NATURE PROTECTION TRUST OF SEYCHELLES
RESEARCH AND MONITORING
ANNUAL REPORT
2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1 A. ORGANISATION BACKGROUND AND CAPACITY 2 B. RESEARCH AND MONITORING 2 1. SUMMARY 2 2. SPECIES 2 2.1. Birds 2 2.2. Reptiles 3 2.3. Land and Marine Mammals 7 2.4. Amphibians 8 2.5. Invertebrates 10 2.6. Fish and other freshwater/marine species 17 2.7. Plants 20 3. HABITATS 21 3.1. Marine 21 3.2. Forests 23 3.3. Wetland 26 3.4. Climate 26 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 28
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NPTS is grateful to Labriz in logistical support and assistance with forest restoration. We are also grateful to the Sussex University School of Geography for monitoring assistance.
1 A. ORGANISATION BACKGROUND AND CAPACITY
Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles was established in 1992 as a non-profit-making, non-governmental organisation dedicated to furthering the conservation of nature in the Seychelles islands, through informed scientific research to conserve species by conserving their habitats. Fulfilling its aim of promoting education, study and research in all fields of natural history the NPTS publishes two journals. The annual scientific journal, “Phelsuma” deals with all aspects of nature within the entire western Indian Ocean and includes reports on all NPTS projects. “Birdwatch” is a quarterly publication containing news and anecdotes concerning the natural history in the islands. NPTS manages the Silhouette Conservation Project (ecosystem conservation and research) and the Seychelles Giant Tortoise and Seychelles Terrapin Conservation Projects (research, captive breeding and reintroduction). Within the Silhouette Conservation Project there are special research projects on Seychelles sheath-tailed bats, sooglossid frogs and climate change. In addition NPTS is investigating the conservation needs of the sheath-tailed bat on different islands in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment. In 2000-2005 NPTS managed the Indian Ocean Biodiversity Assessment researching species status and diversity on all of the Seychelles islands, results of this are being published as a series of taxonomic monographs. NPTS has capacity in taxonomy, ecological research and ecosystem conservation.
B. RESEARCH AND MONITORING
1. SUMMARY In 2010 habitat monitoring for vegetation, invertebrates, vertebrates and climate were maintained. Ongoing deterioration of reef-flat habitat and mist forest was recorded. Seychelles sheath-tailed bats recolonised a previoulsy occupied roost site. In December 2010 the Islands Development Company gave NPTS notice of eviciton from Silhouette. Despite appeals to the Ministry of Environment by NPTS and international supporters no support was provided by government and NPTS research and conservation projects on Silhouette had to be terminated. The NPTS office was closed down by IDC at the end of March 2011 and the NPTS Information Centre is threatend with demolition by IDC at the end of May 2011 Some projects were terminated in December 2010, others ran until March 2011. All these projects are reported on in full here, to their date of termination. Silhouette now has no research or conservation management.
Areas surveyed in 2010. Grey – visited before 2010, orange – visited in 2010, red – new areas visited in 2010-2011
2. SPECIES
2.1. Birds 2.1.1. Landbirds Landbirds recorded in point-counts at three sites in March 2010 (La Passe, Jardin Marron, Mon Plaisir): La Passe Jardin Marron Mon Plaisir Habitat lowland coconut habitat mid-altitude forest moss forest Altitude 30m 390m 550m Points 5 5 5 5 3 un-managed managed (10 yr) un-managed managed un-managed Seychelles bulbul 0.2±0.45 0 [heard] [heard] 6.67±5.51 Seychelles sunbird 0.2±0.45 0 [heard] [heard] 0.33±00.58 Madagascar fody [heard] [heard] 0 0 0 Indian mynah 0.4±0.89 0 0 0 0 ground dove [heard] 0 0 0 0 tropic bird 0 0 0 1 0.33±0.58 blue pigeon 0 0 0 0 0.67±1.15
2 2.1.2. Seabirds Records were kept of all seabirds on Silhouette, except for white-tailed tropic birds which are resident on the island. Fairy terns – 2at hotel marsh on 20-29th August, 3 on 23rd August. Nesting on 24th September for the first time on record on Silhouette. High winds on 26th September led to abandonment of breeding attempt. Wedge-tailed shearwater - 9 killed by cat at Pointe Ramasse Tout in September.
2.1.3. Herons, rails and shorebirds All herons, rails and shorebirds recorded weekly, except for green-backed herons which are resident in all coastal areas. Moorhens are counted on the Dauban marsh only. Grey herons bred on Silhouette for the first time in 2010 with the production of two fledgelings. 5 5
4 4 whimbrel 3 grey heron 3 greenshanks night heron crab plover 2 2 cattle egret turnstone 1 moorhen 1 grey plover common sandpiper 0 0 Jul Jul Jan Jun Jan Jun Oct Apr Feb Sep Oct Apr Feb Sep Dec Aug Dec Nov Aug Nov Mar Mar May May
2.1.4. Migrants Blue-cheeked bee-eaters - recorded 2-6th December, corresponding to their appearance in 2009.
2.2. Reptiles 2.2.1. Giant tortoises 2.2.1.1. Captive population Captive tortoises maintained at La Passe are the subject of research on reproduction, growth and general ecology. The project was terminated in March 2011 due to the eviction of NPTS from Silhouette. Attempt to persuade IDC and MENR to agree to reintroduction of the tortoises to Silhouette failed despite both organisatiations having agreed to this aim of the project in 1997. The tortoises are now being moved to other islands. While this move to islands where the tortoises will be released into the wild is welcomed, the mixing of the Seychelles endemic forms with Aldabra tortoises is seen as a step backwards to the pre-1997 situation. They should have been released on Silhouette as planned to preserve the integrity of the taxa.
Reproduction Only a single hatchling was produced in 2010.
Growth data on captive-bred juveniles
40000 Juvenile tortoise growth
35000
arnoldi 30000 hololissa dussumieri 25000
20000 grammes
15000
10000
5000
0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 months 3 Captive tortoise population growth 1997-2011
180 160 140 D. hololissa 120 D. arnoldi 100 80 60 40 20 0 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2.2.1.2. Released population Adult arnoldi tortoises released at Grande Barbe in 2006 were monitored regularly. Distribution shown below.
2.2.2. Terrapins 2.2.2.1. Captive population No breeding recorded in 2010. Some animals were released in March and all remaining animals were released in December 2010 due to the forced closure of NPTS projects by IDC. The premature closure of the project has put an end to research into captive breeding of Pelusios castanoides at a point where pairing of adults was being investigated.
2.2.2.2. Wild populations All observations recorded. Pelusios castanoides seen regularly in the Labriz ‘lagoon’ from December 2010 onwards. Sightings were made in August of terrapins numbered 2 and 5, in December (not identified), numbers 10 and 16 in January and number 2 in February.
2.2.3. Turtles Total nesting recorded for the 2010-2011 season shown in comparison with previous years.
2.2.3.1. Hawksbill turtles A productive year in 2010-11, no systematic data from Grande Barbe or Pointe Etienne this year, numbers for those localities are modelled from available data.
4 Anse Lascars Anse Patates
50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 ------1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Baie Cipailles La Passe
50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 ------1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Anse Cimitiere Grande Barbe
50 500 40 400 30 300 20 200 10 100 0 0 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 ------1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Pte. Etienne
50 40 30 20 10 0 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 ------1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
5 2.2.3.2. Green turtles Few green turtle nests recorded in 2010-2011.
Anse Lascars Anse Patates
5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 99 01 03 05 07 09 99 01 03 05 07 09 ------1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Grande Barbe
5 4 3 2 1 0 99 01 03 05 07 09 ------1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
2.2.3.3. Hatching success Many nests at La Passe were washed out by high tides in 2011.
2.2.4. Reptile population monitoring Reptile populations were monitored in two studies: point counts and transects.
Reptiles recorded in 5m radius point-counts (numbers per hectare – mean ± sd) La Passe Jardin Marron Mon Plaisir Habitat lowland coconut habitat mid-altitude forest moss forest Altitude 30m 390m 550m un-managed managed (10 yr) un-managed managed un-managed points 5 5 5 5 5 Seychelles skink 177.8±212.51 50.8±69.60 50.8±69.56 76.2±69.56 0 Phelsuma sp. 76.2±113.59 177.8±144.80 0 0 0 bronze gekco 0 25.4±56.80 0 0 0
Reptile transects: all reptiles observed along the Jardin Marron path were recorded.
6 2010:
Reptiles Urocotyledon 2 Ailuronyx seychellensis 1 Caecilians Wolf snake
Chameleon
1 Number observed Number observed
0 0 01/01/2010 27/01/2010 22/02/2010 20/03/2010 15/04/2010 11/05/2010 06/06/2010 02/07/2010 28/07/2010 23/08/2010 18/09/2010 14/10/2010 09/11/2010 05/12/2010 31/12/2010
2011:
Reptiles Urocotyledon 3 Ailuronyx seychellensis
Wolf snake
Chameleon 2
1 Number observed
0 28/12/2010 17/01/2011 06/02/2011 26/02/2011 18/03/2011 07/04/2011
2.2.5. Reptile observations Skinks - No observations of note. Geckos - The invasive gecko Hemidactylus frenatus was highly abundant throughout La Pase by the end of 2010 (based on frequency of calls) although Gehyra mutilata remains the conspicuous night gecko. Chameleons – One juveniles on 11th December on the Jardin Marron path.
2.3. Land and Marine Mammals 2.3.1. Sheath-Tailed Bats The La Passe roost was monitored constantly using a CCTV camera. Accurate counts were made quarterly and the distribution of foraging activity recorded. In addition observations were made of disturbance factors. Surveys for bats were made near known abandoned roosts at La Passe, Anse Lascars and Grande Barbe.
7 Population The La Passe population fragmented in March, with the establishment of a new colony at Anse Lascars. Numbers were monitored at La Passe.
40 35 30
25 unknown 20 juveniles 15 adults
number of bats 10 5 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 date (quarter and year)
Temperatures in the active La Passe roost have been monitored since 2005 29.0
2006
28.0 2007
2008 27.0 2009 C
26.0 2010
2006 7am
25.0 2007 7am
2008 7am 24.0 2010 7am
23.0
Disturbance factors No feral cats observed in area of bat roost in 2010. Very dense smoke from Indian construction workers cooking fire on 24th December and on several occasions in 2011. Also smoke from a fire lit by IDC workers on 17th May carried into bat roost.
Other roosts No evidence of any recent bat activity at Grande Barbe. Regular feeding was recorded at Anse Lascars, representing a new population formed from emigration from the La Passe roost.
2.3.2. Fruit bats Monitoring in three field sites (La Passe, Jardin Marron and Mon Plaisir) conducted with point counts in March 2010. Bats were recorded only at Mon Plaisir (42.3±73.32 per hectare).
2.3.3. Introduced mammals Rats became a problem in La Passe in late 2010 and into 2011 due to rats being feed in the Indian construction camp.
8 2.4. Amphibians 2.4.1. Sooglossidae Monitored at four field sites in 2010 (Jardin Marron, Mon Plaisir, Gratte Fesse, Pisonia forest) and three sites in March 2011 (Jardin Marron, Mon Plaisir, Gratte Fesse).
pipilodryas Mon Plaisir (south-east) gardineri
1.40 sechellensis
1.20 thomasseti
1.00
0.80
0.60 frogs per metre 0.40
0.20
0.00 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 date
1.00 Jardin Marron (south-east)
pipilodryas
0.50 gardineri
number per metre sechellensi s
thomasseti
0.00 pipilodryas +gardineri 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 Linear 1.00 (gardineri) Gratte Fesse (south-east) pipilodryas Linear (sechellens is) gardineriLinear (pipilodryas +gardineri) Linear 0.50 sechellensis(pipilodryas ) number per metre thomasseti
0.00 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
0.30 Pisonia forest (south-east) pipilodryas
gardineri 0.20
sechellensi s
number per metre 0.10 pipilodryas +gardineri
0.00
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 9 2.4.2. Tree frog Records kept of wild tree frogs and observations made on captive breeding.
2.4.2.1. Wild population No data.
2.4.2.2. Captive tree-frogs All captive bred frgs released at Labriz in April and July 2010.
2.4.3. Caecilians All caecilians were recorded. 2010:
1
Caecilians
1 Caecilians Number observed Number observed
00 01/01/2010 27/01/2010 22/02/2010 20/03/2010 15/04/2010 11/05/2010 06/06/2010 02/07/2010 28/07/2010 23/08/2010 18/09/2010 14/10/2010 09/11/2010 05/12/2010 31/12/2010
2011:
1 Caecilians Number observed
0 01/01/2011 21/01/2011 10/02/2011 02/03/2011 22/03/2011
10 2.5. Invertebrates 2.5.1. Lepidoptera Unusual records: Euproctis pectinata at La Passe 5th July. Hippotion eson at La Passe 8th December.
Monitoring of Melanitis leda on Jardin Marron path and Sphingidae in all areas 2010:
2 Lepidoptera Melanitis Bee hawkmoth Deaths head hawkmoth Convolvulus hawkmoth
1 Number observed
0 00/01/1900 05/01/1900 10/01/1900 15/01/1900 20/01/1900 25/01/1900 30/01/1900 04/02/1900
2011:
2 Lepidoptera Melanitis
Deaths head hawkmoth 1 Number observed
0 28/12/2010 17/01/2011 06/02/2011 26/02/2011 18/03/2011 07/04/2011
11 2.5.2. Phasmida Monitoring on Jardin Marron path
2010:
2 Phasmids
Carausius sechellensis
Graffaea
Carausius gardineri
1 Caecilians Carausius scotti
1 Number observed Number observed
0 01/01/2010 27/01/2010 22/02/2010 20/03/2010 15/04/2010 11/05/2010 06/06/2010 02/07/2010 28/07/2010 23/08/2010 18/09/2010 14/10/2010 09/11/2010 05/12/2010 31/12/2010
2011:
2 Phasmids
Carausius sechellensis Graffaea
Carausius gardineri Carausius scotti
1 Number observed
0 28/12/2010 07/01/2011 17/01/2011 27/01/2011 06/02/2011 16/02/2011 26/02/2011 08/03/2011 18/03/2011 28/03/2011 07/04/2011
2.5.3. Odonata Dragonflies and damselflies species recorded occasionally. Jardin Marron - Allolestes maclachlanii and Leptocnemis cyanops abundant in forest. Teneral Allolestes in June. La Passe - Tramea limbata present all year. Orthetrum semmale present January - March, September - December. Anax guttatus present January - March. 2.5.4. Scorpiones None located.
2.5.5. Spiders Observations of rare species recorded - none recorded this year.
12 2.5.6. Hemiptera 2.5.6.1 Cicadas No observations.
2.5.6.2 Whitefly Whitefly were recorded in all areas when observed. Monitoring comprised recording the presence of whitefly on common plants for spiral whitefly and estimating the percentage of leaf area affected by coconut whitefly on 10 leaves of the main forest plants.
Spiral whitefly Levels of infestation in 2010 comparable to 2009.
Coconut whitefly Recorded infesting Cocos nucifera around the coast and endemic palms at La Passe forest restoration area (Phoenicophorium borsigianum).
Whitefly distribution in 2010 Spiral whitefly Coconut whitefly Yellow – present; orange – moderate infestation (>25% Yellow – present; orange – moderate infestation (present cover on >5% of susceptible plants); red – high (>25% on >10% of susceptible plants); red – high (present on cover on >50% of susceptible plants). >50% of susceptible plants).
2.5.7. Coleoptera No unusual records.
2.5.8. Monitoring Selected invertebrate groups are monitored in permanent plots: snails, millipedes, ants, termites and earwigs. These have been selected as easily identified taxa containing endemic, indigenous and invasive species. The ants are not fully identified at present, the taxonomic revision is still ongoing. In the figures below 2009 data are shown on the left, 2010 on the right.
10 4 Snail numbers Snail numbers Pachnodus lionneti Pachnodus lionneti Silhouettia silhouettae Silhouettia 8 silhouettae Seychellaxis souleyetianus Seychellaxis souleyetianus Stereostele nevilli Stereostele nevilli
6 Edentulina dussumieri Filicaulis Helicina' theobaldiana seychellensis 2 Helicina' Stylodonta unidentata theobaldiana Stylodonta unidentata 4 Subulina striatella number per metre number per metre
2
0 0 La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron Gratte Fesse Gratte Fesse Mon Plaisir La Passe unmanged La Passe managed Jardin marron Jardin Marron unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) unmanaged managed (0y) unmanaged (10y) unmanaged managed (0y)
13 25 6 Millipede numbers Millipede numbers
Siphonophorella Siphonophorella 5 20 Orthomorpha coarctata Orthomorpha coarctata Cyliosomella Cyliosomella 4 Sphaeroparia Sphaeroparia 15 Glyphiulus 3
10
2number per metre number per metre
1 5
0 0 La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron Gratte Fesse Mon Plaisir unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) unmanaged unmanaged
80 Ant numbers 100 Tiny orange ant Odontomachus Odontomachus Monomorium Plagiolepis Ant numbers 70 Paratrechina Sp 1 Strumigenys Vollenhova Sp 2 Tiny orange ant Odontomachus Sp 3 Sp 4 Technomyrmex Sp 6 Sp 7 Odontomachus 60 Monomorium Sp 9 Sp 10 Plagiolepis 50 Paratrechina
40 50
30 number per metre number per metre 20
10
0 0 La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron Gratte Fesse Mon Plaisir unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) unmanaged unmanaged
10 other animal numbers 10 other animal numbers
8 Pamelascincus 8 Pamelascincus Labia Labia Euborellia 6 6 Euborellia Nasutitermes (x2) Nasutitermes (x2)
4 4 number per metre number per metre 2
2 0 La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) 0 La Passe La Passe Jardin marron Jardin Marron Gratte Fesse Mon Plaisir unmanged managed (10y) unmanaged managed (0y) unmanaged unmanaged
Results for 2010 are notably different from those for 2009, this is probably largely due to very dry conditions throughout 2010 resulting in a decrease in activity in most species.
2.6. Fish and other freshwater/marine species Reef-flat areas are monitored at La Passe for macroinvertebrates. In addition snorkelling surveys of lagoon fish are made. Sea cucumber populations not improving in the south. Of the Asterropteryx gobies only A. semipunctata was present. Diadema sea urchin population very low in the La Passe area, only common in harbour.
14 2.7. Plants 2.7.1 Phenology Observations on flowering or leaf-fall are recorded for the rarer species.
Monitored species
Flowerering or leaves Alophyllus seychellensis
Polystachya goodyeroides
Phaius tetragonus
Angraecum eburneum
Disperis tripetaloides flowers
Grewia asiatica leaves
Hypoxidia buds
Hypoxidia flowers
Impatiens gordonii
Psychotria silhouettae 22/6/2010 24/6/2010 25/6/2010 27/6/2010
01/01/2010 01/02/2010 01/03/2010 24/03/2010 30/03/2010 01/04/2010 29/05/2010 13/08/2010 14/08/2010 20/08/2010 23/08/2010 15/09/2010 28/10/2010 07/12/2010 14/12/2010 Tournefortia argentea
Additional notes on monitored species: Impatiens gordonii – the plant established at Jardin Marron was seriously damaged shortly before 23rd August and 9th December when all leaves and seed heads had been cut off. This harvesting for presumed medicinal purposes is followed by regrowth but under stressful climate conditions this may be a serious threat to the survival of this population. In December 2010 the main populaiton in the Anse Mondon valley was found to have declined in area due to changes in light conditions.
Isolated records Northea hornei – abundant seedlings in April, fruiting in July but most small seedlings had died due to drought conditions. Cerbera manghas - flowering December Platylepis goodyeroides – at Gratte Fesse flowering in March, finished by April
2.7.2. New records Eulophium seychellarum – new plants located on Grande Barbe path and at Jardin Marron in March.
2.7.3. Observations of selected species Observations are recorded for rare native species and selected invasives. Invasives: Alstonia macrophylla - 4 saplings removed from La Passe, 1 sapling and 5 seedlings, removed from Anse Lascars. 2 mature trees found at Anse Lascars (one ring barked). One found below Mare aux Cochons and 2 above La Passe. One seedling removed from peak south of Mt. Corgat.
Rare native species: Sophora tormentosa – at the end of 2010 represented by one old plant at Grande Barbe and one sapling at La Passe.
2.7.4. Tree falls Tree falls on the forest paths are recorded and compared to data from 1997-2007. A distinction is made between native and invasive trees.
15 Tree falls Ficus reflexa Pandanus seychellarum 100% Dillenia ferruginea
75% Canthium bibracteatum Cocos nucifera 50% Tabebuia pallida Hevea brasiliensis 25% Psidium cattleianum 0% Anacardium occidentale % of % of 2009 2010 2011 Artocarpus heterophyllus trees fallen trees Cinnamomum verum Paraserianthes falcataria
2.7.2 Monitoring Plant diversity is monitored in several permanent plots. These are reported under Habitats (section 3). Species monitoring was carried out for Trilepisium gynandrum at Gratte Fesse by recording the height of plants: 2
1 01/04/2009 25/6/2010
0 3m 4m 5m 6m 1m 2m ------1.5m 2 3 4 5 >20m - <0.5m 0.5 1 1.5
3. HABITATS 3.1. Marine Reef-flat areas are monitored at La Passe; the extent of sea grass is estimated. This shows continuing declines at the south end of La Passe.
3.2. Forests 3.2.1. Monitoring Permanent monitoring plots were resurveyed at La Passe, Jardin Marron and Mon Plaisir. Each site comprises an unmanaged area of 25x10m and a managed area of 25x10m. In the managed area invasive plants are gradually removed. Management at La Passe started in 1998, at the other sites managed plots were established in 2009 (Jardin Marron) and 2010 (Mon Plaisir). Annual or biannual monitoring of vegetation is carried out at each site, in addition the same sites are used for animal monitoring and climate recording.
In each plot all trees are identified and measured (height and dbh), all shrubs (>1m high, dbh <5cm) counted and the percentage cover of herbs recorded. The results are summarised below showing differences between endemic tree species and other categories of plants.
3.3.2. Lowland woodland Monitoring sites established at Baie Cipailles.
16 Tree diversity Shrub diversity Invasive trees Invasive Cocos Inidgenous trees Cocos Grisollea Trilepisium Indigenous Dillenia Northea Endemic others number of trees number of trees Pandanus seychellarum Endemic palms Endemic palms La Passe managed 2009 La Passe managed 2010 La Passe managed 2009 La Passe managed 2010 Mon Plaisir managed 2009 Mon Plaisir managed 2010 La Passe unmanaged 2009 La Passe unmanaged 2010 La Passe unmanaged 2009 La Passe unmanaged 2010 Jardin Marron managed 2009 Jardin Marron managed 2010 Mon Plaisir unmanaged 2009 Mon Plaisir unmanaged 2010 Jardin Marron managed 2009 Jardin Marron managed 2010 Jardin Marron unmanaged 2009 Jardin Marron unmanaged 2010 Jardin Marron unmanaged 2009 Jardin Marron unmanaged 2010
Herb diversity
Invasive
Indigenous
Endemic others number of trees Endemic palms Jardin Marron managed 2009 Jardin Marron managed 2010 Mon Plaisir unmanaged 2009 Mon Plaisir unmanaged 2010 Jardin Marron unmanaged 2009 Jardin Marron unmanaged 2010
3.3.3. Mid-altitude forest Monitoring sites maintained at Jardin Marron. Surveys carried out from the peak south of Mt. Corgat to Mont Cocos Marrons (December).
3.3.4. High forest Monitoring sites expanded at Mon Plaisir. Surveys at Mon Plaisir recorded extremely dry conditions throughout the year. Gratte Fesse and Mont Dauban visited in March 2011, Seychellaria thomasseti recorded at Gratte Fesse
3.3. Wetland No monitoring was carried out on wetlands in 2010.
17 3.6. Climate Climate data recorded at La Passe (rainfall and temperature from 1998 at sea-level and temperature from 2004 at bat roost), Jardin Marron (rainfall and temperature), Gratte Fesse (rainfall and temperature), Anse Mondon (rainfall and temperature) and the peak south of Mt. Corgat (rainfall and temperature).
Location of climate monitoring sites: black – rain & temperature, grey – temperature.
Climate data for each site: La Passe rainfall La Passe temperatures (red) and 7am temperatures (black) 1000 38 900 800 36 700 34 600 32 500 400 30 300 28 200 26 100 0 24 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 22
Anse Mondon rainfall Anse Mondon temperatures (April-Dec) 250 38 36 200 34 32 150 30 28 100 26 24 50 22 … … … … … … … … … … … … …
0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04/06/2 21/04/1 05/05/2 19/05/1 06/03/2 17/06/1 07/02/2 16/07/1 30/07/1 14/08/1 28/08/1 09/11/2 26/09/1
Gratte Fesse rainfall Gratte Fesse temperatures 250 38 36 200 34 32 150 30 28 26 100 24 22 … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 50 01/01/20 10/01/20 20/01/20 30/01/20 08/02/20 18/02/20 28/02/20 09/03/20 19/03/20 07/07/20 22/07/10 08/05/20 20/08/10 09/03/20 18/09/10 10/02/20 17/10/10 31/10/10 15/11/10 29/11/10 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
600.0 Jardin Marron rainfall 2010 Jardin Marron temperatures 2010 temperature 30 500.0 7am temperature 28 400.0 26 mm 300.0 C 24
200.0 22
100.0 20
0.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
18 3000
2500
2000
1500
annual rainfall 1000
500
0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
1400
1200
1000
800 1st quarter 2nd quarter 600 3rd quarter seasonal rainfall 400 4th quarter 200
0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
28
27.5
27
26.5 1st quarter 26 2nd quarter 25.5 3rd quarter 25 4th quarter seasonal temperatures
24.5
24 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
19 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Management was carried out at La Passe and Jardin Marron. La Passe – maintenance of forest rehabilitation area started in 1998. Self-seeded Hypoxidia rhizophylla was found. Jardin Marron – maintenance of area cleared of invasives, removal of Cola nitida allowed more vigorous growth of Impatines gordonii but also facilitated invasion by Clidemia hirta. Mon Plaisir - one monitoring plot managed by ring-barking of cinnamon trees.
All management undertaken by NPTS with assistance of University of Sussex field course.
20 21