Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

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PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN <strong>Chapter</strong> III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources Draft 1 March 2007 In 1901, rabbits had been left on Rawaki (Phoenix) by a guano hunting expedition (Bevington 1990). In 1924, rabbits were abundant on Rawaki (Phoenix) (Bryan 1934; see also Bryan 1939). According to Ellis (1937), Rawaki (Phoenix) was overrun with rabbits. Low vegetation (grass and herbs) seemed none the worse because of them (see also Bryan 1942; Watson 1961). Bryan (1934) reported that the presence of rats may suggest the presence of freshwater on Rawaki (Phoenix). In 1937, crew of the the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Roger B. Taney, collected two pair of rabbits from Rawaki (Phoenix) to be released on Howland (Bryan 1974). Maude (1937) reported that rabbits were still on Rawaki (Phoenix) in considerable numbers. About 25 were captured and taken on-board the H.M.C.S. Nimanoa. In 1937, 25 rabbits were taken from Rawaki (Phoenix) to the Gilbert Islands (Maude 1952; see also Watson 1961). The introduction was not successful as the rabbits were all killed by dogs. Rabbits and rats were on Rawaki (Phoenix) (Hydrographic Office 1940). Thirty two of these rabbits were taken from Rawaki (Phoenix) to Beru in the southern Gilbert Islands (Anon. 1941). The rationale was that rabbits would supply an alternative source of protein. Rabbits fed on coconuts. In 1941, only two or three rabbits remained on Beru. Rawaki (Phoenix) was waterless, so the rabbits had to obtain sufficient water from vegetation (Anon. 1941). Bryan (1941 and 1942) noted that there were no rats on Rawaki (Phoenix). Rabbits came in many colors or hues (Anon. 1941). Bryan (1941 and 1942) noted that rabbits were white, yellow, and brown. Rabbits share their burrows with seabirds (Anon. 1941). Anon. (1953) indicated that burrows were shared with petrels and shearwaters (see also Maude 1952). Luke (1945) reported that seven rabbits had been taken from Rawaki (Phoenix) to Nikumaroro (Gardner). Wiens (1962) reported that Luke (1945) noted some feral cats on Rawaki (Phoenix) that kept rabbit populations down. However, this seems to be in error. Luke (1945) noted feral cats on Enderbury, not Rawaki (Phoenix). Maude (1952) noted that rabbits were poor-looking and had been left by a visiting ship. Anon. (1953) noted that rabbits were in poor condition (see also Maude 1952). When chased, they ran for about 91 m (100 yards) before stopping, making capture very easy. The locals called them “pussies” and refused to eat them. Twenty five were taken to the Gilbert Islands, but all were killed by dogs prior to reproducing. The rabbits were in poor condition (Watson 1961). After they ran for about 91 m (100 yards), they squatted awaiting capture. 112
PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN <strong>Chapter</strong> III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources Draft 1 March 2007 Conditions in the Phoenix Islands (Rawaki) were only just within the level of tolerance for rabbits (Watson 1961). Factors other than food presumably held the population down to a level where rabbits did not seriously affect the vegetation. Tudor (1968) reported that Rawaki (Phoenix) was overrun with rabbits. Hydrographer of the Navy (1969) noted that the island was overrun with rabbits (see also Clune 1951). King (1973) reported that Rawaki (Phoenix) had European rabbits with a population of between 100 and 1,000. According to King (1973), these rabbits were periodically harvested by the crews of copra boats that serviced the Line Islands. King (1973) recommended that the removal of rabbits from Rawaki (Phoenix) was of great importance. Garnett (1983) reported that the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cunculus, was quite abundant on Rawaki (Phoenix) numbering from 100 to 1,000. They had white, yellow, and brown collars. Rabbits were the only mammals on Rawaki (Phoenix). Rabbits were the only mammal on Rawaki (Phoenix). Bevington (1990) noted that rabbits obtained water from the dew in the early morning. Anon. (1953) noted that six wells were dug, but only salty water was obtained. Rabbits apparently never drink water since all water was salty. Bevington (1990) reported that rabbits shared burrows with mutton-birds. In 2000, only a few rabbits were observed on Rawaki (Phoenix) (Yoshinaga 2002). In 2002, the population of rabbits was estimated to be about 100 (Bukaeireiti and Rabaua 2002). One male and one female rabbit were taken to Kiritimati. Neilson (2002) listed mammals that had been introduced to Abariringa (Kanton), Enderbury, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (see Table III-3.31 above). Neilson (2002) reported that Rawaki had a very large population of rabbits (see also Obura and Stone 2003). The preferred food was Portulaca lutea. The rabbits appeared to have a noticeable effect on the vegetation on Rawaki, but did not appear to have any effect on the bird population there. Yoshinaga (2002) reported that rabbits were abundant on Rawaki (Phoenix). Di Piazza and Pearthree (2004) noted that Rawaki (Phoenix) was the only rat and cat-free island in the archipelago and had the richest and densest bird breeding populations. 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). 113
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The Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

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