Remote Forest Refugia for Fijian Wildlife

Olson, David M.; Farley, Linda; Naisilisili, Waisea; Raikabula, Alipate; Prasad, Om; Atherton, James; Morley, Craig

doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00412.x

Cited by 17 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 11 publications

(10 reference statements)

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“…Both artificial nests and waxtags experienced significantly higher rat predation rates in sites near to mixed taro and banana plantations than either edge sites away from plantations or interior forest sites. Unlike Olson et al (2006), we found no significant difference between edge habitats (away from plantations) and interior forest sites (>1 km from the edge). We hypothesize that as the proportion of forest edge near plantations increases, which is expected with continual plantation development, a larger proportion of forest bird populations will experience nest predation from black rats.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 87%

“…They found significantly lower visitation rates at forest interior sites (>1 km from the edge) than at sites closer to the forest edge. Unlike Olson et al (2006), we found no significant difference between edge habitats (away from plantations) and interior forest sites (>1 km from the edge). Our study suggests that the bird populations breeding in these forest types may be experiencing nest predation rates similar to those breeding in edge habitat away from plantations.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 87%

“…Comparable studies on nest predation rates by invasive rats across the landscape are sparse in the South Pacific. However, a study in Fiji by Olson et al (2006) used visitation rates at bait stations as an index of rat and mongoose abundance along transects stretching from forest interior to forest edge. They found significantly lower visitation rates at forest interior sites (>1 km from the edge) than at sites closer to the forest edge.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…With forests across South Pacific regions in decline, it is increasingly important to determine how habitat modification is altering predation rates in tropical forest birds (Woinarski 2010). For instance, in Fiji predation, pressure from introduced rats and the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctatus) are significantly less in the interior of forests (>1 km from the edge) than in edge habitats (Olson et al 2006). Interior forest sites may therefore harbour vital source populations for species sensitive to the high predation rates near forest edges.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Compounding effects of habitat fragmentation and predation on bird nests

Stirnemann

Potter

Butler³

et al. 2015

Austral Ecology

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Habitat fragmentation and invasive species are two of the greatest threats to species diversity worldwide. This is particularly relevant for oceanic islands with vulnerable endemics. Here, we examine how habitat fragmentation influences nest predation by Rattus spp. on cup-nesting birds in Samoan forests. We determined models for predicting predation rates by Rattus on artificial nests at two scales: (i) the position of the bird's nest within the landscape (e.g. proximity to mixed crop plantations, distance to forest edge); and (ii) the microhabitat in the immediate vicinity of the nest (e.g. nest height, ground cover, slope). Nest cameras showed only one mammal predator, the black rat (Rattus rattus), predating artificial nests. The optimal model predicting nest predation rates by black rats included a landscape variable, proximity to plantations and a local nest site variable, the percentage of low (<15 cm) ground cover surrounding the nest tree. Predation rates were 22 ± 13% higher for nests in forest edges near mixed crop plantations than in edges without plantations. In contrast, predation rates did not vary significantly between edge habitat where the matrix did not contain plantations, and interior forest sites (>1 km from the edge). As ground cover reduced, nest predation rates increased. Waxtags containing either coconut or peanut butter were used as a second method for assessing nest predation. The rates at which these were chewed followed patterns similar to the predation of the artificial nests. Rural development in Samoa will increase the proportion of forest edge near plantations. Our results suggest that this will increase the proportion of forest birds that experience nest predation from black rats. Further research is required to determine if rat control is needed to maintain even interior forest sites populations of predator-sensitive bird species on South Pacific islands.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Compounding effects of habitat fragmentation and predation on bird nests

Stirnemann

Potter

Butler³

et al. 2015

Austral Ecology

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“…There are several other important and continuing threats to ecosystems in Oceania, including invasive species, which impact native biodiversity in all ecosystems (Lonsdale 1994;Craig et al 2000;Olson et al 2006). For example, there are many introduced species in New Zealand; at least 30 mammals, 34 birds, 2000 invertebrates, and 2200 plants Norton 2009).…”

Section: Altered Rainfall Patterns and Increased Fire Frequencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate change impacts on the terrestrial biodiversity and carbon stocks of Oceania.

Wardell‐Johnson¹,

Keppel²,

Sander³

2011

Pac. Conserv. Biol.

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We review the threats from anthropogenic climate change to the terrestrial biodiversity of Oceania, and quantify decline in carbon stocks. Oceania’s rich terrestrial biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats through the interaction of pervasive environmental threats (deforestation and degradation; introduced and invasive species; fragmentation) and the effects of anthropogenic climate change (sea level rise; altered rainfall patterns and increased fire frequency; temperature rises and increased storm severity, extreme weather events and abrupt system changes). All nine of Oceania’s terrestrial biomes harbour ecosystems and habitat types that are highly vulnerable under climate change, posing an immense conservation challenge. Current policies and management practices are inadequate and the need for new legislation and economic mechanisms is clear, despite powerful interests committed to limiting progress. Mitigation can be achieved by increasing the effectiveness of the protected area network, by maintaining and effectively managing existing carbon stocks and biodiversity, and by reforestation to sequester atmospheric carbon. A price on carbon emissions may encourage less carbon-intensive energy use while simultaneously encouraging reforestation on long-cleared land, and reducing degradation of native forests. However, realizing these changes will require societal change, and depend on input and collaboration from multiple stakeholders to devise and engage in shared, responsible management.

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