Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
In 2002, birds were identified and counted in Abariringa, Birnie, Manra, McKean,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (Bukaireiti and Rabaua 2002). Results of these counts are
provided in Table III-3.21 above.
Di Piazza and Pearthree (2004) provided a list of bird species observed on Rawaki (Phoenix),
Enderbury, Manra, Orona, and Abariringa (Canton) (see Table III-3.24 above).
Pierce et al (2006) reported on the sooty tern colonies on Orona in 2006. Colonies are
identified in Figure III-3.7.
Figure III-3.7. Sooty tern colonies on Orona in 2006.
(source: Pierce et al 2006).
Pierce et al (2006) compared the number of bird species found during offshore and terrestrial
surveys for all the Phoenix Islands, except Manra (see Table III-3.25 above).
Pierce et al (2006) completed preliminary estimates of the number of seabird pairs on all of
the Phoenix Islands (see Table III-3.26 above).
Pierce et al (2006) provided population estimates of shore and land birds in all eight of the
Phoenix Islands (see Table III-3.28 above).
RAWAKI (PHOENIX)
Lister (1891) reported that birds were most abundant on Rawaki (Phoenix) compared to the
other Phoenix Islands. Specimens of the frigatebird, Fregata minor, were collected and
observations on various aspects of their biology were reported. Since no unfledged young
birds were observed, this suggested that the colony had begun nesting about the same time.
Lister (1891) noted the presences various bird species on Abariringa (Canton), Birnie, Manra
(Sydney), McKean, Nikumaroro (Gardner), and Rawaki (Phoenix) (see Table III-3.16 above).
98