31

Volume 31
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ARTICLES

1. Davis, A.E. 1999. A Preliminary List of Animal Names in the Chuuk District, Micronesia (with some notes on plant names). Micronesica. 31(1): 1-245. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 February 1998.
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A Preliminary List of Animal Names in the Chuuk District, Micronesia (with some notes on plant names)

Davis, A.E.

This is an unfinished list of animal names, including many unverified names, from dialects / languages commonly heard in Chuuk Lagoon, the Mortlock Islands, Hall Islands, Western Islands (Pattiw) and Nominweité, constituting the Eastern end of a chain of related dialects and cultures extending from Sonsorol and Tobi to Chuuk Lagoon. This list may emphasize a relatively small number of dialects; names are listed, however, from throughout the district.
Animal names are ordered phylogenetically, divided into chapters according to broad classification. Chapters on sponges, coelenterates, worms, molluscs, crustaceans, and insects and allies are divided into sections by category. Fishes are the subject of one large chapter, divided into sections by family. There are addi- tional chapters on birds, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals. Two appendices include some notes on botanical names: Appendix A covers the fungi and algae; Appendix B consists of notes on names of higher plants. This list includes extensive notes and remarks on cultural values, use, and knowledge, gleaned from many local sources. Notes are included to help identify the organisms or names, when they are not certain. An index lists all the names in an alphabetical order by local name.
Micronesica 31(1): 1-245, 1999.
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Davis & Smith 1999
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1_davis_chuuk_lexicon.pdf (1.27 MB)
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2. Fancy, S.G., R.J. Craig & C.W. Kessler. 1999. Forest Bird and Fruit Bat Populations on Sarigan, Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 31(2): 247-254. Date Revised/Accepted: 05 November 1997.
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Forest Bird and Fruit Bat Populations on Sarigan, Mariana Islands

Fancy, S.G., R.J. Craig & C.W. Kessler.

We conducted the first quantitative surveys of forest bird and bat populations on the uninhabited island of Sarigan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Severe habitat degradation has occurred on Sarigan because of overgrazing by introduced goats and pigs. Planting of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) for copra production has also eliminated much of the island’s native forest. We recorded five species of forest birds on Sarigan: Micronesian Honeyeater (Myzomela rubratra), Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse), Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca), Collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris), and White-throated Ground Dove (Gallicolumba xanthonura). Estimated population sizes (95% confidence interval) in 1997 were 1,821 (1,617–2,026) for Micronesian Honeyeater, 677 (545–810) for Micronesian Megapode, 497 (319–675) for Micronesian Starling, 107 (82–131) for Collared Kingfisher, and 170 (101–238) for Mariana Fruit Bat (Pteropus mariannus).
Micronesica 31(2): 247-254, 1999.
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Fancy et al 1999
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2_fancy.pdf (49.19 KB)
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2. McDermid, K.J. & A. Edward. 1999. Seagrass Community Composition and Biomass at Nahpali Island, Pohnpei. Micronesica. 31(2): 255-262. Date Revised/Accepted: 06 March 1998.
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Seagrass Community Composition and Biomass at Nahpali Island, Pohnpei

McDermid, K.J. & A. Edward.

The seagrass community off the barrier reef island of Nahpali, Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia, was sampled in August 1996 to determine species composition and above-ground biomass. Three species were found: Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, and Thalassia hemprichii. This is the first time that C. rotundata has been recorded for Pohnpei. There were differences in the distribution relative to distance from shore for these seagrass species. Enhalus acoroides at this site showed significantly lower mean biomass (4.95 g dry weight/ m2) than the other two species (C. rotundata 42.53 g dry weight/ m2, T. hemprichii 21.86 g dry weight/ m2).
Micronesica 31(2): 255-262, 1999.
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McDermid & Edward 1999
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3_mcdermid.pdf (99.55 KB)
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2. Perry, G. & D.W. Buden. 1999. Ecology, behavior and color variation of the green tree skink, Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lacertilia: Scincidae), in Micronesia. Micronesica. 31(2): 263-273. Date Revised/Accepted: 11 March 1998.
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Ecology, behavior and color variation of the green tree skink, Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lacertilia: Scincidae), in Micronesia

Perry, G. & D.W. Buden.

We studied populations of the green tree skink, Lamprolepis smaragdina, at three main sites in Micronesia: Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia, FSM) and Saipan and Tinian (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, CNMI). We also surveyed Rota (CNMI), where the skink has not been recorded in previous surveys, to verify its absence. Our main goal was to describe some basic biology traits at these sites. Observations were carried out between 1993 and 1998. We used focal animal observations and visual surveys to describe the relative abundance, elevational distribution, behavior (perch choice, foraging behavior, activity time), and coloration of the species at each of the three sites. This information was then used to compare these populations in order to assess the origin of the CNMI populations.
As expected, we found no green tree skink on Rota. We found few differences among the three populations we did locate, Pohnpei, Tinian, and Saipan. Perch diameters and body orientations were similar between the three sites, as were population densities and foraging behaviors. However, Tinian’s lizards perched lower than those of Pohnpei or Saipan, probably due to the smaller trees available to them. All CNMI lizards were green, whereas this morph typically comprises 40–60 per- cent of the population at FSM localities. These findings suggest isolation has allowed no differences in behavioral or ecological traits to evolve. We interpret the differences in color to indicate a small initial settling population in the CNMI (founder effect), consistent with an anthropogenic origin for the population and with low dispersal ability for the species.
Micronesica 31(2): 263-273, 1999.
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Perry & Buden 1999
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4_perry.pdf (38.38 KB)
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2. Ritter, M.W. & C.M. Naugle. 1999. Population characteristics, germination and proposed management of Elaeocarpus joga Merr. on Guam: a regionally endemic tree. Micronesica. 31(2): 275-281. Date Revised/Accepted: 17 March 1998.
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Population characteristics, germination and proposed management of Elaeocarpus joga Merr. on Guam: a regionally endemic tree

Ritter, M.W. & C.M. Naugle.

Seventy E. joga Merr. trees were measured in native limestone forest habitat. The population is highly skewed towards large, mature trees; eighty-four percent of the trees were over 30 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). Fruit production was high but natural recruitment seemed to occur rarely with only 11 seedlings recorded. The probable factors affecting E. joga demography, such as lack of dispersal, introduced ungulates, and high insect concentrations are discussed. Techniques for seed extraction and germination are presented. Based on the results of this study, we offer recommendations for the integrated management of this tree species.
 
Micronesica 31(2): 275-281, 1999.
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Ritter & Naugle 1999
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5_ritter.pdf (37.6 KB)
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2. Kessler, C.W. 1999. New Cuckoo Record and Vagrant Bird Sightings for the Mariana Islands (1995-1998). Micronesica. 31(2): 283-287. Date Revised/Accepted: 17 March 1998.
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New Cuckoo Record and Vagrant Bird Sightings for the Mariana Islands (1995-1998)

Kessler, C.W.

Casual bird observations in the Northern Mariana Islands are reported, with new records for the islands of Anatahan, Pagan, Saipan, and Sarigan.
Micronesica 31(2): 283-287, 1999.
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Kessler 1999
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6_kessler.pdf (32.85 KB)
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2. O'Daniel, D. & S. Krueger. 1999. Recent Sightings of the Micronesian Megapode on Tinian, Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 31(2): 301-307. Date Revised/Accepted: 24 April 1998.
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Recent Sightings of the Micronesian Megapode on Tinian, Mariana Islands

O'Daniel, D. & S. Krueger.

The Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse) was once extant throughout the Mariana Islands. On Tinian, prior to 1995, it had only been reliably sighted once this century. From November 1994 to August 1995, five transects were monitored on mili- tary-leased land in areas where megapodes were reported to have been seen by local residents. No megapodes were detected during the surveys, however, there were three different individual sightings in April-June 1995. The sightings were in the Maga, Bateha, and Mt. Lasu areas. One megapode was observed for 5 hours, during which time the bird foraged on the forest floor and in trees, rested, and dusted.
 
Micronesica 31(2): 301-307, 1999.
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ODaniel & Krueger 1999
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7_odaniel.pdf (61.73 KB)
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2. Spennenmann, D.H.R. 1999. Exploitation of bird plumages in the German Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 31(2): 309-318. Date Revised/Accepted: 15 March 1998.
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Exploitation of bird plumages in the German Mariana Islands

Spennenmann, D.H.R.

At the turn of the century there was a great demand from the European and American fashion industry for exotic feathers. The German colonial government in the Marianas issued a license to collect the plumage of various native birds on several central and northern islands of the Marianas. Even though strict conditions had been attached to the license, there was little supervision or enforcement of the restrictions. As a result the bird populations were hunted to the verge of extinction, with Tropicbirds (Phaeton sp.), Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster), Frigatebirds (Fregata sp.) and White Terns (Gygis alba) the most sought after species.
Micronesica 31(2): 309-318, 1999.
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Spennemann 1999
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8_spennemann.pdf (47.87 KB)
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2. Steadman, D.W. 1999.  The Prehistory of Vertebrates, Especially Birds, on Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 31(2): 319-345. Date Revised/Accepted: 20 March 1998.
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The Prehistory of Vertebrates, Especially Birds, on Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota, Northern Mariana Islands

Steadman, D.W.

Recent excavations in caves and rockshelters on the islands of Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) have yielded a history of vertebrates over the past 2500 years. Bones from these and other sites document these extinct or locally extirpated species of birds: Tinian: Procelsterna cerulea, Gygis microrhyncha, Poliolimnas cinereus, Porzana sp., Gallirallus sp., Porphyrio sp., cf. Ducula oceanica, Collocalia vanikorensis, Acrocephalus luscinia, Cleptornis marchei; Aguiguan: Porzana sp., Gallirallus sp.; and Rota: Puffinus lherminieri, Procelsterna cerulea, Anatidae new sp., Megapodius laperouse, Porzana sp., Poliolimnas cinereus, Gallirallus sp., cf. Porphyrio sp., Gallinula chloropus, Gallicolumba new sp., Ducula oceanica, Psittacidae new sp., Collocalia vanikorensis, Myiagra cf. freycineti, Cleptornis marchei, and Erythura new sp. The bones also portray the loss of nine populations of lizards, one of snake, and two of bats. It appears that chicken, dog, and pig, which occur prehistorically through much of Oceania, were not introduced to the Mariana Islands until after European contact. The only non- native, non-human vertebrate with good evidence of living prehistori- cally in the Mariana Islands is the Pacific Rat Rattus exulans, which nevertheless is absent in strata older than ca. AD 1000-1200. That flightless rails, especially Gallirallus spp., survived in the Mariana Islands for millennia after human arrival may be related to the lack of chicken, dog, and pig, combined with a 2000–2500 year delay in the introduction of Rattus exulans.


Micronesica 31(2): 319-345, 1999.
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Steadman 1999
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9_steadman.pdf (90.36 KB)
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2. Amesbury, J.R. 1999. Changes in Species Composition of Archaeological Marine Shell Assemblages in Guam. Micronesica. 31(2): 347-366. Date Revised/Accepted: 18 May 1998.
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Changes in Species Composition of Archaeological Marine Shell Assemblages in Guam

Amesbury, J.R.

Marine shell assemblages from archaeological excavations in Guam vary in species composition from one part of the island to another and from one time period to another. Cultural deposits dating to the Pre-Latte Phase (c. 3500 to 1000 years before present [BP]) in Tumon Bay and East Agana Bay have yielded mostly bivalves, while Latte Phase (c. 1000 years BP to AD 1521) deposits have yielded mostly gastropods, especially Strombus. However, in Latte Phase shell assemblages from southern Guam, bivalves consistently outweigh gastropods, but there are changes in the relative abundance of the various bivalve species. Relative sea level decline may explain the differences between the earlier and later shell assemblages from Tumon Bay and East Agana Bay. The geology of Guam probably accounts for the differences between the shell assemblages from Tumon Bay and East Agana Bay compared with assemblages from sites farther south. 

Micronesica 31(2): 347-366, 1999.
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Amesbury 1999
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10_amesbury.pdf (147.6 KB)
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2. Krueger, S. & D. O'Daniel. 1999. Observations of Mariana Fruit Bats on Tinian. Micronesica. 31(2): 367-371. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 June 1998.
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Observations of Mariana Fruit Bats on Tinian

Krueger, S. & D. O'Daniel.

From November 1994 to August 1995 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) conducted a survey for the Mariana fruit bat on the island of Tinian. Spotting scopes and binoculars were used to survey the forest canopy and skyline at five bat observation stations. Each station was surveyed once a month for a total of 76 hr. No bats were observed during the study period, however, two incidental sightings were reported. Illegal harvesting of fruit bats remains the major threat to the reestablishment of this species on Tinian.
Micronesica 31(2): 367-371, 1999.
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Krueger & ODaniel 1999
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11_krueger.pdf (28.33 KB)
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2. Salleh, A. & P. Milow. 1999. Notes on Trentepohlia dialepta (Nylander) Hariot (Trentepohliaceae, Chlorophyta) and sporangia of some other species of Trentepohlia Mart. from Malaysia. Micronesica. 31(2): 373-378. Date Revised/Accepted: 30 June 1998.
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Notes on Trentepohlia dialepta (Nylander) Hariot (Trentepohliaceae, Chlorophyta) and sporangia of some other species of Trentepohlia Mart. from Malaysia

Salleh, A. & P. Milow.

This paper discusses specimens identified as Trentepohlia dialepta. Sporangia of some other Malaysian species of Trentepohlia are also briefly discussed. 

Micronesica 31(2): 373-378, 1999.
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Salleh & Milow 1999
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12_salleh.pdf (73.31 KB)
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2. Marutani, M., J. Richardson, V. Edirveerasingam, D. Taitano & D. Borthakur. 1999. Indigenous Rhizobium strains from Guam contain a mimosine degrading gene. Micronesica. 31(2): 379-385. Date Revised/Accepted: 22 June 1998.
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Indigenous Rhizobium strains from Guam contain a mimosine degrading gene

Marutani, M., J. Richardson, V. Edirveerasingam, D. Taitano & D. Borthakur.

Indigenous Rhizobium strains were isolated from nodules of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit on Guam. The bioassay of growing strains in Rhizobium-mimosine (RM) medium showed that the majority of isolates from the Barrigada site catabolized mimosine, a toxin which was produced by the plant, as a nutrient source, while only a few strains from Yigo site had this ability. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to reveal the presence of a mimosine degrading gene (midA). The PCR products of several Rhizobium strains isolated from Guam revealed that some isolates contained a mimosine degrading gene (midA), the 1055-bp DNA fragment present in Rhizobium TAL1145, a strain from Hawaii. 

Micronesica 31(2): 379-385, 1999.
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Marutani et al 1999
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13_marutani.pdf (33.51 KB)
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