ndy n mc salr ubr o Red­ of numbers smaller much and Noddy Black of pairs 6,000 about roughly

occasionally encountered on the ground. With the exception of of exception the With ground. the on encountered occasionally

W. W.

CT 810107). Submitted to Historic Preservation Committee, Ponape District District Ponape Committee, Preservation Historic to Submitted 810107). CT

Ponape. Interim Report 78-2, Ponape Archaeological Survey (Final Report Report (Final Survey Archaeological Ponape 78-2, Report Interim Ponape.

For providing historical information about Ant Atoll, I thank G. Ashby, A. A. Ashby, G. thank I Atoll, Ant about information historical providing For

The number of visitors to Wolouna and the harvesting of seabirds probably probably seabirds of harvesting the and Wolouna to visitors of number The

Wolouna Island has the fewest land birds ( ( only birds land fewest the has Island Wolouna

Hawley, a member of the Nanpei family, reported one incident to me of of me to incident one reported family, Nanpei the of member a Hawley,

K. K.

all the gecko species were observed throughout the forest on tree trunks trunks tree on forest the throughout observed were species gecko the all

Elanzo, E. Eperiam, T. Liwy, R. Mauricio, J. Nanpei, S. Santos, and and Santos, S. Nanpei, J. Mauricio, R. Liwy, T. Eperiam, E. Elanzo,

R. R.

R. R.

Lepidodactylus lugubris) lugubris) Lepidodactylus

aaoe o hs nhsatc ep n h field the in help enthusiastic his for Nakasone

Crombie for information on herpetological specimens in the the in specimens herpetological on information for Crombie

L. L.

Buden

C. C.

lugubris lugubris

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments

Severance. 1979. Settlement and subsistence on on subsistence and Settlement 1979. Severance.

: :

Vertebrates of Ant Atoll Atoll Ant of Vertebrates

minutus minutus

References References

A. minutus minutus A.

were found in sand strand, forest edge, and and edge, forest strand, sand in found were

Ficus Ficus prolixa.

of any island on the atoll, but it is one of of one is it but atoll, the on island any of

Nactus pelagicus pelagicus Nactus

was no less common during my study study my during common less no was

in Jan. 1995 as in July 1994. 1994. July in 1995 as Jan. in

Field expenses were defrayed defrayed were expenses Field

Acrocephalus syrinx) syrinx) Acrocephalus

a te ny ek ob­ gecko only the was

Emoia impar, impar, Emoia

. .

I also thank T. T. thank also I

Lepidodactylus Lepidodactylus

It It

supports supports

and D. D. and

and and 35 35 I.

),

.

was

T.

311.

-

In

15)

.

-

p.

Red-footed

and again in 7: 291

Pohnpei State

47: 11 47:

312

and three others

2,000

1982

Smithsonian Insti­

P. Bishop Museum

1982,

K. A. Bjorndahl (ed

Elepaio

1:15,000.

The Mongolian Plovers

'

In

38. B.

44-57.

were seen on Panshanki in

-

.

Micronesian forest bird sur­

263-274.

1983.

21

.

40: 56: 1-11.

27

A Field Guide to the Birds of

(1987:

1990.

Approximately

.

1987.

The lizards ofRarotonga and Mangaia,

p.

Ant Atoll. Scale

583

1987.

were recorded in

1985.

p.

G. Berrett.

Micronesica 29(1 ), 1996 Micronesica 29(1

(Charadrius mongolus)

D.

274

&

Department of the Interior, Honolulu.

Marine turtles of Micronesia.

Atolls visited during the first year of the Pacific Islands

.

Steadman.

.

Guide to place names in the Trust Territory of the Pacific

New plant records from the eastern Caroline Islands, with

Rodents and other Micronesian mammals collected

Ca/idris alba) Ca/idris

1981.

1957

Ramsey & V. J. Wildman.

Bruner

.

Honolulu.

inadvertent omission of records from USFWS biologists June in 1971. D. W.

p.

1953.

L.

p. L.

Jr. 1962.

&

F.

225. 176

The

I.

, Jr. ,

. T.,

.

and reported by Pyle and Engbring

409

-

J.

.

R.

D., P.

H.

two Mongolian Plovers

two Bristle-thighed Curlews were seen on Wolouna in

and Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Historic Preservation Program, Saipan. Cook Island Group, Oceania. Pacific Science Islands. Pacific Science Information Center, B. P. Bishop Museum. Hono­ lulu. unpaged.

Storer (ed.), Pacific Island Rat Ecology, pp. a comparative study of the native plant names. Pacific Science Bulletin veys, the Federated States: Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rat Ecology Project. Atoll Research Bulletin

Land Commission, Federated States of Micronesia, Kolonia, Pohnpei.

Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific. Princeton University Press. Princeton, New

Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles, pp Jersey. tution Press, Washington, D.C.

36

1983, Bryan, E. H Crombie, 1983, Glassman, S Engbring, J., F. Marshall, 1981/82/83, Pohnpei State Land Commission.

Johnson, D. H. Pratt,

Pritchard, P. C.H Received 9 Mar. 1995, revised 11 Dec. Boobies, some actively nesting, were observed on Wolouna in

discovered as this paper was going to press and two ( Sanderlings Addendum and Sanderlings, both being nonbreeding visitors and first records for Ant Atoll, bring the total number of bird species recorded to