THE FOUNDING OF A NEW POPULATION OF DARWIN'S FINCHES

We report the natural colonization of the small Galápagos island Daphne Major by the large ground finch (Geospiza magnirostris). Immigrants of this species were present in every year of a 22-yr study, 1973–1994. Typically they arrived after a breeding season and left at the beginning of the next one. Geospiza magnirostris bred on the island for the first time in the exceptionally wet El Niño year of 1982–1983, and bred in all subsequent years except drought years. In agreement with theoretical expectations the frequency of inbreeding was unusually high. Pronounced fluctuating asymmetry in tarsus length, together with slightly reduced breeding success of inbreeding pairs, suggests a low level of inbreeding depression. Despite this, the population increased from 5 breeding individuals in 1983 to 20 breeding individuals in 1992, and probably more than twice that number in 1993, largely through recruitment of locally born birds.     

Predictive habitat modelling to estimate petrel breeding colony sizes: Sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) and mottled petrels (Pterodroma inexpectata) on Whenua Hou Island

Abstract

Between 2001 and 2006, we systematically sampled the entire coast of Whenua Hou, a rugged offshore island in southern New Zealand, to estimate the population densities of sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) and mottled petrels (Pterodroma inexpectata) by counting the entrances of breeding burrows. A two‐step regression modelling process using binomial errors was used to predict the presence of a colony, and a normal general linear model was used to predict the density of entrances within colonies. Aerial photography, GIS and a Digital Elevation Model were used to extract relevant habitat and location variables, and a combination of both regression models was used to predict the density of breeding burrows within each 5.32 m² pixel on the island. This complex GIS and habitat prediction modelling approach gave population estimates very similar to a more traditional simple area extrapolation method and gave no improvement in precision. However, correction for the slope of the land increased our simple area estimates of population size by 11%. We estimate populations of sooty shearwater and mottled petrel breeding pairs at 173 000 (162 000–190 000) and 160 000 (123 000–197 000) respectively. Based on this number of breeding pairs, we calculate that Whenua Hou supports a total population of 868 000 (554 000–1 270 000) sooty shearwaters. Our estimate of the total mottled petrel population 202 000 pairs (162 000–242 000) is comparable with the only published estimate, but could be an underestimate because mottled petrels are sometimes found in large burrows. More research for robust estimation of population trends is needed to assess the conservation status of mottled petrels.     

Breeding biology of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Corsica

The breeding biology of the Red Kite Milvus milvus is still little known in the southern part of its range (Mediterranean), despite recent conservation concerns and major declines in most insular populations (Sicily, Sardinia and Balearics). We report here on the breeding biology of the Red Kite in Corsica in 1996–99 and on recent population trends there. In a 42‐km² study area located in the northwest of the island (Balagne region), breeding density was locally high (1.17–1.78 breeding pairs/km²). Breeding dispersion ranged from loosely colonial to dispersed, with average nearest‐neighbour distance of 444 ± 316 m (range 50–2000) (all data as means ± sd). Kites established breeding territories in January–February, and 92.4% of territorial pairs laid a clutch (n = 238). Laying took place between February and May (mean lay date: 27 March ± 16 days, n = 147). Clutch size averaged 2.44 ± 0.71 (1–5 eggs, n = 96), hatching success 66.9% and fledging success 78.6%. Productivity averaged 1.33 ± 0.88 young per breeding attempt (n = 221) and 1.65 ± 0.65 young per successful breeding attempt (n = 173). Overall breeding success was 51.4 ± 38.0% (n = 88). We describe the growth of young (wing, weight, tarsus and bill) and show a marked seasonal decline in clutch size and breeding performance, with pairs laying earlier producing larger clutches and being more successful than later breeding pairs. Unlike most other insular Mediterranean Red Kite populations that have recently declined, the breeding population in the northwest of Corsica, which accounts for c. 25% of the whole island population, increased from 25 to 35 pairs in 1989 to a maximum of 80–90 pairs in 1997. This increase was probably related to the lack of persecution and a local increase in abundance of Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, following their introduction in the late 1970s, which provided an important feeding resource for Kites. Finally, we compare our results with those from other Red Kite populations studied in Europe. We found that there is a latitudinal gradient in laying date and productivity across Western Europe populations, but no evidence of an insular syndrome in the Corsican population.     

Historical records and increasing trends of Caribbean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) on Margarita Island,Venezuela

ABSTRACT

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) has been a species of conservation concern since the 1960s because of its regional population decline and loss of breeding colonies. In the last two decades, there have been reports of increasing population trends in the Caribbean. The aim of this work is to document the historic population status of flamingos on Margarita Island, Venezuela, and to present an account of their recovery since 2006. In the first half of the twentieth century, flamingos were present on Margarita Island in one location (La Restinga lagoon) in variable numbers (100–800); however, in the 1980s and 1990s, they almost disappeared from the island. In 2006, a group of nine was recorded. During the following years, the population increased in number and expanded eastward on the island. Today, the population size range 1 600–2 000 individuals, are present regularly in at least eight lagoons, and two breeding colonies have been reported. Several threats are still present in the island that can revert the positive population trend. The recovery of the population in Margarita Island is a consequence of successful regional conservation efforts and the maintenance of wetlands with appropriate conditions for the species, particularly in protected areas.     

THE BREEDING SEABIRDS OF TROMELIN ISLAND (WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN): POPULATION SIZES,TRENDS AND BREEDING PHENOLOGY

Le Corre, M. 1996. The breeding seabirds of Tromelin Island (western Indian Ocean): population sizes, trends and breeding phenology. Ostrich 67: 155–159.

Formerly six or eight species of seabirds bred on Tromelin Island, but currently only two species do so: The Redfooted Booby Sula sula and the Masked Booby S. dactylatra. The last two species which became locally extinct, the Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel and the Greater Frigatebird F. minor, probably stopped breeding on the island as a consequence of human disturbance to breeding colonies. The populations of the two species of booby have opposing trends since 1954. The Masked Booby's population increased from 60 pairs in 1954 to 200–250 pairs in 1996 while the Red-footed Booby's population decreased from 500 pairs in 1968 to 130–180 pairs in 1996. The impacts of human settlement, introduced brown rats Rattus norvegicus, local extinction of the Greater Frigatebird and other factors are discussed to explain these changes in population sizes. New data are provided on the breeding phenology of the two species of booby. Finally, the importance of this island for the conservation of seabirds in the western Indian Ocean is discussed.     

Predation by cats could lead to the extinction of the Mediterranean endemic Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan at a major breeding site

Feral cats are considered to be one of the main harmful invasive species for island species. Adult shearwaters are highly vulnerable to predation by cats. The population of the Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan, a species endemic to the Mediterranean, is predicted to decline, leaving only a few large breeding colonies, due to the invasion of cats. The impact of cats on the Shearwater population of Le Levant Island, one of the major breeding sites for this species, was evaluated by studying cat diet over a 2‐year period. The predation rate obtained was then included in a Shearwater demographic model. Cats preyed upon rabbits, rats and Shearwaters, with a peak of predation on Shearwaters immediately upon their arrival at the colony. Cat predation was heavy and responsible for the yearly death of about 810–3241 birds. This could lead to the extinction of the Le Levant colony within the next four decades and perhaps within just a few years. Cat predation on prospecting individuals, a parameter essential to assess the real impact of predation, may not have an immediate effect on the Shearwater breeding population but can accelerate population extinction. Cat predation must be reduced or removed to prevent the extinction of one of the most important breeding sites for this species.     

Condition factor and diet of the catfish Loricariichthys castaneus (Castelnau, 1855): gender differences in three tropical reservoirs

Condition factor and diet of male and female of Loricariichthys castaneus were studied in three tropical reservoirs in which it is the most abundant species of fish. The females had higher condition factors than males in all three environments, but their diet differed from males only in the best-preserved ecosystem (Lajes Reservoir). Loricariichthys castaneus was considered as detritivorous-omnivorous. Starvation during breeding possibly contributes to a decrease of condition factor in males. By studying the gut content, sex-specific foraging and the influence of the diet importance in relation to the available food items in the three reservoirs were analyzed.     

Breeding of the Seychelles Magpie Robin Copsychus sechellarum and implications for its conservation

The total population of the Seychelles Magpie Robin Copsychus sechellarum declined from 38–41 birds in 12–13 territories in 1977–1978 to 17–21 birds in eight to nine territories in 1988–1990 and was entirely confined to Fregate Island (210 ha) in the Seychelles. After a successful cat eradication program in 1981–1982, recruitment improved, although the abandonment of agriculture had caused a reduction in the amount of feeding habitat and hence in the carrying capacity of the island. The population declined because of the failure of recruitment to compensate for the annual adult mortality. Foraging activity of the Magpie Robin was greater in high-quality territories (measured by soil invertebrates available), leading to increased reproductive success. Through supplementary feeding, five times as many recruits were produced. Of the 11.5 potential annual breeding recruits, 5.3 are required to compensate for adult mortality, and the other 6.2 recruits can be regarded as “surplus” contributing to an increase. Magpie Robins prefer to breed in rotten trees, which are a scarce resource. The greater the distance between the nest site and feeding areas, the less time was spent in incubation and nest guarding, resulting in greater egg loss. Because of lack of suitable areas for establishing territories, many young Magpie Robins became “floaters”. Nest disturbance, both by these floaters and by the introduced Indian Mynah Acridotheres tristis, had adverse effects on the breeding success of robins. A recovery plan has been designed to save the Magpie Robin. Territories have been improved for feeding (by tree planting) and for breeding (by providing nestboxes and reducing nest disturbances). Given the vulnerability of one small island, the presence of surplus birds (supported mainly by supplementary food) and the suitability of neighbouring Aride Island (68 ha), successful translocations to this island took place in 1992 and 1994. Given the presence now of 47 individuals on two islands, it is hoped that the species will pull back from the brink of extinction.     

The role of marine reserves in the replenishment of a locally impacted population of anemonefish on the Great Barrier Reef

The development of parentage analysis to track the dispersal of juvenile offspring has given us unprecedented insight into the population dynamics of coral reef fishes. These tools now have the potential to inform fisheries management and species conservation, particularly for small fragmented populations under threat from exploitation and disturbance. In this study, we resolve patterns of larval dispersal for a population of the anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus in the Keppel Islands (southern Great Barrier Reef). Habitat loss and fishing appear to have impacted this population and a network of no‐take marine reserves currently protects 75% of the potential breeders. Using parentage analysis, we estimate that 21% of recruitment in the island group was generated locally and that breeding adults living in reserves were responsible for 79% (31 of 39) of these of locally produced juveniles. Overall, the network of reserves was fully connected via larval dispersal; however, one reserve was identified as a critical source of larvae for the island group. The population in the Keppel Islands also appears to be well‐connected to other source populations at least 60 km away, given that 79% (145 of 184) of the juveniles sampled remained unassigned in the parentage analysis. We estimated the effective size of the A. melanopus metapopulation to be 745 (582–993 95% CI) and recommend continued monitoring of its genetic status. Maintaining connectivity with populations beyond the Keppel Islands and recovery of local recruitment habitat, potentially through active restoration of host anemone populations, will be important for its long‐term persistence.     

Demography of the Seychelles Black Paradise-flycatcher: considerations for conservation and reintroduction

The Seychelles Black Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone corvina is currently listed as Critically Endangered, on the basis of small population and restricted range. Currently, there is only one self-sustaining population comprising c. 150–200 individuals on the 10km² island of La Digue (Republic of Seychelles, western Indian Ocean), and consequently the creation of additional island populations has been identified as essential to improve its conservation status. We quantified the annual breeding success, adult mortality and juvenile recruitment of the flycatcher on La Digue, monitored tri-weekly over a two-year period (June 1999–June 2001), to determine factors affecting population demographics and assess the implications for the reintroduction of populations to other islands. A total of 267 breeding attempts were recorded with c. 45% of the documented world population of pairs systematically monitored each year. On average, pairs attempted to breed three times in a 12-month period (range 0–6), although not all attempts were successful. Breeding success was consistently low between years: 62% of nests (controlling for observation time) and 17–19% of study territories failed to produce any fledglings in each respective 12-month period. Daily failure rates were generally higher during incubation than in the nestling period. Nests close to the forest edge were more likely to fail. The majority (143) of the 152 failed nesting attempts were consistent with depredation and were characterised by the disappearance of nest contents and sometimes by egg and chick remains and the disappearance of the adult female. Predators were identified at 13 nests: five (3.3%) were depredated by birds, and eight (5.2%) were depredated by mammals and/or reptiles: Rattus sp. were confirmed as predators. Video monitoring conducted at 14 nests also confirmed the endemic Seychelles bulbul Hypsipetes crassirostris as a nest predator. Adult mortality was c. 21% and alien predators (Rattus sp. and Felis cattus) were identified in causing adult mortality. However, in the majority of cases, reasons for adult mortality were unknown. Of the 52 marked fledglings that could have been recruited to the plateau population, 45% (23) were observed away from their natal territory c. 9–10 months after fledging, 25% (13) of which were confirmed as territory-holding individuals. We present a simple model to predict population growth using the above data, and discuss implications for the creation of additional self-sustaining populations on suitable islands.     

A comparison of phytoplankton community assemblages in artificially and naturally mixed subtropical water reservoirs

1. The effect of mechanical and natural mixing of water on phytoplankton community assemblages was compared in one reservoir with a destratification unit operating during the wet summer months (North Pine Reservoir) with two adjacent reservoirs without artificial mixing (Wivenhoe and Somerset Reservoirs) over 6 years in subtropical Australia. 2. All three reservoirs were dominated by cyanobacteria, with the same three genera representing 75–80% of the abundance, i.e. Aphanocapsa/Merismopedia/Cyanodictyon group, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Wo?oszyńska) Seenayya et Subba Raju and Planktolyngbya. Associations between the dominant genera were consistent across all three reservoirs although there were reduced seasonal differences in abundance in North Pine Reservoir compared with the other reservoirs. 3. Peaks in abundance of the solitary filamentous species C. raciborskii and Planktolyngbya occurred earlier and the densities of the colonial species Aphanocapsa/Merismopedia/Cyanodictyon were lower in the reservoir where the destratification unit was switched on in spring compared with the naturally mixed reservoirs, possibly reflecting the differential effect of artificial mixing on colonial versus solitary filamentous species. 4. Phosphate concentrations were positively correlated with algal densities in the two naturally mixed reservoirs but not the artificially mixed reservoir where phosphate concentrations at the surface were near the limit of detection (0.06 μm P). Artificial mixing may, therefore, promote the growth of species able to utilise and store low concentrations of phosphate, such as C. raciborskii.     

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on Auckland Island: Status,and effects on vegetation and nesting sea birds

This paper describes the past and present status of feral pigs on subantarctic Auckland Island, and their effects on the island's flora and fauna. It is based on historical records and a survey made during the summer of 1972–73. The pigs originate from a liberation at Port Ross in 1807. These animals thrived and increased in numbers, and by 1880 had spread throughout the island. They were numerous around Port Ross 33–45 years after their liberation but declined soon after, and may have died out locally. Since then pig densities at the northern end of the island have remained relatively low. When at high densities the pigs fed chiefly on the large‐leaved species of Pleurophyllum, Stilbocarpa, and Anisotome, and these have been virtually eliminated on accessible sites; it is likely that the pigs’ impact on nesting sea bird populations was greatest at this time also. During the 1972–73 survey pigs were found in the high country and along the coast at both ends of the island in comparably low numbers. Observations were made on the population, breeding success, and food habits of this population. The pigs appear to be no longer changing the island's vegetation or the numbers and distribution of nesting sea birds. If this population is left undisturbed, the present level of balance between the pigs and their modified environment should continue.     

Expansion of the Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus in Poland

Since 1981, when the first breeding pair of Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus was recorded in Poland, the population of this gull has increased considerably. Its population size was stable until 1997, not exceeding ten pairs annually; thereafter, an increasing number of sightings were made, and during the last 5 years between 26 and 39 breeding pairs have been recorded in Poland. To date, breeding sites have been established in a total of 45 sites (maximum of 19 sites in a given year), with 27% of these (43% of all broods) found on islands located in the middle course of the Vistula River. Breeding sites have also included artificial reservoirs, such as dam reservoirs (20% of sites, 19% of broods), gravel pits (9% of sites, 13% of broods) and fishponds (24% of places, 8% of broods). Mediterranean Gulls were found to nest only within the colonies of other Laridae. Single pairs were recorded at 40% of the breeding sites, whereas a maximum of two to five pairs were recorded at 47% of the other sites. The great majority of breeding attempts were recorded in Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus colonies. In two cases, Mediterranean Gulls bred within mono-specific colonies of Common Gulls L. canus consisting of 60–150 pairs. The biggest concentrations of breeding sites were along the middle course of the Vistula river and in the southern part of Poland.     

Reproductive success of Mariana Swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu

Mariana Swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) are federally listed as endangered, with populations currently limited to just three islands in the Mariana Islands plus an introduced population on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. Before efforts are made to reintroduce Mariana Swiftlets to other islands in the Mariana archipelago, additional information is needed concerning their breeding biology. Therefore, our objective was to examine the reproductive biology of Mariana Swiftlets over five annual cycles on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. This introduced population used a human‐made tunnel for roosting and nesting, and was studied as a surrogate to negate interference with endangered populations in the Mariana Islands. Active nests (N = 478) were observed in every month of the year, with peak nesting activity between May and September. All clutches consisted of one egg. Mean duration of incubation and nestling periods were 23.9 d (range = 18–30 d, N = 233) and 55.0 d (range = 41–84 d, N = 228), respectively. Estimated nest success was 63%. Over half (52%) of nest failures were attributed to eggs found on the tunnel floor. Predation by rats (Rattus spp.) was also an important cause of nest failure and often resulted in the loss of most active nests. However, Mariana Swiftlets did re‐nest after these predation events. Our results suggest that rat predation of both nests and adults may limit growth of the Mariana Swiftlet population on O'ahu, and could also affect the chances for successful establishment of relocated populations in the Mariana Islands. Another limiting factor on O'ahu is that only one nesting site is apparently available on the island. Current goals for downlisting Mariana Swiftlets from endangered to threatened include establishing populations on Guam, Rota, Aguiguan, and Saipan. To meet these goals, the population of Mariana Swiftlets on O'ahu can be important for testing reintroduction techniques, learning more about the natural history of these swiftlets, and providing individuals for reintroduction efforts in the Mariana Islands.     

Consequences of foraging trip duration on provisioning behaviour and fledging condition of common murres Uria aalgae

We examine the provisioning constraints of a pursuit‐diving seabird in a cold ocean regime by comparing the behaviour of common murres Uria aalge rearing chicks at two colonies in the Northwest Atlantic during 1998‐2000. Funk Island is the largest (340,000–400,000 breeding pairs) and most offshore (60 km) colony of common murres in eastern Canada. Seventy‐five percent of the Northwest Atlantic population of common murres breeds on this island. Great Island is one island within the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, which is the second largest breeding aggregation (100 000 breeding pairs) and is located near‐shore (2 km). The primary forage fish species in Newfoundland waters is capelin Mallotus villosus, which spawns on or near coastal beaches during summer. Therefore, the two study colonies differ in their distance to food resources and colony size. It is within this natural context that we compare: (1) prey types and frequency of delivery (amount of prey), (2) parental time budgets, and (3) the mass and condition (mass/wing length) of fledglings at both colonies. Similarly sized female capelin (100–150 mm) were delivered to chicks at both colonies. Foraging time per day per parent, a proxy of foraging effort, was similar at both colonies (Great Island: 5.1 h; Funk Island: 5.5 h), as was the percentage of time spent with mates (Great Island: 12.3%; Funk Island: 10.9%). Foraging trips, however, were longer at Funk Island (4.1 h) than at Great Island (2.9 h). This resulted in lower feeding rates of chicks (0.17 feeds per h) and poorer condition of fledglings (2.9 g/mm) at Funk Island compared to those at Great Island (0.22 feeds per h; 3.9 g/mm). We hypothesize that provisioning efforts are constrained at Funk Island by (1) distant food resources and increased competitor density, resulting in longer foraging trip durations and (2) the time spent paired with mates at the colony, which may reflect a minimum time required to maintain breeding sites due to higher breeding densities at Funk Island compared to Great Island. Demographic consequences of this poor fledgling condition at Funk Island are unknown, but fledglings may sufficiently accelerate growth at sea due to their closer proximity to an important nursery area. If fledgling survival is compromised, however, the lower potential for growth at Funk Island will impact the entire Northwest Atlantic population of common murres.     

Does reservoir trophic status influence the feeding and growth of the sharptooth catfish,Clarias gariepinus (Teleostei: Clariidae)?

The diet and growth of sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, in an oligotrophic system (Kat River Reservoir, Eastern Cape, South Africa) were compared to those in a eutrophic system (Laing Reservoir, Eastern Cape) to determine if the trophic status of a waterbody had an effect on the growth rate of the species. In order of importance, the diet of catfish in Kat River Reservoir consisted of fish, insects, zooplankton, plant material and other items, while the diet of catfish in Laing Reservoir consisted of fish, plant material, zooplankton, other vertebrates and insects. The diets of catfish in the two reservoirs had a similarity index of 68.1% and there was no significant difference in their nutritional value. Fish prey was the most important dietary component in both reservoirs. Temperature regime and zooplankton and zoobenthos density were similar in both systems. However, fish prey density was significantly higher in the eutrophic Laing Reservoir and catfish grew significantly faster in that system. The slower growth rate in Kat River Reservoir was attributed to the higher energy costs associated with the capture of fish prey, which was less abundant than in Laing Reservoir. Trophic status therefore had an indirect effect on catfish growth by influencing the availability of fish prey.     

An estimate of population sizes of burrowing seabirds at the Diego Ramirez archipelago, Chile, using distance sampling and burrow-scoping

The Diego Ramirez Islands lie 60 nautical miles southwest of Cape Horn and are the breeding site for three species of burrowing seabirds: blue petrels (Halobaena caerulea), common diving petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix) and sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus). Burrowing seabirds are highly vulnerable to predation by introduced vertebrate pests, and Diego Ramirez is an important breeding site because it is one of a few remaining subantarctic island groups with no introduced predators. Diego Ramirez is the only known breeding site for blue petrels in the southeast Pacific region, holding about 80% of the global population of that species, and with a population ten times larger than any other population in the world. We estimated the population size in 2002, using a novel application of the distance sampling technique to determine burrow density, and a burrow-scope with excavations to determine occupying species. We found that density was correlated with slope angle and soil wetness. Burrow densities in flatter terrain with drier soils were 2.03 burrows/m² (95% confidence intervals: 1.82–2.27) and 1.11 burrows/m² (0.84–1.48) in steeper terrain with wetter soils. The occupation rate of burrows were significantly different between habitat types (t=2.74, d.f. 11, P<0.05); in flatter drier habitats the proportion of burrows that led to a nest was 0.85 (0.74–0.96), in steeper wetter habitats this decreased to 0.64 (0.50–0.78). We used a digital elevation model to calculate true area rather than planar area for the two habitat types on the main island of Bartolome, and charts to calculate planar area for the remainder of the archipelago. There were 1.35 (1.15–1.54) million pairs of blue petrels and 99,000 (65,000–134,000) pairs of common diving petrels on the archipelago. These are similar figures to those from the only previous estimate, made in 1980. We found breeding sooty shearwaters for the first time, and estimated a population of several thousand pairs. We emphasise the facility of distance sampling as an unbiased technique with practical advantages over commonly used area search methods for monitoring populations of burrowing seabirds. These advantages include increased survey efficiency allowing a larger sample size for a given effort and a correspondingly tighter estimation of density.     

Seasonal inter‐calibration between acoustic and multi‐mesh gillnets sampling for fish biomass assessment in reservoirs

This paper presents the results of an inter‐calibration between acoustic and gillnets sampling in two North African reservoirs according to seasons. Gillnets with multi‐mesh were designed for sampling fish in lakes while acoustic surveys were performed with a split beam Simrad EK60 echosounder. Sampling events were carried out during summer (September 2015), autumn (December 2015), winter (March 2016) and spring (June 2016) in two Tunisian reservoirs (Kasseb and Siliana) with different depths and shapes. Gillnet catches showed a high proportion of barbell whatever the seasons in Kasseb Reservoir, while at Siliana Reservoir, significant seasonal changes in relative abundances have been evidenced. The highest fish biomass of the entire water column was observed in winter daytime (103 kg/ha) in Kasseb Reservoir and in summer daytime (283 kg/ha) in Siliana Reservoir. Average biomass observed in autumn (December) for the two reservoirs were lower than the other seasons. During spring, density daytime values in Kasseb were higher than during nighttime while it was the opposite in summer and autumn. Fish densities detected in Kasseb Reservoir in vertical beaming was higher than those detected in horizontal beaming (p < .05). The longitudinal distribution of fish in the reservoirs showed that there is no clear trend in fish densities according to strata. High numbers of fish were detected in deep strata and big fish were located in the surface water near the dam of Kasseb Reservoir. A significant linear correlation was showed between acoustic density/NPUE and acoustic biomass/BPUE but the perfect correlation with the 1:1 fit was showed only between acoustic biomass/BPUE.     

Size‐Fractionated Phytoplankton and Relationships with Metazooplankton in a Newly Flooded Reservoir

In order to yield some insights into the planktonic food web structure of new reservoirs, size‐fractionated biomass and productivity of phytoplankton were examined from 1996 to 1997 (following the 1995 flooding of the Sep Reservoir, Puy‐de‐Dôme, France), in relation to nutrients (P, N) and metazooplankton (Rotifers, Cladocera, Copepods). Autotrophic nanoplankton (ANP, size class 3–45 μm) dominated the phytoplankton biomass (as Chlorophyll a) and production, while autotrophic picoplankton (APP, 0.7–3 μm) exhibited the lowest and relatively constant biomass and production. Cells of the autotrophic microplankton (AMP, >45 μm) were considered inedible for planktonic herbivores. The production‐biomass diagram for the different size classes and the positive correlation between APP production and ANP + AMP production suggested that grazing was potentially more important than nutrients in shaping the phytoplankton size structure. Metazooplankton biomass was low compared to other newly flooded reservoirs or to natural lakes with phytoplankton biomass similar to that of the Sep Reservoir. This resulted in low ratios (metazooplankton to edible phytoplankton) both in terms of production (average 0.43% in 1996 and 0.76% in 1997) and biomass, suggesting that only a small fraction of phytoplankton was directly consumed by metazooplankton. We suggest that the observed low ratios in the Sep Reservoir, reflect possible low metazooplankton inputs in the main influents, changes in hydrologic conditions and a high potential role of microheterotrophs. The latter role was supported by (i) the positive inter‐annual correlation between ciliates and phytoplankton, (ii) the significant and negative correlations between ciliates and metazooplankton, and (iii) the significant and negative correlations between total metazooplankton biomass and total phosphorus (TP), whereas neither TP nor total metazooplankton biomass was correlated with phytoplankton variables.     

The successful elimination of Cane toads, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bufo marinus</Emphasis>, from an island with breeding habitat off Bermuda

The 6.5 Ha Nonsuch island nature reserve in Castle harbour, Bermuda, under restoration as a “Living museum” of Bermuda’s pre-colonial terrestrial flora and fauna since 1962, was unexpectedly compromised by the colonization of a manmade freshwater pond by the invasive Cane toad Bufo marinus, which managed to cross a 175 m seawater barrier isolating the island. The toad was considered to pose a threat to the endemic Skink, for which Nonsuch is a key sanctuary, and to the burrow nesting Bermuda petrel or Cahow, which was about to be translocated to that larger island in order to establish a colony safe from the global warming threat of sealevel rise. A non-lethal method of removing the toads was devised through installation of a toad barrier around the freshwater pond, constructed of robust high density polyethylene (HDPE). Toads outside the barrier were no longer able to breed and were captured and removed by night searches over a five year period as they piled up against it. Removal of the breeding population inside the barrier was only possible by capturing all individuals resulting from each spawning before they could reach breeding age. This also took 5 years despite the small size (0.06 Ha) of the pond. A total of 1,244 toads were removed to Bermuda’s mainland. As breeding age is attained in 2 years the collection total for the first 2 years provided an approximation of the population density on the island before removal began (~80 per Ha). Although the immigration rate to Nonsuch is estimated to be less than one per year, this still requires maintaining the barrier as a permanent fixture. As future immigrants can be fairly quickly intercepted, the toad is now essentially extaxic on Nonsuch. This is the first published report of a successful eradication of the species from an island with breeding habitat.