Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
In Abariringa (Canton), the most destructive of the introduced species was the dog (Oates
2003). Abandoned dogs led to the decline in shore birds and sea turtle populations.
BIRNIE
The Polynesian rat was found on Birnie (Hydrographic Office 1940). King (1973) reported
the Polynesian rat probably came from a ship wreck. At times, it was abundant on the island.
Garnett (1983) reported that the Polynesian rat, Rattus exulans, was the only mammal species
on Birnie.
Bukaeireiti and Rabaua (2002) reported that rats were abundant on Birnie.
Pierce et al (2006) identified mammals observed on Birnie, Enderbury, McKean,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki and compared them with previously recorded species (see
Table III-3.32 above).
Pierce et al (2006) estimated the populationof mammal species on Birnie, Enderbury,
McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, Rawaki (see Table III-3.33 above).
Pierce (2006) reported that the Pacific rat, Rattus exulans, was on Birnie.
ENDERBURY
In 1840, rats were observed on Enderbury (Wilkes 1845).
There was a horse and mule on Enderbury during the 1880’s (Bryan 1941 and 1942). These
were left by American guano diggers (Ellis 1937).
As part of the 1938 Line Islands Expedition, Donaggho (1953) visited Enderbury and
observed a dead rat. It was collected.
The Polynesian rat was found on Enderbury (Hydrographic Office 1940). According to
Bryan (1941 and 1942), the rat populaton was very large.
Luke (1945) reported that there were cats on Enderbury.
Murphy et al (1954) reported that there were no Polynesian rats on Enderbury. This may
have contributed to the abundant avifauna there.
Abbott (1966) reported that Enderbury was home to the Polynesian rat and the common
house cat. These were introduced by man, but both were now extinct.
Abbott (1966) noted that Enderbury has had dogs and a mule at one point in time.
King (1973) reported that there were still a few feral cats on Enderbury. These were
probably left by colonists. King (1973) recommended that dogs and cats (when present) be
removed from Orona (Hull), Nikumaroro (Gardner), Manra (Sydney), and Enderbury.
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