Nancy Bunbury

Trichomonas gallinae in Mauritian columbids: implications for an endangered endemic.

Although well known as a widespread parasitic disease of columbids and birds of prey, there have been few studies of trichomonosis in populations of wild birds. In Mauritius, trichomonosis has been highlighted as a major threat to an endangered endemic, the Pink Pigeon (Neosoenas [Columba] mayeri). In this study, we examined the role that populations of other columbids in Mauritius might be playing as infectious reservoirs of the causal flagellate protozoan, Trichomonas gallinae. We screened 296 wild individuals of three columbid species (Madagascan Turtle Dove [Streptopelia picturata], Spotted Dove [Streptopelia chinensis], and Zebra Dove [Geopelia striata]) between September 2002 and April 2004. Prevalence varied significantly among species (ranging from 19% in S. chinensis to 59% in G. striata) and between S. picturata sampled from upland and coastal sites; S. picturata from upland sites (>500 m) were significantly less likely to be infected with T. gallinae than those from lowland sites (<50 m; 62% and 27% prevalence, respectively). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of T. gallinae at sites where Pink Pigeons were also present compared to those sampled at sites without Pink Pigeons. We show that T. gallinae infection prevalence is higher at sites and times of warmer temperatures and lower rainfall.

A clonal strain of Trichomonas gallinae is the aetiologic agent of an emerging avian epidemic disease

Trichomonas gallinae is a protozoan parasite that is well characterised as a cause of trichomonosis in columbid and raptor species world-wide. The parasite emerged as a novel infection of British passerines in 2005, leading to epidemic mortality associated with significant declines of breeding populations of greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) and chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs). We characterised the extent of T. gallinae genotypic heterogeneity within the affected wild British avifauna by analysing individual isolates from 17 of the species affected. To do so, we employed improved platform-based multilocus typing tools as well as the hydrogenosomal Fe-hydrogenase gene as a single marker locus for fine-typing. We found no evidence of heterogeneity amongst the parasites infecting British passerines, indicating that a clonal strain of T. gallinae is the causative agent of this emerging infectious disease.

Research and conservation of the larger parrots of Africa and Madagascar: a review of knowledge gaps and opportunities

Parrot populations in Africa and Madagascar are declining and the need for conservation actions to address threats is increasingly recognised. Effective conservation requires a robust knowledge base on which decisions over appropriate actions can be made, yet at present there is no current and readily accessible synthesis of the status of populations, the threats they face and knowledge gaps. Here we begin to address this shortfall for the larger species in the region belonging to the genera Coracopsis, Poicephalus, Psittacus and Psittacula. We review developments since the production of the IUCN Parrot Action Plan published in 2000, identify areas where critical knowledge is lacking and highlight opportunities to address them. While advances have been made over the last decade, progress has not been evenly spread, with a strong bias towards populations in southern Africa. To date much research has focused on describing aspects of ecology and behaviour and there remains a need for studies determining the current status of populations and the factors limiting distributions and abundance. This review aims to provide a basis upon which progress towards an improved understanding of the conservation needs of the larger parrots of Africa and Madagascar can be made.

Comparison of the InPouch TF Culture System and Wet-Mount Microscopy for Diagnosis of Trichomonas gallinae Infections in the Pink Pigeon Columba mayeri

Trichomoniasis is commonly known as a sexually transmitted disease of humans (caused by Trichomonas vaginalis ) or cattle ( Tritrichomonas foetus ), but it is also a ubiquitous disease of pigeons and raptors worldwide and is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trichomonas gallinae . The disease in

Scientists’ responsibilities towards evidence‐based conservation in a Small Island Developing State

Much has been written about bridging the implementationgap, also known as the ‘great divide’ or the ‘knowledge–action boundary’ (e.g. Gibbons et al. 2008; Arlettaz et al.2010; Cook et al. 2013). Most of these authors make validand needed points concerning the application of scienceto conservation management, including the proposal ofconceptual frameworks or changes to the structure of theresearch system. Recommended measures range fromcollaborative exercises for identifying important researchquestions, which, when addressed, will provide theevidence base for effective conservation policies (Rudd2011; Braunisch et al. 2012), to creating an institutionalplatform to engage individuals from across the knowl-edge–action boundary (Cook et al. 2013). While suchrecommendations for higher-level structural changes aredesirable, they are rarely in sync with the constraints ofconservation scientists (e.g. Soule 1985; Balmford et al.2003), which call for rapidly achievable outcomes withlimited resources. As a consequence, the recommendationsof many well-intentioned researchers end with publication(Fazey, Fischer & Lindenmayer 2005), despite the factthat publication alone is usually ineffective in triggeringmanagement changes (Pullin & Knight 2005). Here,largely following the model proposed by Gibbons et al.(2008), we show, using a successful case study from theSeychelles, how researchers and practitioners have workedtogether to change strategy and policy for conservation ofan endangered species based on scientific evidence.Further, the example expands on the responsibility ofresearchers by demonstrating immediate actions that canbe taken by scientists to improve uptake of their researchresults. Such steps can be highly effective, and practicalguidelines can be drawn from this example by otherresearchers hoping to more effectively bridge the gapbetween their research and management.

Status, distribution and recommendations for monitoring of the Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) barklyi

The Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) barklyi, endemic to the Seychelles islands, is the only surviving parrot on the archipelago. Although originally classified as a subspecies of the lesser vasa parrot Coracopsis nigra evidence now indicates that the Seychelles population may be a distinct species, in which case its conservation status also requires reassessment. Here, we address the status of the C. (n.) barklyi population on the islands of its current and likely historical range, Praslin and Curieuse, assess the effect of habitat type on relative abundance, and identify the most appropriate point count duration for monitoring the population. We conducted point count distance sampling at 268 locations using habitat type as a covariate in the modelling ofthe detection function. Density on Praslin was estimated to be 0.14-0.24 individuals per ha, resulting in an estimate of a total of 520-900 individuals (95% confidence interval). The highest densities occurred in endemic palm and mixed forests. Habitats with a high proportion of palms were more likely to support parrots than habitatswithout palms. As no parrots were detected on Curieuse the number estimated on Praslin is the global wild population. The small size of this population necessitates its categorization as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Our main recommendation for the conservation of C. (n.) barklyi, in addition to continued monitoring, is the preservation and expansion of the parrots endemic palm forest habitat.

Breeding ecology of the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis barklyi

Knowledge of breeding ecology is required for many conservation interventions. The Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis barklyi, endemic to the island of Praslin, is vulnerable to extinction. We aimed to improve understanding of C. barklyi breeding ecology to aid conservation planning. We present the results of four years of research, including nesting cavity characteristics and availability, reproductive success, breeding parameters, parental behaviour and reproductive strategy. Thirty-six breeding attempts were studied over the four seasons. Nests were mainly located in Coco de Mer palms Lodoicea maldivica. Deeper cavities with more canopy cover were preferred. There may be a shortage of high-quality nesting cavities in intensive breeding seasons. Average clutch size was 2.2 eggs, incubation period was c. 15 d and egg fertility was 71%. Rats were key nest predators, causing the failure of up to 33% of breeding attempts. The probability of nest success was 53%. At least 57% of fledglings survived their first year. This species breeds cooperatively and practices a highly unusual side-by-side copulation. We discuss the implications of the results in the context of former, ongoing and potential conservation measures for C. barklyi including translocation, invasive species management, nest box provisioning, habitat restoration and further research.

Restoring avian island endemics: use of supplementary food by the endangered Pink Pigeon (Columba mayeri)

Abstract The wild population of Pink Pigeons (Columba mayeri) of Mauritius has recovered from ten individuals in 1990 to ~390 birds in 2008. Limited availability of native feeding habitat is a primary factor restricting further increases in population. Current management of the species includes provision of supplementary food (wheat) and restoration of native forest habitat. This study investigated dependence on supplementary food by examining patterns of supplementary food use and social interactions in two Pink Pigeon subpopulations. During 72 h of observations over a 10-week study period 99% of the birds visited supplementary feeding stations, and the combined duration of these visits per individual was 0–1.7% of the total observation period. Frequency of visits peaked in late afternoon and timing of feeding visits also varied between sexes in one subpopulation, where males fed for longer after daytime nest incubation (1600–1800 hours) than females, and females fed for longer than males throughout the middle of the day (1000–1300 hours). Younger birds (<1 year old) fed more frequently than older birds. Implications of these findings for the long-term management of this and other recovering avian populations are discussed.

Persistence of distinctive morphotypes in the native range of the CITES-listed Aldabra giant tortoise.

Abstract Understanding the extent of morphological variation in the wild population of Aldabra giant tortoises is important for conservation, as morphological variation in captive populations has been interpreted as evidence for lingering genes from extinct tortoise lineages. If true, this could impact reintroduction programmes in the region. The population of giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll is subdivided and distributed around several islands. Although pronounced morphological variation was recorded in the late 1960s, it was thought to be a temporary phenomenon. Early researchers also raised concerns over the future of the population, which was perceived to have exceeded its carrying capacity. We analyzed monthly monitoring data from 12 transects spanning a recent 15‐year period (1998–2012) during which animals from four subpopulations were counted, measured, and sexed. In addition, we analyzed survival data from individuals first tagged during the early 1970s. The population is stable with no sign of significant decline. Subpopulations differ in density, but these differences are mostly due to differences in the prevailing vegetation type. However, subpopulations differ greatly in both the size of animals and the degree of sexual dimorphism. Comparisons with historical data reveal that phenotypic differences among the subpopulations of tortoises on Aldabra have been apparent for the last 50 years with no sign of diminishing. We conclude that the giant tortoise population on Aldabra is subject to varying ecological selection pressures, giving rise to stable morphotypes in discrete subpopulations. We suggest therefore that (1) the presence of morphological differences among captive Aldabra tortoises does not alone provide convincing evidence of genes from other extinct species; and (2) Aldabra serves as an important example of how conservation and management in situ can add to the scientific value of populations and perhaps enable them to better adapt to future ecological pressures.

Cryptic biodiversity and phylogeographic patterns of Seychellois Ligia isopods

Ligia isopods are conspicuous inhabitants of rocky intertidal habitats exhibiting several biological traits that severely limit their dispersal potential. Their presence in patchy habitats and low vagility may lead to long term isolation, allopatric isolation and possible cryptic speciation. Indeed, various species of Ligia have been suggested to represent instead cryptic species complexes. Past studies; however, have largely focused in Eastern Pacific and Atlantic species of Ligia, leaving in doubt whether cryptic diversity occurs in other highly biodiverse areas. The Seychelles consists of 115 islands of different ages and geological origins spread across the western Indian Ocean. They are well known for their rich biodiversity with recent reports of cryptic species in terrestrial Seychellois organisms. Despite these studies, it is unclear whether coastal invertebrates from the Seychelles harbor any cryptic diversity. In this study, we examined patterns of genetic diversity and isolation within Ligia isopods across the Seychelles archipelago by characterizing individuals from locations across both inner and outer islands of the Seychelles using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We report the presence of highly divergent lineages of independent origin. At Aldabra Atoll, we uncovered a lineage closely related to the Ligia vitiensis cryptic species complex. Within the inner islands of Cousine, Silhouette, and Mahé we detected the presence of two moderately divergent and geographically disjunct lineages most closely related to Ligia dentipes. Our findings suggest that the Seychelles may harbor at least three novel species of Ligia in need of description and that these species may have originated independently.