Topic
Samoan starling
About: Samoan starling is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2 publications have been published within this topic receiving 25 citations. The topic is also known as: Aplonis atrifusca.
Papers
TL;DR: In this article, the spatial patterns in forest birds were investigated and the distribution of birds was correlated with forest types using habitat data collected at fifty-seven sites and avian census data collected monthly for 1-4 years at these sites.
Abstract: Summary
Aim Our knowledge of landbirds on tropical Pacific islands is often comprised of brief, one-time surveys. We know little of species’ habitat preferences, and this information is critical for understanding the resource requirements or population status of native species and the impacts of human activity on island birds.
LocationTutuila Island, American Samoa.
Methods The spatial patterns in forest birds were investigated. This island harbours large tracts of native forest, a variety of disturbed and non-native forests, and some relatively healthy bird populations. The distribution of birds was correlated with forest types using habitat data collected at fifty-seven sites and avian census data collected monthly for 1–4 years at these sites.
ResultsDifferences in location and in vegetation structure and composition between native and non-native habitats are important influences on the distribution of birds on Tutuila. Among native species, for example, the purple-capped fruit-dove (Ptilinopus porphyraceus Temminck) is dependent upon native habitat, the Samoan starling (Aplonis atrifusca Peale) occurs in all habitats, and the cardinal honeyeater (Myzomela cardinalis Gmelin) is more abundant in low elevation, non-native habitat.
ConclusionsThis research reinforces the importance of quantitative assessment of habitat relationships in the study and conservation of Pacific birds.
32 citations
1 Jan 2014
TL;DR: Avery et al. as discussed by the authors conducted trials with captive mynas to determine sensitivity to the avian toxicant DRC-1339, and to evaluate a potential baiting strategy for applying this toxicant on American Samoa to reduce myna populations.
Abstract: Author(s): Avery, Michael L.; Eisemann, John D. | Abstract: The common myna is an invasive species in Florida, Hawaii, and in numerous other locations around the world. It is native to southern and south-east Asia. Common mynas are considered pests to fruit crops in many locales, and they are predators on eggs of other birds. Since their introduction to American Samoa in the 1980s, mynas have become the most frequently observed avifauna in developed areas in the country. The American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) is concerned that expanding myna populations will exert competitive pressures on native species such as the Samoan starling and white-collared kingfisher. Additionally, the mynas are increasingly becoming social nuisances through nesting, foraging, and vocalization behaviors. The government and general population of American Samoa would like to eradicate these birds before populations are too large to control. In partnership with DMWR, we conducted trials with captive mynas to determine sensitivity to the avian toxicant DRC-1339, and to evaluate a potential baiting strategy for applying this toxicant on American Samoa to reduce myna populations.
1 citations
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |