Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Within 10 years of CCP approval, contribute to the restoration of suitable, predator-free habitats
on the Ritidian Unit as a basis for potential repatriation of extirpated species (e.g., Rufous fantail
or “Chichirika”; Cardinal Honeyeater or “Egigi”; and Mariana Fruit-Dove or “Totot”).
Strategies
Work with cooperators to document species status and appropriate restoration actions.
Develop repatriation plan.
Rationale:
The purpose of the Refuge and the expectation of the public on Guam are for us to restore those
species decimated and extirpated by BTS and other causes for future generations.
Objective 6d: Minimize disturbance to nesting, loafing, and foraging sea turtles.
Minimize disturbance to nesting green and hawksbill turtles, turtle nests and eggs, and loafing
and foraging sites on lands and associated waters of the Ritidian Unit.
Strategies
Nest site fencing to protect from predators.
Maintain closed area for turtle protection (boats).
Localized beach closures surrounding nest sites.
Enhance and continue supporting the Haggan Watch turtle nest monitoring program to search
for nest crawls.
Rationale:
The volunteer Haggan Watch program is generating interest in the protection of sea turtles. It
aids in turtle counts and successful nest location. Education and enforcement are still necessary
due to traditional sea turtle consumption and turtle egg poaching. Eggs may also be dug up by
feral pigs and monitor lizards.
Objective 6e: Protect and promote the recovery of the endangered Serianthes nelsonii tree.
Work with cooperators to establish healthy, self-sustaining populations of the endangered tree,
Serianthes nelsonii, with the following characteristics: reduced ungulate populations in
outplanting areas; and suitable soil characteristics.
Strategies
Out-plant and maintain up to 100 Serianthes nelsonii trees to a pest-resistant size in various
areas of the Refuge within 15 years.
Rationale:
In 2006 a small project began to increase Serianthes nelsonii populations on Guam and Rota.
Seeds were collected from Rota and seedlings were easily germinated, but were attacked by
pests almost immediately. Seedlings are still in the nursery due to the need for constant care.
Goal 7. Gather scientific information (i.e., research, inventory, and
monitoring) to increase our knowledge and understanding of Refuge
resources, and the threats and impacts to Pacific Island ecosystems in
support of management decisions associated with Goals 1-6.
Objective 7a: Promote management-related research.
Continue to promote management-related research and monitoring. Highest priority research
needs are pest species control and eradication.
3-18 Chapter 3. Management Direction