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Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

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PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN<br />

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

Draft 1 March 2007<br />

Neilson (2002) listed mammals that had been introduced to Abariringa (Kanton), Enderbury,<br />

Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (see Table III-3.31 above).<br />

Neilson (2002) reported that the rats on Nikumaroro were abundant and healthy (see also<br />

Obura and Stone 2003).<br />

Pierce et al (2006) identified mammals observed on Birnie, Enderbury, McKean,<br />

Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki and compared them with previously recorded species (see<br />

Table III-3.32 above).<br />

Pierce et al (2006) estimated the populationof mammal species on Birnie, Enderbury,<br />

McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, Rawaki (see Table III-3.33 above).<br />

Pierce et al (2006) reported that the house cat, Felis catus, appeared to have disappeared from<br />

Nikumaroro.<br />

Pierce et al (2006) reported that the dog, Canis familiaris, had disappeared from Nikumaroro.<br />

Pierce et al (2006) noted the presence of the Pacific rat on Nikumaroro.<br />

ORONA (HULL)<br />

The 1838 to 1842 U.S. Exploring Expedition collected various specimens of rat, including the<br />

wandering rat, Mus exulans Peale from Orona (Hull) (Bartlett (1940). Poole and Schantz<br />

(1942) reported on the type specimens in the U.S. National Museum included measurements<br />

of Mus exulans from Orona (Hulls) collected by the U.S. Exploring Expedition.<br />

In 1887, Ellis landed on Orona (Hull) with his brother, 3 Niueans, 20,000 coconuts and a dog<br />

(Ellis 1937). Ellis (1937) reported an immense number of rats. The rat was smaller in size<br />

than the common rat.<br />

Bryan (1934) reported rats on Orona (Hull). Bryan (1941) noted that Polynesian rats were<br />

found on Orona (Hull).<br />

Bryan (1941 and 1942) noted that cats, dogs, and pigs were raised domestically on Orona<br />

(Hull).<br />

When Orona (Hull) was evacuated in 1961, dogs and cats were left behind (King 1973). The<br />

Gilbertese colonists that had been relocated to the Solomon Islands had to leave their dogs<br />

behind (Anon. 1964). These dogs took refuge in equal numbers in the Roman Catholic and<br />

LMS missions. In May 1964, poison bait was laid out. On the return voyage, no live dogs<br />

were observed.<br />

King (1973) reported that a few cats and dogs were still present on Orona (Hull). Their<br />

reproductive state was not known. King (1973) recommended that dogs and cats (when<br />

present) be removed from Orona (Hull), Nikumaroro (Gardner), Manra (Sydney), and<br />

Enderbury.<br />

110

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