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Additional notes on the birds and vegetation of the southern Kermadec Islands, 2002 and 2006

  • Publication Type

    Journal

  • Publication Year

    2014

  • Author(s)

    T.C. Greene; P.R. Scofield; P.J. Dilks; R. Griffiths; J.W. Barkla

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    61, 1

  • Pagination

    1-9

  • Article Type

    Paper

Keywords

birds; distribution; eradication; Kermadec Islands; restoration; succession; vegetation


Additional notes on the birds and vegetation of the southern Kermadec Islands, 2002 and 2006

Notornis, 61 (1), 1-9

T.C. Greene; P.R. Scofield; P.J. Dilks; R. Griffiths; J.W. Barkla (2014)

Article Type: Paper

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Twenty five bird species were recorded following 2 brief winter visits to the southern Kermadec Islands during 2002 and 2006. Of these, 15 were seabirds and 10 land or shorebirds. Rapid changes in the dominant vegetation cover occurred between 1988 and 2002. Ferns replaced grass and sedge swards over much of the island, and although this succession was rapid, the distribution of woody species (the presumed historical dominant cover) did not change, most likely due to limited seed sources, Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) predation, and competition for space from other species. Possible impacts of these changes on the avifaunal composition of Macauley Island are discussed. Following the presumed eradication of Pacific rats from Macauley Island in 2006, recommendations are made for future vegetation and bird monitoring.