Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Garnett (1983) reported that the Polynesian rat, Rattus exulans, was common on Enderbury.
In addition, there were unknown numbers of feral cats.
Bryan (1974) reported that there were feral cats and Polynesian rats on Enderbury. These
were impacting the bird populations there.
In 1995, the Polynesian rat was found on Enderbury (Government of Kiribati 1995).
In 2002, Enderbury had a sizeable population of rats (Obura and Stone 2003). Rats populated
all parts of the island (Yoshinaga 2002).
Neilson (2002) listed mammals that had been introduced to Abariringa (Kanton), Enderbury,
Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (see Table III-3.31 above).
Pierce et al (2006) reported that the house cat, Felis catus, had disappeared on Enderbury.
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 et al (2006) noted the presence of the Pacific rat on Enderbury. Rat baiting trials were
undertaken on both Enderbury and McKean using a non-toxic rat bait made by Aminal
Control Products, Ltd., Wanganui, New Zealand. Results indicated that bait needs to be set
in crab-proof stations.
MANRA (SYDNEY)
Arundel (1885) reported the presence of a rat that was no very much larger than a large
mouse. Arundel reported seeing hundreds of rats gather together at night and had frequently
caught 100 per night in traps.
Ellis (1937) reported that there were two species of rat on Manra (Sydney). One was the
small native one and the other was a large species. Both were abundant. Ellis (1937)
speculates that the larger rats are descendants which escaped from a wrecked vessel. These
rats greatly reduced coconut yields.
Maude (1937) reported wild pigs on Manra (Sydney). They lived on the fruit of the non tree,
Morinda citrifolia.
As part of the 1938 Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme, pigs were introduced to Manra
(Sydney) (Knudsen 1965; see also King et al 2001). Bryan (1941 and 1942) reported that
domestic pigs ran wild on Manra (Sydney).
Bryan (1941 and 1942) noted the presence of rats on Manra (Sydney).
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