06.04.2013 Views

Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN<br />

<strong>Chapter</strong> III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources<br />

Draft 1 March 2007<br />

Low vegetation (grass and herbs) seemed none the worse because of the rabbits (Bryan<br />

1934).<br />

Ellis (1937) reported that Rawaki (Phoenix) was treeless.<br />

Maude (1937) observed te boi (purslane) near the lagoon, te wao, te kaura, kiao, and two<br />

species of grass (not identified). No trees, shrubs, or coconut trees were observed.<br />

In 1939, the decision was made to plant 3,500 coconut trees on Rawaki (Phoenix) (Garnett<br />

1983). Planting was stopped with the outbreak of World War II.<br />

Anon. (1940b) reported that Rawaki (Phoenix) had extensive growths of coconuts.<br />

The bunchgrass Lepturus dominated the northwest point and west side (Bryan 1941 and<br />

1942). Boerhaavia and Portulaca dominated the south and soutwest. Sesuvium bounded the<br />

west side of the lagoon. Sida (ilima) and Triumfetta (beach runner) were on the east side.<br />

Rawaki (Phoenix) was treeless (Hydrographic Office 1940; see also Hydrographer of the<br />

Navy 1969). In the middle of the island sand was sparsely covered with grass.<br />

Factors other than food presumably held the rabbit population down to a level where rabbits<br />

did not seriously affect the vegetation (Watson 1961).<br />

Garnett (1983) listed plant species for Rawaki (Phoenix), including:<br />

1) Lepturus pilgerianus<br />

2) Boerhavia<br />

3) Sesuvium portulacastrum<br />

4) Portulaca lutea<br />

5) Triumfetta procumbens<br />

6) Sida fallax<br />

Fosberg and Stoddart (1994) provided a detail discussion of each species recorded for the<br />

Phoenix Islands. A summary of plant species reported and discussed in Fosberg and Stoddart<br />

(1994) is provided in Table III-3.3 above.<br />

In 2001, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development initiated the Phoenix Island<br />

Kakai Scheme (PIKS Project Manager 2002). The main activities of the scheme included:<br />

(1) cutting copra, (2) shark fins, (3) sea cucumbers, (4) seaweed, and (5) replanting coconut<br />

trees and cleaning. Copra production was limited due to breakdown of the tractor, rats, and<br />

limited coconuts. Coconut planting was planned for the second year of this project.<br />

In 2002, pigweed, Boerhaavia, bunch grass and Sesuvium were observed on Rarawki<br />

(Phoenix) (Bukaeireiti and Rabaua 2002).<br />

Neilson (2002) reported that the preferred food of rabbits on Rawaki was Portulaca lutea.<br />

This was evident by the low percentage cover of P. lutea on Rawaki.<br />

Neilson (2002) noted the number of plant species present on Abariringa (Kanton), Birnie,<br />

Manra, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki, and the plant habitats present for each island (see<br />

Table III-3.4 above).<br />

C. INSECTS<br />

41

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!