DOCSLIB.ORG

Argentine Ants on Santa Cruz Island, California: Conservation Issues and Management Options Island Invasives: Eradication and Management

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Argentine Ants on Santa Cruz Island, California: Conservation Issues and Management Options Island Invasives: Eradication and Management Randall, J.M.; K.R. Faulkner, C. Boser, C. Cory, P. Power, L.A Vermeer, L. Lozier, and S.A. Morrison. Argentine ants on Santa Cruz Island, California: conservation issues and management options Island invasives: eradication and management Argentine ants on Santa Cruz Island, California: conservation issues and management options J. M. Randall1, K. R. Faulkner2, C. Boser1, C. Cory1, P. Power2, L. A. Vermeer1, L. Lozier1, and S. A. Morrison1 1The Nature Conservancy, 201 Mission Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, California 94105, U.S.A. <[email protected]>. 2Channel Islands National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, California 93001, U.S.A. Abstract Non-native Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) have established on California’s Santa Cruz Island but are apparently not yet widespread. Santa Cruz Island is a highly valued conservation area, harbouring a large number of endemic plants and animals, and communities now rare in mainland California. Following eradication of non-native vertebrates and honeybees, Argentine ants were regarded as one of the major remaining threats to native biodiversity on the island. They were first detected at a single site in 1996 and were found at two more by 2004. Surveys in 2009 and 2010 showed that they had spread to three small sites along the lower reaches of the Island’s largest waterway. They were not detected at 15 other sites on the island with heavy human use, or at 12 beaches used by recreational boaters. In 2009, we convened an expert working group which confirmed that Argentine ants are a serious threat to the island’s biodiversity and recommended a management framework to: 1) detect and delimit L. humile; 2) implement biosecurity measures and engage island residents and visitors to prevent further spread and re-invasion; and, 3) contain and reduce existing infestations using toxic baits. In response, we launched a management framework with the goal of containing and perhaps ultimately eradicating this notorious invader from the island. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, eradication, feasibility assessment, island restoration, Linepithema humile INTRODUCTION There are approximately 20,000 species of ants on recognised as a cause for concern. Today the ants are likely Earth (Ward 2006) but only about 150 species, fewer than the most damaging invasive species remaining on the 1% of the total, are known to have established outside their island. To assess the extent of the threat it poses, presence/ native ranges after dispersal by humans (McGlynn 1999). absence surveys of Argentine ants were conducted around Most of the introduced species are restricted to human- the three previously recorded infestations and other high modified habitats, but a small subset has spread into natural human use sites on the island. We also convened an on-site environments where they have significant and sometimes meeting of 18 experts on Argentine ant ecology and control disproportionate negative effects on native biological and conservation land management from the U.S. and New diversity. Six species of ants are particularly widespread, Zealand to advise us on a course of action. Here we present abundant, and damaging worldwide (Holway et al. 2002), findings from those efforts. including the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). Many studies have documented harmful effects of Argentine ants HISTORY OF ISLAND MANGEMENT AND on native ants, other invertebrates, some vertebrates, plants ARGENTINE ANT INVASION and plant communities, and in countries that include New Zealand (Ward and Harris 2005; Ward 2009), Australia The arthropod fauna of Santa Cruz Island is not fully (Walters and Mackay 2003; Rowles and O’Dowd 2007, known but includes at least 8 endemic insect taxa (Miller 2009), South Africa (Buys 1987; Christian 2001), the 1985; Schoenherr et al. 1999). More systematic collections Mediterranean region (Way et al. 1997; Quilichini and of ants have revealed 32 native species. None of these Debussche 2000), and in California (Ward 1987; Gambino are endemic although Messor chamberlini is relatively 1990; Human and Gordon 1997; Sockman 1997; Holway common on the island but quite restricted and rare on the 1998, 1999; Bolger et al. 2000; Fisher et al. 2002; Suarez California mainland (D. Holway, UC San Diego pers. and Case 2002; Suarez et al. 2000) where they are invasive comm.). Besides the Argentine ant, the only other non- in coastal areas and the Central Valley. As with other native ant species on the island is Cardiocondyla ectopia invaders, islands seem to have been particularly vulnerable (Wetterer et al. 2000); however, its known extent is small to the harmful effects of invasive ants (O’Dowd et al. 2003; and it is currently not a species of concern. Lach and Hooper-Bui 2010). For example, Argentine ants Santa Cruz Island has a long record of human occupation have been particularly damaging on the island of Maui and use, dating back at least 7000 years (Glasow 1980). By (Cole et al. 1992). the time the effort to set the island aside as a conservation Santa Cruz Island (250 km2) is approximately 40 km area began in the late 1970s, Santa Cruz harboured large south of Santa Barbara, California and is the largest of populations of several non-native animals and many species the eight California Channel Islands. A highly valued of invasive plants. Particularly damaging were thousands conservation area, it falls entirely within Channel Islands of feral sheep (Ovis aries) and pigs (Sus scrofa) as well as National Park although just 24% of it is owned and managed smaller numbers of cattle (Bos taurus), all of which had by the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). The remaining been intentionally introduced in the mid-1800s (Junak et 76% is owned and managed cooperatively by The Nature al. 1995). These ungulates severely damaged vegetation on Conservancy (TNC), an international conservation the island, stripping much of the island almost completely organisation. The island harbours at least 21 endemic taxa of plant cover, leading to severe erosion (Brumbaugh et of animals (insects, birds, mammals, and herptiles) and 8 al. 1982). endemic taxa of plants (Junak et al. 1995; Schoenherr et By 2006, NPS and TNC successfully eliminated cattle, al. 1999). It also supports many other species found on feral sheep and feral pigs, which allowed a spectacular some of the other Channel Islands but not on the mainland, recovery of native vegetation in many areas (Junak et al. as well as several plant communities now rare on the 1995; Morrison 2007). Feral honeybees (Apis mellifera) California mainland. were also eliminated from the island by the early 2000s, Argentine ants were first detected on Santa Cruz reducing threats to native bees as well as pollination Island in 1996 (Calderwood et al. 1999) and were quickly services provided to invasive plants favoured by honeybees (Wenner and Thorp 1994; Barthell et al. 2001). Pages 108-113 In: Veitch, C. R.; Clout, M. N. and Towns, D. R. (eds.). 2011. Island invasives: eradication and management. IUCN,108 Gland, Switzerland. Randall et al.: Argentine ants on Santa Cruz I., California Argentine ants were first detected on Santa Cruz known infestations (1997 and 1998 for the Valley Anchorage Island in 1996 (Calderwood et al. 1999) and were quickly and Blue sites; 2004 for the UC Field Station site). These recognised as a cause for concern. In 1997 and 1998, distances were based on Argentine ant invasion expansion delimitation surveys were conducted around areas where rates of 10 to 100 m/yr recorded elsewhere in California Argentine ants had been detected and in other locations (Holway 1998). Each bait station consisted of a 3 x 5 inch with a recent history of human use and movement of (7.6 x 12.7 cm) paper card with a few drops of organic goods (Calderwood et al. 1999). Infestations were maple syrup and several small pecan (Carya illinoinensis) found at two sites, one covering approximately 1.5 km2 nut pieces. Bait stations were revisited 30-120 minutes (hereafter referred to as the Valley Anchorage site) and after they were set out, and the presence and quantity (1, the other covering 0.04 km2 (hereafter, the Blue site). The 2-10, >10, >100) of Argentine ants on or immediately larger infestation was of a size consistent with arrival of adjacent to the stations was recorded (Coastal Restoration the ants 5 to 10 years before the surveys were conducted Consultants 2009). Other ants on or immediately adjacent (Calderwood et al. 1999). Both infestations appeared to to the stations were identified to genus where possible and radiate from sites of U.S. Navy installations dismantled in recorded (data not reported here). 1995, which led Calderwood et al. (1999) to speculate that On 13-15 November 2009 and 21-24 June 2010, more heavy equipment transported to the island for use in these detailed surveys were conducted in the Cañada del Medio installations may have carried Argentine ants. The surveys and Cañada del Puerto drainage and riparian areas, i.e. from also found that native ants were largely absent wherever approximately 100 m upstream of the Field Station, to the Argentine ants were established (Wetterer et al. 2000, drainage’s mouth at Prisoner’s Harbor, approximately 5.5 2001). Unfortunately, no control action was taken at that km downstream of the Field Station. This catchment was time, in part because problems caused by invasive feral judged most likely to harbour additional infestations since it pigs (Sus scrofa) were severe and given higher priority. is downstream of the Field Station infestation, and is used as Both sites thus remained infested (Fig. 1). the primary transportation corridor from the island’s north There are two building complexes in the central valley coast to its interior. The surveys used a sucrose-water mix of the island: a historic ranch compound that serves as or a sweet gel (the non-toxic attractant in Xstinguish Ant the island headquarters for The Nature Conservancy, and Bait produced by Bait Technology of New Zealand; www.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Rethinking Easter Island's Ecological Catastrophe
    ARTICLE IN PRESS + MODEL Journal of Archaeological Science xx (2006) 1e18 http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jas Rethinking Easter Island’s ecological catastrophe Terry L. Hunt Department of Anthropology, University of Hawai’i-Manoa, 2424 Maile Way Honolulu, HI 96822, USA Received 25 June 2006; received in revised form 1 October 2006; accepted 2 October 2006 Abstract Rapa Nui (Easter Island) has become a paragon for prehistoric human induced ecological catastrophe and cultural collapse. A popular nar- rative recounts an obsession for monumental statuary that led to the island’s ecological devastation and the collapse of the ancient civilization. Scholars offer this story as a parable of today’s global environmental problems. In this paper, I review new and emerging Rapa Nui evidence, compare ecological and recently acquired palaeo-environmental data from the Hawaiian and other Pacific Islands, and offer some perspectives for the island’s prehistoric ecological transformation and its consequences. The evidence points to a complex historical ecology for the island; one best explained by a synergy of impacts, particularly the devastating effects of introduced rats (Rattus exulans). This perspective questions the simplistic notion of reckless over-exploitation by prehistoric Polynesians and points to the need for additional research. Ó 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Easter Island; Rapa Nui; Deforestation; Ecocide; Collapse; Rats; Rattus exulans; Invasive species ‘‘It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s archaeological records also reveals a more complex historical what you know for sure that just ain’t so.’’ Mark Twain ecology for the island; one best explained by a synergy of impacts, rather than simply the reckless over-exploitation by Easter Island (Rapa Nui) has become the paragon for pre- prehistoric Polynesians.
    [Show full text]
  • Channel Islands National Park National Park Service Channel Islands California U.S
    The Channel Islands from the Ice Ages to Today Nowhere Else On Earth Living Alone Lower ocean levels Kinship of Islands and Sea A islands, and Gabrieliño/Tongva in the 1800s fur traders searched Protection and Restoration Something draws us to the sea and its islands. during the ice ages narrowed the powerful bond between the land settled the southern islands. the coves for sea otters, seals, and Pro tection for the islands began distance across the Santa Barbara and sea controls everything here, Prosperous and industrious, the sea lions, nearly hunting them to in 1938 when Anacapa and Santa Maybe it is the thrill of traveling over water to an Channel and exposed some of the from where plants grow to when tribes joined in a trading net work extinction. Barbara became Channel Islands unfamiliar land or the yearning for tranquility—to seafloor. The land offshore, easier seals breed. Together, water cur­ that extended up and down the National Monu ment. In 1980 Con­ walk on a deserted beach with birds, salty breezes, to reach then, allowed some spe­ rents, winds, and weather create coast and inland. The island Chu­ By 1822 most Chu mash had been gress designated San Miguel, cies to venture into this new terri­ an eco system that supports a rich mash used purple olivella shells to moved to mainland missions. Fish­ Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Ana capa, and the rhyth mic wash of waves as our compan- tory. Mam­­moths swam the chan­ diversity of life. Among the 2,000 manufacture the main currency ing camps and ranching had be­ Santa Barbara, and the submerged ions.
    [Show full text]
  • Implications for Biogeographical Theory and the Conservation of Nature
    Journal of Biogeography (J. Biogeogr.) (2004) 31, 177–197 GUEST The mismeasure of islands: implications EDITORIAL for biogeographical theory and the conservation of nature Hartmut S. Walter Department of Geography, University of ABSTRACT California, Los Angeles, CA, USA The focus on place rather than space provides geography with a powerful raison d’eˆtre. As in human geography, the functional role of place is integral to the understanding of evolution, persistence and extinction of biotic taxa. This paper re-examines concepts and biogeographical evidence from a geographical rather than ecological or evolutionary perspective. Functional areography provides convincing arguments for a postmodern deconstruction of major principles of the dynamic Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (ETIB). Endemic oceanic island taxa are functionally insular as a result of long-term island stability, con- finement, isolation, and protection from continental invasion and disturbance. Most continental taxa persist in different, more complex and open spatial systems; their geographical place is therefore fundamentally distinct from the functional insularity of oceanic island taxa. This creates an insular-continental polarity in biogeography that is currently not reflected in conservation theory. The focus on the biogeographical place leads to the development of the eigenplace concept de- fined as the functional spatial complex of existence. The application of still popular ETIB concepts in conservation biology is discouraged. The author calls for the Correspondence: Hartmut S. Walter, integration of functional areography into modern conservation science. Department of Geography, University of Keywords California, Los Angeles, P. O. Box 951524, CA 90095-1524, USA. Functional areography, geographical place, eigenplace concept, island biogeog- E-mail: [email protected] raphy, insularity, continentality, conservation biology, nature conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards a Glacial‐Sensitive Model of Island Biogeography
    Global Ecology and Biogeography, (Global Ecol. Biogeogr.) (2016)(2015) 25, 817–830 SPECIAL Towards a glacial-sensitive model of ISSUE island biogeography José María Fernández-Palacios1,2*, Kenneth F. Rijsdijk3, Sietze J. Norder3, Rüdiger Otto1, Lea de Nascimento1,2, Silvia Fernández-Lugo1, Even Tjørve4 and Robert J. Whittaker2,5 1Island Ecology and Biogeography Research ABSTRACT Group. Instituto Universitario de Although the role that Pleistocene glacial cycles have played in shaping the present Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La biota of oceanic islands world-wide has long been recognized, their geographical, Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands 38206, biogeographical and ecological implications have not yet been fully incorporated Spain, 2Conservation Biogeography and within existing biogeographical models. Here we summarize the different types of Macroecology Group, School of Geography and impacts that glacial cycles may have had on oceanic islands, including cyclic the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford changes in climate, shifts in marine currents and wind regimes and, especially, OX1 3QY, UK, 3Computation GeoEcology cycles of sea level change. The latter have affected geographical parameters such as Group, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem island area, isolation and elevation. They have also influenced the configurations of Dynamics & Institute for Interdisciplinary archipelagos via island fusion and fission, and cycles of seamount emergence and Studies, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark submergence. We hypothesize that these sea level cycles have had significant 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands, impacts on the biogeographical processes shaping oceanic island biotas, influencing 4Faculty of Economics and Organisation the rates and patterns of immigration and extinction and hence species richness.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity and Ecological Potential of Plum Island, New York
    Biodiversity and ecological potential of Plum Island, New York New York Natural Heritage Program i New York Natural Heritage Program The New York Natural Heritage Program The NY Natural Heritage Program is a partnership NY Natural Heritage has developed two notable between the NYS Department of Environmental online resources: Conservation Guides include the Conservation (NYS DEC) and The Nature Conservancy. biology, identification, habitat, and management of many Our mission is to facilitate conservation of rare animals, of New York’s rare species and natural community rare plants, and significant ecosystems. We accomplish this types; and NY Nature Explorer lists species and mission by combining thorough field inventories, scientific communities in a specified area of interest. analyses, expert interpretation, and the most comprehensive NY Natural Heritage also houses iMapInvasives, an database on New York's distinctive biodiversity to deliver online tool for invasive species reporting and data the highest quality information for natural resource management. planning, protection, and management. In 1990, NY Natural Heritage published Ecological NY Natural Heritage was established in 1985 and is a Communities of New York State, an all inclusive contract unit housed within NYS DEC’s Division of classification of natural and human-influenced Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources. The program is communities. From 40,000-acre beech-maple mesic staffed by more than 25 scientists and specialists with forests to 40-acre maritime beech forests, sea-level salt expertise in ecology, zoology, botany, information marshes to alpine meadows, our classification quickly management, and geographic information systems. became the primary source for natural community NY Natural Heritage maintains New York’s most classification in New York and a fundamental reference comprehensive database on the status and location of for natural community classifications in the northeastern rare species and natural communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrated Island Ecosystem Ecology in Hawaii
    Technical Report No. 54 INTEGRATED ISLAND ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY IN HAWAII INTRODUCTORY SURVEY Part I of Proposed Synthesis Volume for US/tBP Series Dieter Mueller-Dombois Department of Botany University of Hawaii Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS IRP u. s. International Biological Program February 1975 Preface This is the draft manuscript of Part I of our synthesis volume. It is reproduced only for distribution within our group so that each Hawaii IBP participant will have an idea of what we are putting down before our volume -~, appears in print. We intend to do the same with the other parts as they come out. For Chapter 3 I drew heavily on our original IBP proposal. This chapter reflects the efforts of several individuals, including A.J. Berger, Sheila Conant, Allison Kay, C.H. Lamoureux, J.L. Gressitt, F.R. Fosberg, F.J. Radovsky, and others. But also the ideas put down in the other introductory chapters reflect the thinking that developed through our activity as a research team. Authorship for sections in the synthesis volume, therefore, must be viewed more as responsibilities assigned to us as writers and editors rather than (in the traditional sense) as authorship of a piece of original research. This applies to all remaining synthesis parts, chapters, and sections. The manuscript may still be subjected to several editorial changes before final printing. I would appreciate comments on the manuscript. Please transmit them to me. D. Mueller-Dombois January 1975 - i - ABSTRACT This report is a draft manuscript of Part I (Introductory Survey) of the synthesis volume of the US/IBP Island Ecosystems Stability and Evolution Subprogram.
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Control and Eradication of Feral Honey Bee Colonies on Santa Cruz Island, California: a Summary
    Pages 327–335 in Damiani, C.C. and D.K. Garcelon (eds.). 2009. Proceedings of 327 the 7th California Islands Symposium. Institute for Wildlife Studies, Arcata, CA. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF FERAL HONEY BEE COLONIES ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, CALIFORNIA: A SUMMARY ADRIAN M. WENNER,1 ROBBIN W. THORP,2 AND JOHN F. BARTHELL3 1Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106; [email protected] 2Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 3Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73034 Abstract—After 1880, feral colonies of European honey bees (Apis mellifera) spread over all of Santa Cruz Island, though never invading any of the other northern Channel Islands. In line with other exotic animal removal programs (e.g., cattle, sheep, pigs), we outlined a program in October 1987 to eradicate all honey bee colonies on that island. That project evolved through four phases: 1) mapping and eradication of many colonies on the eastern half of the island (1988–1993), 2) introduction of a parasitic mite as a biological control (1994–1998), 3) monitoring residual honey bee activity (1999–2004), and 4) continued monitoring and certification of honey bee absence (2005–2008). We located the last known feral colony at the top of the Matanza grade on August 6, 2002 and found that same colony dead on March 31, 2003. The number of target foraging sites visited by honey bees declined steadily through the years, with the last visitors seen on rosemary plants at the ranch headquarters in August of 2004.
    [Show full text]
  • Colonization, Speciation, and Conservation
    30 Oct 2001 16:31 AR AR147-20.tex AR147-20.SGM ARv2(2001/05/10) P1: GJC Annu. Rev. Entomol. 2002. 47:595–632 Copyright c 2002 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved ARTHROPODS ON ISLANDS: Colonization, Speciation, and Conservation Rosemary G. Gillespie and George K. Roderick Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Division of Insect Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3112; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Key Words adaptive radiation, fragments, oceanic, endemism, disharmony, isolation ■ Abstract Islands have traditionally been considered to be any relatively small body of land completely surrounded by water. However, their primary biological char- acteristic, an extended period of isolation from a source of colonists, is common also to many situations on continents. Accordingly, theories and predictions developed for true islands have been applied to a huge array of systems, from rock pools, to single tree species in forests, to oceanic islands. Here, we examine the literature on islands in the broadest sense (i.e., whether surrounded by water or any other uninhabitable matrix) as it pertains to terrestrial arthropods. We categorize islands according to the features they share. The primary distinction between different island systems is “darwinian” islands (formed de novo) and “fragment” islands. In the former, the islands have never been in contact with the source of colonists and have abundant “empty” ecological niche space. On these islands, species numbers will initially increase through immigration, the rate depending on the degree of isolation. If isolation persists, over time species formation will result in “neo-endemics.” When isolation is extreme, the ecological space will gradually be filled through speciation (rather than immigration) and adaptive radiation of neo-endemics.
    [Show full text]
  • Southern California Channel Islands Bibliography, Through 1992
    UC San Diego Bibliography Title Southern California Channel Islands Bibliography, through 1992 Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8h79t1p0 Author Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Publication Date 1992-12-31 eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California Southern California Channel Islands Bibliography, through 1992 Comprises 4035 references to the scientific literature on Southern California's Channel Islands. The Bibliography was compiled by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and is presented here in a February 1993 version. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History presents a California Channel Islands Bibliography on its website. It has more recent references and overlaps considerably with this bibliography. However this bibliography has some references not in their database, so it is maintained in original form. # 1. Abbott PL, Kies RP, Bachmann WR, Natenstedt CJ (San Diego State Univ., Dep. Geol. Sci., San Diego, CA; Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA; Nor. Res. Cent., Norway; Union Oil Co., United- States). A tectonic slice of Eocene strata, northern part of California continental borderland. Larue DK, Steel RJ. in Cenozoic marine sedimentation; Pacific margin, U.S.A.: Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Pacific Section ; Cenozoic marine sedimentation; Pacific margin, U.S.A.; 1983 May 18; Sacramento, CA,. Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA: Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Pacific Section; 1983. p. 151-168. 29 refs., illus., 1 table, strat. cols., sect., sketch maps. sedimentation/tectonic controls/sedimentary rocks/clastic rocks/conglomerate/sedimentary petrology/paleogeography/Eocene/Paleogene/Tertiary/Pacific Coast/continental borderland/San Miguel Island/Santa Cruz Island/Santa Rosa Island/San Nicolas Island/rhyolite/volcanic rocks/SRD.
    [Show full text]
  • Borneo: Treasure Island at Risk
    Borneo: Treasure Island at Risk Status of Forest, Wildlife and related Threats on the Island of Borneo Acknowledgement The following persons provided valuable advice and information to this report: - Fitrian Ardiansyah, WWF Indonesia - Stuart Chapman, WWF Indonesia - David S. Edwards, University of Brunei Darussalam - Nina Griesshammer, WWF Germany - Mirjam Müller, WWF Germany - Bambang Supriyanto, WWF Indonesia - Junaidi Payne, WWF Malaysia - Florian Siegert, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich - Lely Rulia Siregar, Indonesian Ministry of Forestry - Alois Vedder, WWF Germany - Stefan Ziegler, WWF Germany Published by: WWF Germany, Frankfurt am Main, June 2005 Authors: Mario Rautner, Consultant, Borealis Centre for Environment and Trade Research Martin Hardiono (maps), Consultant Raymond J. Alfred (Sabah maps), WWF Malaysia Coordinator: Markus Radday, WWF Germany, Assistance: Mirjam Müller, WWF Germany Contact: Markus Radday, WWF Germany, phone +49 69 7 91 44-189; e-mail: [email protected] Layout text: Astrid Ernst Production Rainer Litty, WWF Germany Printed on recycled paper © 2005 WWF Germany, Frankfurt am Main Any reproduction in full or in part of this publication must mention the title and credit of the above mentioned publisher as the copyright owner. Cover photo: © WWF Jikkie Jonkman / Alain Compost Preface The forests of Borneo are rapidly disappearing: A man-made disaster. A few decades ago the third largest island on our planet was still covered by a vast green carpet of lush rainforest. These forests are invaluable because of the diversity of unique plants and animals they harbour: Majestic species such as orang-utans, elephants and rhinos, to name but a few. Equally important: They are of critical value to people, both as a prized natural heritage and for the goods and services that they provide.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Island Rule' Apply to Birds?
    Lincoln University Digital Thesis Copyright Statement The digital copy of this thesis is protected by the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). This thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: you will use the copy only for the purposes of research or private study you will recognise the author's right to be identified as the author of the thesis and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate you will obtain the author's permission before publishing any material from the thesis. Does the ‘island rule’ apply to birds? An analysis of morphological variation between insular and mainland birds from the Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic region A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Conservation and Ecology) at Lincoln University by Elisa Diana Ruiz Ramos Lincoln University 2014 Abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Conservation and Ecology) Abstract Does the ‘island rule’ apply to birds? An analysis of morphological variation between insular and mainland birds from the Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic region by Elisa Diana Ruiz Ramos The ‘island rule’ states that large animals become smaller and small animals become larger on islands. Morphological shifts on islands have been generalized for all vertebrates as a strategy to better exploit limited resources in constrained areas with low interspecific competition and predation pressures. In the case of birds, most of the studies that validate this rule have focused on passerines, and it is unclear about whether the rule applies to other Orders.
    [Show full text]
  • Availability of Food Resources, Distribution of Invasive Species, and Conservation of a Hawaiian Bird Along a Gradient of Elevation
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln USGS Staff -- Published Research US Geological Survey 2002 Availability of food resources, distribution of invasive species, and conservation of a Hawaiian bird along a gradient of elevation Paul C. Banko U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected] Peter T. Oboyski University of California - Berkeley John W. Slotterback U.S. Geological Survey Steven J. Dougill U.S. Geological Survey Daniel M. Goltz U.S. Geological Survey See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub Banko, Paul C.; Oboyski, Peter T.; Slotterback, John W.; Dougill, Steven J.; Goltz, Daniel M.; Johnson, Luanne; and Laut, Megan E., "Availability of food resources, distribution of invasive species, and conservation of a Hawaiian bird along a gradient of elevation" (2002). USGS Staff -- Published Research. 639. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub/639 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the US Geological Survey at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in USGS Staff -- Published Research by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Authors Paul C. Banko, Peter T. Oboyski, John W. Slotterback, Steven J. Dougill, Daniel M. Goltz, Luanne Johnson, and Megan E. Laut This article is available at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ usgsstaffpub/639 Journal of Biogeography, 29, 789–808 Availability of food resources, distribution of invasive species, and conservation of a Hawaiian bird along a gradient of elevation Paul C. Banko*, Peter T. Oboyski1, John W. Slotterback, Steven J.
    [Show full text]