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TOKELAU INVASIVE SPECIES ACTION PLAN
Compiled by: Ray Pierce1, Monica Gruber2, Mika Perez3
1 Eco Oceania Pty Ltd, 165 Stoney Creek Road, Speewah, Queensland, 4881 Australia 2 School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand 3 Director of Economic Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Tokelau Islands
An action plan for Tokelau Administration and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
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CONTENTS
PART A – SUMMARY AND PURPOSE OF ACTION PLAN 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
PURPOSE OF INVASIVE SPECIES ACTION PLAN 3
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5
PART B – BIOSECURITY ACTION PLAN 6
1.0 GENERAL APPROACHES TO TOKELAU BIOSECURITY 6
2.0 BIOSECURITY STEP ONE - RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TOKELAU 6
3.0 BIOSECURITY STEP TWO - SITE SPECIFIC ACTIONS 7
3.1 Apia Port IAS control 7
3.2 Biosecurity at vessel departure points at Apia (EDNRE and SQ) 8
3.3 Biosecurity on the vessels (EDNRE, captains). 9
3.4 Biosecurity on arrival including inter-atoll (EDNRE and Nuku) 9
3.5 Internal Biosecurity (Nuku/EDNRE) 10
4.0 BIOSECURITY STEP THREE - ISLAND SURVEILLANCE AND CONTINGENCY PLANS (EDNRE/
COMMUNITY/ NUKU) 11
5.0 BIOSECURITY STEP FOUR - STAFF TRAINING AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS 12
5.1 Staff needs and training 12
5.2 Key needs for community training 12
6.0 STAFF, SOME EQUIPMENT NEEDS, SOURCES AND COSTS 14
6.1 Staff 14
6.2 Equipment 14
PART C – 16
MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES ALREADY PRESENT AT TOKELAU 16
7.0 Invasive species already in Tokelau and their impacts 16
8.0 Kimoa eradication 16
9.0 Cat and pig exclusion from motu 18
10.0 Yellow crazy ant management 19
PART D – HARVESTING AND MONITORING OF SENSITIVE AND THREATENED SPECIES 22
11.0 GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR HARVESTING 22
12.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPECIES MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING 22
PART E – TECHNICAL INFORMATION 24
REFERENCES 24
APPENDICES 25
Appendix 1 – Tokelau and English names for animals 25
Appendix 2 – Some sources of technical advice 26
Appendix 3 – Organisms recommended to be prohibited at Tokelau 26
Appendix 4 – Some biosecurity information for Tokelau residents – brochure to be in Tokelauan 27
Appendix 5 – Data sheets 28
Example of template for survey and monitoring for common IAS of concern 28
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PART A - SUMMARY AND PURPOSE OF ACTION PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Tokelau contains high biodiversity, cultural and economic values that support a community of over
1000 people. Island biota are susceptible to the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) (Diamond et al.)
but the isolation of Tokelau means that until now it has been spared the impacts of many serious invasive
species. Several IAS are present however, including kimoa (Rattus exulans) and with more recent
invasions of yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), a whitefly (Aleurodiscus dispersus) and
Singapore daisy (Wedelia trilobata). Many other IAS are poised to enter Tokelau particularly from
Apia, and in the past 10 years Tokelau has been seeing a new invasive species arrive on average about
every two years.
This document is in four main parts, the first aimed at stopping new IAS from arriving. It addresses risk
assessments for new arrivals and the biosecurity tasks needed at Samoa, en route to and at arrival points
in Tokelau, together with community awareness and preparedness for responding rapidly to IAS
incursions.
The second part deals with managing invasive species already present at Tokelau, including inter-island
biosecurity and within island options for containing or eradicating IAS.
The third part deals with managing and monitoring threatened and sensitive biota such as turtles, oga
and seabirds. This includes recommendations and options for cessation of harvest of sensitive species,
and means of enforcement and how to monitoring population trends to see if management is working.
The fourth part comprises technical information in support of the action plan including where to find
supporting information, training needs, etc.
PURPOSE OF INVASIVE SPECIES ACTION PLAN
The three Tokelau atolls comprising Atafu (c.350 ha), Nukunonu (c.500 ha) and Fakaofo
(c.400 ha) each support high biodiversity values, particularly fauna, with increasing
populations of many seabird species and important populations of oga (coconut crab) and
fono (green turtle) as well as many migrant species. Each of the islands supports a
community of about 400 people, with economies heavily dependent on healthy natural
resources in the ocean, the lagoon and on the motu.
During a 2011-12 conservation survey funded by Conservation International’s CEPF
programme, the Taupulega and community indicated a desire for follow-up work to
manage existing invasive species and strengthen biosecurity in order to prevent further
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invasions into Tokelau. These views reinforce Tokelau’s existing strategic documents
including the Tokelau National Strategic Plan (Tokelau 2010), National Biosecurity
Guidelines (Tokelau 2003) and each of the islands’ Village Rules.
The purpose of this action plan is to take the Tokelau strategic documents and
conservation survey to a more specific level as a series of prescribed tasks. The action
plan has five parts:
1. Summary and purpose of the plan 2. Biosecurity enhancement to prevent further invasions 3. Invasive species management at Tokelau 4. Managing species harvests and monitoring of priority fauna 5. Technical details to support the previous three sections.
Parts 2-5 of the plan are all important and complementary for achieving and maintaining
healthy ecosystems and species populations. For example the recovery of a species like
talagogo requires good biosecurity to prevent Norway and black rats arriving, secondly it
requires removal of kimoa and cats from many motu to enable successful nesting, thirdly
it needs a cessation of harvesting to allow the talagogo population to recover, and
fourthly the actions and outcomes need to be documented via monitoring. In other words
there is little point in doing only one or two of these tasks. A balanced implementation of
the three approaches will ensure biodiversity values are protected and native species
thrive at Tokelau, which will potentially also provide a sustainable food resource in the
future. The fauna recoveries at Tokelau will in turn provide internationally important
island “stepping stones” to link with other island archipelagos across the oceanscape, e.g.
Phoenix-Tokelau-Tuvalu-Cooks, etc.
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
AT, FK, NN Abbreviations for Atafu, Fakaofo and Nukunonu
Biota All the plants and animals (birds, lizards, invertebrates, etc) of an area
Biosecurity Quarantine actions undertaken to stop IAS from arriving (at Tokelau), together with surveillance and emergency responses to deal with any arrivals
BirdLife An international bird protection agency with its Pacific branch based in Suva
Brodifacoum and Bromodiolone
Anticoagulant toxins in rodent baits commonly used in rat eradication or control on islands, vessels, etc – comes in pellet or wax block form. Bromodiolone has been used in Tokelau before
CEPF/CI Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund of Conservation International
EDNRE Department of Economic Development, Natural Resources and Environment
Eradication Total removal of all invasives from an entire location, e.g. a motu or atoll, as opposed to ongoing pest control which would be ineffective at Tokelau
Fuana Animals
GPS Global Positioning System
IAS/Invasive Invasive alien animal or plant species, e.g. yellow crazy ant, Wedelia, rats, all of which may impact severely on indigenous biota at Tokelau
Incursion A term sometimes used for a newly invading IAS
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Indicator species Species or species groups, e.g. tern, whose numbers or productivity are useful in indicating the health of an ecosystem, or locating shoals of pelagic fish etc
Indigenous Species found naturally in an area, e.g. all the seabirds at Tokelau are indigenous
Management or Control
Where eradication is not possible, feasible, or the environmental, social or financial costs are too high, Management or Control methods are used to keep the invasive species numbers at a level where their effects are minimalized. This applies to yellow crazy ants in particular.”
Monitoring Here refers to measuring changes in the numbers of native biota over time
Myna Invasive birds which have had an incursion at Tokelau and which could establish and impact on Tokelau biota and fruit trees
Nuku Each of the three villages of Tokelau
PII Pacific Invasives Initiative based in Auckland, NZ
PIPA Phoenix Islands Protected Area, Kiribati, to the north of Tokelau
Rodent Rats (mainly Rattus spp.) and mice (Mus musculus)
Roost site A place (e.g. trees) where birds rest without nesting, e.g. night-time roosts of katafa
“Singapore daisy” Wedelia (Sphagneticola) trilobata; An IAS not originally from Singapore, but Central America; expanding on all three Tokelau atolls
SPA Samoa Port Authority
SPC Secretariat for the Pacific Community based at Suva
SQ Samoa Quarantine
Surveillance Here refers to the ongoing search for IAS or their sign on vessels and islands
SPREP Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme based at Apia
Terrestrial On land as opposed to marine
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
YCA The yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes, an invasive species
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank The Tokelau administration and nuku for facilitating island contacts, meetings and
travel and accommodation in 2012. Many people helped at the islands and we particularly
thank the following for their logistic support and advice:
Apia office: Jovilisi Suveinakama (Chairman), Kele Kalolo (Minister of
Environment);
Atafu: Luisa Naseri-Sale (Environment Officer, accommodation); Dr. Sale, and Salati
Sale-Silao (host family)
Nukunonu: Zak Patelesio (contact and accommodation), Tumua Pasilio (Fisheries
officer), Ruevita Esekielu (school teacher);
Fakaofo: Alatina Mana and Tofiga Teao (Quarantine officers).
We also thank staff of CEPF/CI, PII, Samoa Port Authority, Samoa Quarantine, SPC and
UNEP for their expertise and support of this project. Thanks to Paul DeBarro of CSIRO
Australia for identification of the whitely species on Tokelau.
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PART B – BIOSECURITY ACTION PLAN
1.0 GENERAL APPROACHES TO TOKELAU BIOSECURITY The general approach for Tokelau biosecurity is four fold:
1. Understand the risks of invasive species
2. Implement targeted site-specific actions to prevent invasions
3. Be prepared to implement rapid responses for incursions
4. Train staff and inform and educate the general Tokelauan public of their role in
all stages of biosecurity.
2.0 BIOSECURITY STEP ONE - RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TOKELAU
The isolation of Tokelau works in favour of managing biosecurity risks. Table 1 below
identifies the pathways and sources of the main IAS that could enter Tokelau, together
with a summary of prevention measures that need to be taken. Clearly Samoa’s Port in
Apia as currently the primary source for IAS to access Tokelau via the supply ships and
needs to be the principal (but not sole) focus of biosecurity action.
Although the three Tokelau atolls have relatively similar IAS composition, there are
some differences, e.g. Fakaofo has some additional incursions including mynas (c.2005-
2011), a whitefly species (identified by Paul DeBarro as Aleurodiscus dispersus,
unknown date of arrival, still present) and a mealybug species (species designation
unknown, arrived 2012, being contained). All of these and other arrivals could travel
further by vessel and it is important to have effective biosecurity between atolls.
In contrast to Nukunonu and Fakaofo, Atafu is free of some invasive species, notably the
Euphorbia species that is the primary host for whitefly.
Thus, although the invasion pathways through Tokelau are unknown, as long as Fakaofo
is the first port of call in Tokelau it faces the highest biosecurity risk, and also provides
the highest potential opportunity for the prevention of invasive species. This feature
should be considered when the routes of ship transport to Tokelau are altered: the first
port of call likely faces the highest risk.
Table 1 – Preliminary biosecurity risk assessment and actions needed
Pathway Source Main risks Level of
risk Prevention measures and other actions needed (responsibility)
Supply ships
Apia Cargo vessels from Apia are:
- PB Matua
Norway and black rat, mice, mynas, bulbuls, ants, giant African land snails, other invertebrates, weeds
Extreme Implement existing Tokelau Biosecurity Regulations, revise and implement new regulations as needed (prohibited/ permitted product lists, packing materials and standards for
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- Lady Naomi - Samoa
Express The first two also take passengers
fresh produce (fruit/veg), raise awareness, etc. (EDNRE) Implement quarantine practise for all cargo, passengers departing Apia (EDNRE/SQ) Quarantine practised for all arrivals at Tokelau and inter-island, certification needed (EDNRE/Nuku) Rodent control practised on all ships sailing to Tokelau (EDNRE, captains) Invasives management at Apia Port generally (SPA)
Supply ships
Other Tokelau islands In vertebrates, e.g. whitefly, mealy bug on plants
High Generally as for supply ships ex Apia at departure and arrival and during voyage (EDNRE/Nuku)
Other cargo ships
New Zealand Cargo vessels from NZ are: St Terresa
Rodents, invertebrates, weeds
High Generally as for supply ships ex Apia with the addition of quarantine measures at source (EDNRE/Nuku)
Yachts and tourist vessels
Apia, Hawaii, Cook Is., Tahiti, etc.
Rodents, invertebrates, weeds
Moderate to high
Quarantine practised for all arrivals at Tokelau and inter-island, certification needed (EDNRE/nuku) Check source of these and agreements with authorities at source for quarantine clearance at departure (EDNRE)
3.0 BIOSECURITY STEP TWO - SITE SPECIFIC ACTIONS
3.1 Apia Port IAS control
Objective: Prevent any invasive species at Samoa from reaching the Tokelau Islands
Level of Risk: Extreme. Samoa supports three species of rodents – Norway rat, black rat
and house mouse - that do not yet occur at Tokelau and many other IAS that could easily
invade via ships departing Apia, including giant African land snails, many alien ants,
mynas, bulbuls, etc.
Tasks and responsibilities
1. Control rodents, YCAs and other IAS at Samoa Port (SPA with county support)
2. Detect and eliminate any IAS prior to loading Tokelau vessels (EDNRE and SQ)
Task 1 Control rodents and other IAS at Samoa Port (SPA)
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Methods for rodents a. maintain continuous control of rodents throughout the port compound and marina
b. Use c.10 Victor snap traps baited with cooked coconut, replace bait 2 x weekly
c. Use waterproof bait stations loaded with c.300 g of Pestoff, checked weekly
initially; replace bait prior to it “going off” (smells mouldy)
d. Record data (data sheets in Appendix 5) and monitor progress and adapt
management as guided by IAS experts, e.g. may be possible to cease one of
trapping or baiting in medium term (refer agencies etc Appendix 2)
Methods for ants
e. Follow existing protocols established by SPC and PII. Ants are difficult to
identify without the proper training and equipment, so rather than attempting to
identify ants that pose a risk, a ‘zero tolerance’ approach is recommended.
f. Record data (Appendix 5) and monitor progress and adapt management as guided
by IAS experts (SPC and PII)
Methods for mynas
g. Maintain myna control methods as per Beach Road programme – Samoa MNRE
can advise on control methods (Appendix 2)
h. Night-time departures increase the risk of mynas stowing away - check potential
myna roost sites on vessel
Methods for weeds
i. Surveillance for invasive weeds in and around port loading areas (risk of weed
fragments on loaders, containers etc.) and implement appropriate control
programmes as advised by SPC and other technical experts (Appendix 2)
3.2 Biosecurity at vessel departure points at Apia (EDNRE and SQ)
General Quarantine
a. Focus quarantine at the Apia departure site, i.e. EDNRE staff to process all cargo
and personal luggage (with training support offered by SQ at least in the interim).
b. Explore efficient systems at Apia port for inspecting all cargo and personal
luggage, e.g. channelling through existing Customs processing building.
c. Travellers complete TOK arrival card and declarations (Appendix 5).
Quarantine tasks to detect and eliminate rodents
d. Inspect containers of foodstuffs for rodents or their sign particularly their gnawing
and faeces.
Quarantine tasks to detect and eliminate small animals - insects, spiders, snails,
lizards
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e. Prohibit risky items, i.e. palm baskets, hessian packaging, and move towards
replacement of cardboard cartons with solid plastic containers which are sealable
f. In the interim inspect all carton folds, i.e. open all folds of cartons and inspect
beneath for eggs, small animals, etc.
g. Foodstuffs inspected for ant colonies and other insects –if ant colonies suspected
inspect and evaluate best control option e.g. spray colony with Ripcord or
Permethrin based insecticide; for other foods implement washing, smoking or
freezing.
h. Outdoor cargo (drums, containers, timber, roofing iron, vehicles etc.), inspected
and hosed to remove soil, eggs of insects, snails, geckos etc. Obtain specialist
advice for removing ant colonies, e.g. use of boiling water to kill queens.
i. Plants are a major threat as hosts of insects. Wash down leaves with detergent.
Inspect for insects and treat as appropriate based on SPC / PII guidelines.
Quarantine tasks to detect and eliminate IAS plants and their pests
j. Develop a prohibited list of potential IAS plants (Appendix 3), inform all
residents of these prior to arrival in Tokelau and destroy if brought in
k. All permitted plant seedlings to be fumigated at nurseries against rusts, eggs,
larvae, pupae, etc. and inspected by Quarantine officer at Apia Port. If suspicious
biota are detected, quarantine the plants in Samoa until phyto-sanitation is
approved, or rejected/plants excluded.
3.3 Biosecurity on the vessels (EDNRE, captains).
Passenger and crew awareness
a. Quarantine staff at Apia to brief passengers on departing vessels (PB Matua, Lady
Naomi, Samoa Express etc.) of the need to report any IAS seen on the vessels
immediately to Captain. Achieve this via meetings, stickers (Report Rats, Stop
Ants, etc.) on the ship together with general awareness raised in the community
(refer Section 5.2)
Detecting and eliminating stowaway IAS
b. On the vessels maintain permanent traps and/or poisons for rats (3-5 Victor rat
traps baited with cooked coconut), sticky pads for insects, etc. (Captain)
c. Report any biosecurity breaches (sightings and captures) on the vessels to
EDNRE
3.4 Biosecurity on arrival including inter-atoll (EDNRE and Nuku)
Landing
a. Quarantine staff/nuku biosecurity representatives to board vessel for biosecurity
clearance prior to any offloading of passengers and cargo and luggage, repeating
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Apia process (section 3.2). MFAT need to be mader aware of new requirements
as this will affect vessel timetables.
b. All imports to be inspected in self-contained quarantine shed at each island.
c. Record all details of incursions (Appendix). The purpose of recording is to further
inform on risk (i.e. species that are found often are more likely to successfully
invade), and to help refine biosecurity actions prior to departure for Tokelau.
3.5 Internal Biosecurity (Nuku/EDNRE)
Some IAS have not spread far beyond the village motu if at all, but if they do they will
have devastating impacts on the ecosystems of Tokelau. A key example is the weed
Wedelia (Singapore daisy) which is aggressively colonising the village motu at all three
atolls (Fig 3.5), and prevent the establishment of coconut and other beneficial plants.
Without appropriate action this IAS and others will hitch-hike on lagoon boats to the high
value ecosystems of the outer motu. Similarly, pigs would have catastrophic impacts on
vegetation, oga etc., while cats would devastate colonies of talagogo, tovivi, tavake, etc.
Fig 3.5 – Wedelia is aggressively colonising the inhabited parts of the three islands and
can potentially hitch-hike in dinghies to colonise the outer motu.
Table 2 lists the key IAS present on the atolls and actions to prevent invading the
outer motu.
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Species Actions to prevent invasion of the outer motu
Feral pig Discourage release of pigs
Feral cat Discourage release of cats – they depress bird numbers more than they do rats
Pacific rat Once chains of motu are free of rats it will be doubly important to ensure no rats hitchhike on lagoon boats
YCA Ensure no YCAs (or any ants) hitch-hike with lagoon boats – check all materials that have been outside (timber, drums, etc) and clean off any roofing iron for colonies, soil etc.
Wedelia Ensure no Wedelia is on vessel as even small fragments can be blown out of boat on shore at the outer motu and give rise to healthy invading plants; trial control methods, e.g. burning, smothering.
Gloriosa lily Eradicate at Nukunonu and raise awareness in community
General approach Include the above actions in Village Rules
4.0 BIOSECURITY STEP THREE - ISLAND SURVEILLANCE AND CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR RESPONSE (EDNRE/ COMMUNITY/ NUKU) Key principles are:
- EDNRE undertakes routine surveillance for IAS
- The community is also encouraged to report unusual observations
- EDNRE can respond immediately to reports of incursions
General needs are as follows:
1. Surveillance and community observations (EDNRE/Nuku)
a. Maintain vigilance against IAS incursions particularly weeds (note new or
unusual plants establishing), large rats, unusual birds, unusual insects, etc.
This will require periodic assessments to detect invasive species.
b. General public need to be well-informed on existing IAS at Tokelau and
potential invaders (Appendix 4)
c. People need to be aware of key potential invaders, e.g. large rats, snails,
agricultural insect pests, weeds, mynas, bulbuls etc. (Appendix 4).
d. People need to know the person(s) to report unusual plants and animals to.
2. Rapid Response to any suspected incursions (EDNRE)
a. Gather information on suspected incursions via targeted surveys in the area
that the initial sightings are made, complete data sheet (Appendix?)
b. For large rats, undertake Victor snap trapping (and poisoning if feasible)
around the area of sighting. Take measurements (head and body, tail length,
weight) and preserve half a tail in ethanol for genetic work. Identify rat
species from guidebook if possible. Maintain traps in area to test whether
there are more individuals (refer also PII rodent incursion response).
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c. For invasive weeds, photograph plants and identify if possible. Dig out and
place in plastic bag taking care to secure all seeds in plastic bags, and
incinerate.
d. For birds, inform all public about to keep an eye out for further observations
including areas where the birds feed, roost and possibly breed.
e. For any unidentified pests, photograph and consult with experts (e.g. PII,
SPC) regarding identification and further action
5.0 BIOSECURITY STEP FOUR - STAFF TRAINING AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS
5.1 Staff needs and training Staff have been trained in the past and this programme needs to be reinstated to address
key technical needs spanning IAS detection methods at Apia, methods to eliminate IAS
from cargo, baggage, etc., surveillance on islands and vessels, incursion responses and
data recording and analyses.
Priority approaches to training staff (and training participants) include:
- Biosecurity training for economic pests (EDNRE/SPC)
- Biosecurity training for all IAS (EDNRE/PII)
- Regional refresher courses as they become available (PII, SPC, SPREP).
All of the above organisations have indicated a willingness to be approached to discuss
training of Tokelau staff.
5.2 Key needs for community training It is important that the community be well informed and updated about the risk levels of
transporting risky items from Apia and the alternatives to buying those risky items. They
need to understand the risks associated with different packaging and encouraged or
required to use good alternatives to traditional baskets and cartons. At the nuku they need
to understand the issues of transporting IAS on lagoon boats across the lagoons to the
outer motu.
Approaches to raising awareness in the community include:
- Education at schools using basic training tools of CI, PII, SPC, etc. e.g. posters,
brochures, stickers, toolkits (EDNRE/Education)
- Meetings (womens’, mens’, Taupulega meetings) etc. using local IAS examples
(Nuku/EDNRE)
- Field days to address IAS incursions, e.g. Wedelia, white fly, rhinoceros beetle,
focusing on local control measures and avoiding transport of all across lagoons
(EDNRE/Nuku)
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- Implement other opportunities as they arise, e.g. AM radio, Tokelau website
(Nuku/EDNRE)
- Utilise visiting specialists to provide talks to key audiences, lead field exercises,
etc. (EDNRE/Nuku).
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6.0 STAFF, SOME EQUIPMENT NEEDS, SOURCES AND COSTS
6.1 Staff
Five biosecurity staff are needed in the following locations:
- Apia – two, with support from SQ and back-up from Tokelau as required
- The atolls – one person at each of FK, NN and AT, with others trained as back-
ups for the nuku and Apia.
- These staff need to have had training in biosecurity management.
6.2 Equipment
General equipment
- Information available for each office at Apia, FK, NN, AT should include
(sources/costs in parentheses):
- Action plan (CEPF/CI)
- Biosecurity Rules (revised) and other guidelines (EDNRE)
Quarantine infrastructure
- Quarantine sheds and secure lock-up for toxins, etc.
- Identification guides, posters and manuals for ants, insects, rodents, etc. (PII,
SPREP, MNRE).
- Data sheets (this plan), pens etc.
- Set-up at Apia – (need to work through with SQ)
IAS Prevention
- Bait stations on vessels (Pest Management Services, NZ, $20 each)
- Rodent bait – vessel, port - check SPA have this covered; or PestOff Wanganui
NZ
- Rodent traps – Victors (Apia or Auckland, $8 each)
- Fumigants – SQ have these, but also need Ripcord and Permethrin (variable cost)
IAS Surveillance on Motu
- Sticky boards (Pest Management Services, NZ). Useful in targeted surveys of
potential IAS, but best not left out as can capture lizards.
- Ant collection gear, e.g. vials, waterproof labels, tweezers, brushes, ziplock bags,
or ant kits (PII) to trap ants for later identification as possible IAS.
- Maps (EDNRE), for recording potential IAS incursions
- GPS and software (Outdoor shops Apia, Auckland, $400), to record detections of
IAS and map the extent of their invasion.
- IAS sample collection equipment: Once potential IAS as detected samples need to
be sent to experts to identify the species and to inform on appropriate control
measures
- Preservative (Maria’s Pharmacy, Apia), for collection of insect samples
- Surgical gloves (Auckland pharmacies), for use when collecting rats?
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- Camera digital with macro function (for insects) and download capability
($100+), to photograph IAS for identification.
Other equipment
- Dry bags (marine shops Auckland, $50 each), for ?
- Headlamps, batteries and chargers (internet, $50/set), for ?
- Colour flagging tape (Auckland, $10/roll), for ??
- Safety gear, first-aid kits (pharmacies, c.$30 each)
- Radios – hand held (marine stores ($100 each).
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PART B – MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES ALREADY PRESENT AT TOKELAU
7.0 Invasive species already in Tokelau and their impacts The isolation of Tokelau together with offshore unloading of cargo has helped to
minimize the number of IAS that have invaded the atolls. Many IAS have been brought
deliberately to Tokelau mainly during the period of European influence, which saw cats,
pigs and weeds e.g. Wedelia and glory lily brought in. Others have come in accidentally,
e.g. whitefly, mealy bug, yellow crazy ant, hook grass and mynas, the last incursion of
which (mynas) appears to have died out.
The impacts of some of these IAS are high to severe in some aspect of the islands
ecology, and on the lives of the Tokelauan people (Table 7.1)
Table 7.1 – Estimated impacts of IAS on biota at Tokelau (adapted from Pierce et al
2012)
Invasive Low-moderate impact on: High-severe impact on:
Pacific rat Akiaki, noddies Tovivi, talanono, lizards, invertebrates
Feral cat Tavake-ulu-gahu, ground-nesting boobies, talagogo and tovivi, turtle hatchlings
Feral pig Seedlings, ferns, water retention of ground; nests of Tavake-ulu-gahu, Fuakoo, Talagogo and Tovivi ; turtle nests
Myna Fruit trees High impact unlikely
Yellow crazy ant Ants and other invertebrates; people; apparently Akiaki and possibly other terns, etc.
Ants and other invertebrates; people; land crabs, potentially many seabird species if ants reach high abundance particularly if scale insects are also present. In this case Pisonia and other trees may also be affected
Rhinoceros beetle, whitefly, mealy bug
Possibly some ecosystem effects
Potentially some severe impacts on coconuts and/or other crops
Weeds e.g. Wedelia and glory lily
Evidence to date suggests these could have potentially high ecosystem impacts through smothering of native vegetation
8.0 Kimoa eradication
Objective To eradicate kimoa from outer motu, and Tokelau may decide to ultimately eradicate
kimoa from the entire atolls which would enhance biodiversity, the economy and
community health.
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General Approach The first approach is to use brodifacoum (PestOff cakes) in carefully planned eradications
targeting priority chains of small motu first. Trial alternative baiting approaches, firstly
by using different pulses of bait (none versus repeat baiting). In the future other types of
PestOff (e.g. PestOff 20 R) could be used if the blocks do not achieve eradications. These
trials need to be carefully monitored and recorded as they will enable the most cost-
effective methods to be determined. These most cost-effective methods can subsequently
be used when and if Tokelau decides to attempt kimoa eradication across the entire atolls.
Tasks and responsibilities Task 1 Plan target areas and seasonal timing (Nuku, EDNRE, CI)
a. Where - decide on which chains of motu to be targeted first, e.g. high priority
biodiversity motu of Hakea motu (Atafu); c.10 motu south of Tokelau motu and
the southern chain (NN); eastern motu (FK).
b. When – ideally in period May-August (when tuli and tiafee are mostly away on
the breeding grounds in Alaska) and preceding the flowering of coconuts (in
September-October) to ensure kimoa are ground-focused.
Task 2 Purchase bait and keep secure (EDNRE) c. PestOff cakes is the first bait to trial.
d. Order sufficient bait to cover target areas, allowing a total of c. 20 kg per hectare.
e. Store bait in shady well-ventilated and secure place.
Task 3 Complete Safety Plan for toxin use addressing human and environmental risks and mitigation (EDNRE):
f. Confirm security of bait storage, inaccessible to children, chickens, etc.
g. Safety gear and precautions for operators – gloves, masks (the latter if crumbly
bait), washing of hands, face etc.
h. Inform community of locations and timing of closed target areas, period of no-
take for crabs, etc.
i. Vitamin K1 held by hospitals as precautionary antidote for brodifacoum
poisoning.
Task 4 Plan and implement baiting (Nuku, EDNRE) j. In first series of trials follow traditional baiting methods, i.e. nail bait to trees at
height of 0.5 m on coconut trees
k. Aim for 20 m spacing on a series of motu, i.e. lines 20 m apart and bait nailed at
20 m along each line
l. If no coconuts, tie block to Scaevola bush – applies particularly to edges where
coconuts may be scarce
m. If throwing baits out at 20 m intervals is traditional (ideally using 20 R or 20 P
baits), implement that method.
n. In a 2nd series of trials on different motu use the above nailing approach except
that the team revisits each motu twice weekly and replaces any missing baits.
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Record results and keep revisiting to replace missing baits twice weekly until no
more bait is taken by rats.
o.
Task 5 Record all actions and results (Nuku, EDNRE) p. Complete data sheets as below as this will provide an important record on which
later decisions will be based. Refer Appendix 5 for clean sheet.
Task 6 Analyse and adapt operations accordingly (Nuku, EDNRE) q. If Task 4 operations succeed consider keeping that approach for other motu, but if
some fail revisit these in a later year with 20P or 20R baits. In 20P/R trials put out
15 kg/of bait ha on two occasions about a week apart, a total of 30 kg/ha. This
equates to 600 g of bait every 20 m – at the 20 m point throw out 5 scoops each of
c.125 g, N, S, E and W and the 5th one immediately around the site where the
baiter is standing.
Task 7 Evaluate possible future eradications (EDNRE/technical specialists) r. Begin discussions with the Tokelau community on possible eradications of kimoa
from the three atolls to gauge the level of support.
s. Evaluate costs and benefits of completed or planned operations involving aerial
baiting of kimoa and/or larger rats in Phoenix Islands (Kiribati), Palmyra (USA),
Vahanga (Tuamotu, French Polynesia) and Henderson (Pitcairn, UK).
t. Consider potential collaborations for future ship-based helicopter operations in
e.g. Kiribati.
Example of Kimoa baiting data sheet - Island: Nukunonu
Coordinator: Mr XH Helpers: AB, CD, EF etc
Motu name Date of each visit and number of baits nailed or replaced later
15/9/12 19/9/12 22/9/12/ 26/9/12/ 30/9/12
Abc 35 15 3 1 0
Def 7 6 3 2 0
Ghi 28 10 3 2 0
Hij 40 13 4 0 0
Klm 43 13 1 0 0
Nop 15 4 0 0 0
Qrs 34 7 0 1 0
Tuv 45 10 2 1 0
Notes: Baits on these islands were nailed in place at c.20 m intervals – sites were marked with coconut frond/pink tape Birds – no tiafee seen, a few tuli present on edges but not in forest, one tivake pair nesting on Def and a few pairs of tovivi on Hij In trials where the baits are thrown out just record the numbers of baits each person throws out on the first and second visit.
9.0 Cat and pig exclusion from motu
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Objective To achieve cat and pig removal and ongoing exclusion from outer motu
Tasks Task 1 Remove cats (EDNRE)
a. As part of kimoa eradication of the larger motu, do follow-up monitoring to see if
there are cat survivors. If survivors are detected by footprints, trap cats using
Victor 1.5 padded leg-hold traps (available from Woodcraft Ltd, NZ) on elevated
sites (posts) to avoid crab interference and bait with fish.
Task 2 Remove pigs
b. Target by hunting any pigs detected on outer motu
Task 3 Public awareness
c. Educate community on biota impacts of putting cats and pigs on motu, i.e.
destruction of tern colonies, Tavake, Fuakoo, etc.
10.0 Yellow crazy ant management Objective
A. To achieve management of yellow crazy ants (YCA) to a level below which
effects are perceived on families and the environment. A similar approach is used
for all invasive ants, and management of YCA is also likely to severely reduce the
numbers of all ants. For the present extensive invasion on Atafu it is
recommended that management be undertaken by suitably qualified professional
pest managers. EDNRE and the Nuku should take active part in the initial
management to enable future management to be undertaken to minimise the need
(and therefore cost) of involving outside contractors.
B. To minimize the effects of YCA around homes using non-toxic alternatives when
the ant is in (relatively) low abundance.
Tasks and responsibilities Objective A: YCA management Task 1 Plan target areas and seasonal timing (Nuku, EDNRE, technical specialists)
a. Where – assess the extent(distribution) and density (numbers of ants) of the
infestation of ants (see Appendix 6 for methods). If the ants are in high density,
management via toxins should be considered.
b. When – The toxins to kill ants are water soluble and some toxins can affect
marine life in the lagoon and on motu. Thus, management should be undertaken
during dry periods to reduce the risk of contamination via run-off. Preferably
management should also occur from May-August (when tuli and tiafee are mostly
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away on the breeding grounds in Alaska. Shore birds eat crabs, and crabs can be
affected by the toxins used to kill ants, which may reduce the food supply for
these birds).
c. Provide information on density and extent to pest management operators.
Currently FBA consulting in Auckland (www.flybusters.co.nz, director Viv Van
Dyk) are preparing a management proposal for Atafu in consultation with Monica
Gruber of Victoria University of Wellington. Once initial management is
undertaken, Tasks 2 – 7 will need to be tailored for on-going management of
YCA (if required), and management of any new ant invasions.
Task 2 Purchase bait and keep secure (EDNRE) d. Store bait according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Task 3 Complete Safety Plan for toxin use addressing human and environmental risks and mitigation (EDNRE):
e. Confirm security of bait storage, inaccessible to children, chickens, etc.
f. Safety gear and precautions for operators according to manufacturer’s instructions
– gloves, masks, washing of hands, face etc.
g. Inform community of locations and timing of closed target areas.
Task 4 Plan and implement baiting (Nuku, EDNRE, technical specialists) h. Activities based on management approach recommended by FBA consulting and
Monica Gruber.
Task 5 Record all actions and results (Nuku, EDNRE, technical specialists) i. Record details of all baiting. Map areas baited (preferably using GPS), how much
bait applied and where (in trees, on ground etc.).
Task 6 Analyse and adapt operations accordingly (Nuku, EDNRE) j. Select 5 – 10 monitoring sites within the area invaded by yellow crazy ants for
ongoing monitoring
k. Reassess abundance and extent of yellow crazy ants at monitoring sites monthly
following management (Appendix 6). Ant abundances should decline
significantly. If they do not decline, or decline and then increase, further
management should be considered.
Task 7 Evaluate on-going management requirements (EDNRE/technical specialists)
l. Based on the outcomes of Task 6, further management may be required. .
Objective B: Minimize the effects of YCA around the home Task 1 Keep areas around the home free from nesting material for ants (Nuku)
- Rubbish piles are attractive nesting places for ants so the further away rubbish is
from homes the less of a problem ants will be.
a. Keep the area around the house free of rotting leaves, coconut husks, food scraps
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b. Keeping rubbish close to the home for a long time for burning later is not a good
idea as this provides an ideal nesting environment for ants - better to burn more
regularly or move rubbish to the vao / rubbish areas
Task 2 Keep areas around the home free from of food scraps etc. that attract ants (Nuku)
- Ants are attracted to food, and will make new nests near to food
a. Keep food in fridge, or in closed containers
b. Clean away any scraps of food inside and outside the house
c. Keep pig scraps in closed buckets away from the house.
Task 3 Using low toxicity ‘household’ poisons to manage ants (Nuku) - There are a number of products freely available in New Zealand supermarkets that
can be used to control ants around the home, when they are in low numbers.
a. Mortein will, at best, only kill worker ants, which will be replaced by others..
Mortein spray is not recommended to control ants. b. Nests contain queens, which produce all the workers so these need to be destroyed
to actively manage the ant. Follow the ants trails to the nest and treat the nest
directly to kill the queens Nests can be treated with boiling water or unboiled salt
water
c. There is no point in burning worker ants around trees as the queen is usually
protected well underground. Burning trees results in damage to them with little
effect on ants. It is better to use boiling or salt water (although these methods will
also affect plants if used too much)
d. Raid Liquid and other products such as No Ants gel can be used to treat nests
under foundations of houses or outside houses (don't use in the home as this will
attract ants).
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PART C – HARVESTING AND MONITORING OF SENSITIVE AND THREATENED SPECIES
11.0 GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR HARVESTING The harvesting of fauna at Tokelau has eased off in recent times reflecting a greater
dependence on imported foods. This has led to some species of birds in particular
increasing in numbers since the 1970s (Pierce et al. 2012), but others such as turtles and
coconut crabs remain under harvesting pressure. To ensure the continued survival of all
of these species into the future, it is recommended that the following general principles
apply:
- Confine harvest to only those species that can sustain a harvest – currently gogo,
lakia and possible oga.
- Never harvest adult birds (the breeders) unless the objective is to reduce local
populations of lakia etc. around water supplies.
- Some species, e.g. talagogo, may be harvestable at the egg stage in the future if
their populations increase, but currently the frequent killing of adults together
with rat and cat predation is hindering a population recovery at Tokelau.
- Monitor sensitive species to measure their responses to invasive species
management and harvesting rules, to enable management to be adapted wisely.
12.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPECIES MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING Table 4 - Recommended rules and monitoring details are provided below.
Species Recommended
harvest levels Monitoring
Oga; coconut crab
Limit numbers taken per family per year
EDNRE monitors numbers and size of animals along established transect lines every few years (3 years probably adequate) and makes recommendations to Taupalega on harvest levels, closures, etc. Need advice from SPREP/SPC on annual quotas
Lakia and gogo
Not protected Every 5 years survey from lagoon boat and record the motu that are being used for nesting.
Fono; green turtle
Fully protected Every year for 3 years monitor the number of diggings per atoll. Target known sites and count the number of active diggings in November. Thereafter once every 3-5 years. Note school projects could undertake more detailed study if interested – refer SPREP guidelines
Tavake (2 species)
Fully protected Every 3-5 years monitor the number of pairs nesting on outer motu, best in September which is peak nesting time
Katafa, Takupu, Fuakoo
Fully protected Every 3-5 years monitor the number of birds present, and determine whether they are nesting. Evening counts (6-6.30 pm) in September-October at the roosting motu are best for determining total numbers. It may require counts undertaken simultaneously in
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different parts of each atoll, especially NN.
Tovivi Fully protected Every 3-5 years monitor numbers present around lagoon edge, same day as Katafa etc. count.
Talagogo Fully protected Every year count the number of pairs nesting, i.e. number of birds sitting on nests at the height of nesting; if possible measure approximate success by returning a month later and counting chicks and flying young (dark, sooty colour) and complete data sheet.
Akiaki Fully protected Nothing specific, but note that akiaki is potentially a good indicator of YCA impacts.
Tiafee, Tuli, Kolili, Vaha-vaha
Fully protected Nothing specific. Document any mortalities (dead birds being found), also collect livers of dead tiafee and store frozen for subsequent analysis in NZ (Landcare Research Lincoln).
Table 5 - Summary of recommended monitoring timetable for sensitive fauna 2013-15
Note: Black = recommended month, grey = monitor if needed.
Year 2013 Month
Species J F M A M J J A S O N D
Te fono Annually from 2013
Oga oga Every 2nd year from 2013
Talagogo Annually, use data from 2011 and 2012
Katafa, Takupu, Fuakoo Every 3 years from 2014, use 2011 data
Tavake Every 3 years from 2014
Tovivi Every 3 years from 2014, use 2011 data
Year 2014 Month
Species J F M A M J J A S O N D
Te fono
Oga oga
Talagogo
Katafa, Takupu, Fuakoo
Tavake
Tovivi
Year 2015 Month
Species J F M A M J J A S O N D
Te fono Review need after this year
Oga oga
Talagogo Review need after this year
Katafa, Takupu, Fuakoo
Tavake
Tovivi
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PART D – TECHNICAL INFORMATION
REFERENCES
Animal Control Products 2010. Code of Practise for Pestoff rodent bait 20R.
www.pestoff.co.nz
Brown D. 2010. Best practise for rat eradication in New Zealand. PII toolkit
Global Invasive Species Programme 2001 – Invasive alien species: a toolkit of best
prevention and management practises issg.org pdf
Green PT, Comport S, Slip D. 2004. The management and control of the invasive alien
crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean: the aerial baiting
campaign September 2002. Unpublished final report to Environment Australia and the
Crazy Ant Steering Committee, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Gruber MAM. 2012. Report to the Taupulega of Atafu and EDNRE of Tokelau on the
status of the yellow crazy ant invasion in Atafu in September 2012. Unpublished report to
Taupulega of Atafu and EDNRE of Tokelau.
Nagle W. 2006. Protection of Tokelau Fakaofo from myna bird (Acridotheres spp.)
invasion (a project supported by the Pacific Invasives Initiative) Report of a Feasibility
Study, 12-16 May 2006.
Pierce RJ, Gruber MAM, Atherton J, Burne A, Valu M, Whistler A. 2012. Conservation
Survey of Tokelau. Unpublished report for Tokelau Administration and Conservation
International
PII 2010. Biosecurity toolkit. Pacific Invasives Initiative, Auckland.
SPREP – Detailed monitoring guidelines for fono.
Tokelau Administration 2003. National Biosecurity Guidelines.
Tokelau Administration 2009. Tokelau National Strategic Plan 2010-15.
Tye A. (compiler) 2009. Guidelines for invasive species management in the Pacific. SPC,
SPREP.
Vaqalo, M 2012. Trip Report to Tokelau 23 October-10 november 2012. SPC report.
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1 – Tokelau and English names for animals
Tokelau name Species name
English name Abbn Family
A. Birds
Tangiuoua Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed shearwater WTSW Procellaridae
- Puffinus nativitatis Christmas shearwater CXSW Procellaridae
Tavake-ulu-gula Phaethon rubricauda Red-tailed tropicbird RTTB Phaethontidae
Tavake-ulu-puka Phaethon lepturus White-tailed tropicbird WTTB Phaethontidae
Hakea Sula dactylatra Masked booby MABO Sulidae
Fuakoo Sula leucogaster Brown booby BNBO Sulidae
Takupu Sula sula Red-footed booby RFBO Sulidae
Katafa Gogo Fregata minor Great frigatebird GRFR Fregatidae
Katafa-koti Fregata ariel Lesser frigatebird LEFR Fregatidae
Matuku Egretta sacra Pacific reef heron PRHE Ardeidae
Talagogo Sterna fuscata Sooty tern SOTO Sternidae
Tovivi Sterna sumatrana Black-naped tern BNTE Sternidae
Gogo Anous stolidus Brown noddy BNNO Sternidae
Lakia Anous minutus Black noddy BKNO Sternidae
Akiaki Gygis alba White tern WHTE Sternidae
Tuli Pluvialis fulva Pacific golden plover PGPL Charadridae
Kolili Heteroscelus incanus Wandering tattler WATA Scolopacidae
Tiafee Numenius tahitiensis Bristle-thighed curlew BTCU Scolopacidae
Vaha-vaha Arenaria interpres Ruddy turnstone RUTU Scolopacidae
Lupe Ducula pacifica Pacific pigeon PAPI Columbidae
Kaleva Eudynamis taitensis Long-tailed koel LTKO Cuculidae
B. Others
Fonu Chelonia mydas Green turtle Chelonidae
Oga Burgas latra Coconut crab
Tupa Cardisoma sp Land crab
Kimoa Rattus exulans Pacific rat Muscidae
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Appendix 2 – Some sources of technical advice - Biosecurity information
- SPC Biosecurity and Trade
(www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog
&id=2&Itemid=18&lang=en)PII
- Invasive species information
- Pacific Invasives Initiative (pacificinvasivesinitiative.org/)
- Ant surveys and identification
- Pacific Invasives Initiative guidelines for ant surveillance
(http://www.issg.org/cii/tools.html)
- Monica Gruber ([email protected]) and Phil Lester
([email protected]), VUW
- Kirsti Abbott ([email protected]), Monash University
- Ben Hoffmann ([email protected]), CSIRO Australia
- Others?
- Ant management
- Viv van Dyke ([email protected]), FBAconsulting / Flybusters Antiants
(www.flybusters.co.nz)
- Linton Staples ([email protected]), Animal Control
Technologies Pty Ltd Australia
- Myna control (Samoa – Niuluga Evaimalo of MNRE; also PII )
- Rodent control, health and safety (PII toolkit for incursions and planning
eradications, NZ DOC websites; www.pestoff.co.nz)
- Toxins and disease analyses – Biosecurity NZ; Landcare Research, Lincoln, NZ.
- Weed and invasive plant control (websites of SPC, SPREP, PII)
- Common invasive insects that impact coconuts, pawpaw, etc.(websites of SPC,
SPREP, PII)
Appendix 3 – Organisms recommended to be prohibited at Tokelau
- all rodents – rats and mice
- rabbits, goats
- Asian house gecko and other imported reptiles
- toads and frogs
- cage birds e.g. mynas and bulbuls
- invasive plant species including Singapore daisy (Wedelia), glory lily (Gloriosa
superba), lantana (Lantana camara), Pluchera spp.
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Appendix 4 – Some biosecurity information for Tokelau residents – brochure to be in Tokelauan Key messages:
At Apia
- Complete own biosecurity checks when returning from Samoa and abroad, e.g.
ensure all plants are allowed in Tokelau and free of rust, eggs, insects, etc.
- Complete declaration forms honestly declaring all risky items
- At Apia Port and on vessels watch out for rats, birds, insects, seeds, etc.
- Report anything suspicious to Quarantine Officer, captain.
Between Islands
- Avoid bringing plants between islands as Fakaofo has known infestations of
whitefly, mealy bug etc. and other invasives could be present there and on the
other islands.
At Tokelau
- Report any suspicious plants, animals or disease to Quarantine officer, Punuluku
- Suspicious animals include large rats, mice, stinging ants, small birds, snails
- Do not transport animals or plants to outer motu
- Ensure that there are no Singapore daisy plant fragments in boats
- Ensure any equipment transported across lagoon is free of the daisy and YCAs
- Cooperate with attempts to eradicate Singapore daisy, Glory lily, hook grass, etc.
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Appendix 5 – Data sheets
Fauna monitoring sheet Island: Year Observers
Motu Date Katafa Takupu Fuakoo Tavake Talagogo Tovivi Fono nests
Example of template for survey and monitoring for common IAS of concern
Nukunonu NE motu 13 Sept 2012; 1330-1700 h Motu
name
Length
(m)
Rats YCA Oga Tavake Fuakoo Fiafee Tovivi Lupe
F’loa Km Y Y Y 2
Fala 400 Y Y Y
Tag 50
Tu 100 1
Pa 50
Tap 500 Y Y
Non 70 Y
Puk 400 Y Y 1 Fl
Vai 100 1
Tim 30 1 + ch
Olo 30 2 + 2ch 3 nests
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Lal 50 3
Niu 80 1 + ch
Hum 100 Y
Apia 50 2 J R*
Pal 100 Y 1 4 nests
Hin 20 45 R
Niu 80 Y
Mat 50 6 4 nests
Ava 50 2 2 1
Tok 800 Y Y 2 2 1
Note: Fl = fly, ch = downy chick, R = roost, * 20+ Fuakoo flying to roost at Apia 1800-
1830, so potentially c.50 Fuakoo roosting here.
Other species recorded – Matuku 8 (5W, 1I, 2 D), Tolili 9, Tuli 2, Asiatic whimbrel 1
(darker individual than last week); Akiaki, Lakia and Gogo present at most motu.
Appendix 6 – Additional information for invasive ant management Methods for assessing the extent and density of ant invasion:
- Extent assessment via GPS mapping
- Survey the entire area where ants are found by walking around and noting
occurrences of ants. Ants are usually highly abundant within the centre of
the infestation, and abundance declines towards the edges (i.e. the
‘invasion front’).
- It is not necessary to note with GPS every occurrence of the ant within the
centre of invaded area, but it is important to record the edge of the invaded
area. This requires a lot of walking and looking. Ants can be found right
up to the edge of the lagoon as well as in the vao. Recording the edges if
the invasion:
1. Because abundance declines around the invasion front, ants may be
present but difficult to detect.
2. To enhance detection, stop and observe for a minute or so until an
ant is seen. Continue another 5 metres or so and look around until
an ant is seen. Continue doing this until ants are no longer found
and mark this with the GPS as the likely edge of the invasion
3. In addition, sugar baits can be used to detect the presence of the
yellow crazy ant. Even if no ants are observed, they may be close
by. Yellow crazy ants are strongly attracted to sugar. Place a small
spoonful of honey or sugar and water solution every 5 – 10 metres
or so leading out from edges identified in 2. above for a further 50
metres. Return to these sugar ‘baits’ after an hour. If there are no
ants at the sugar bait the edge of the infestation has been reached.
- Quick density assessment via card counts
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- This method has only been used for yellow crazy ants, but may be
applicable to other ants. Alternative means of assessing abundance require
more technical knowledge, effort and time.
- This method uses a count of the number of ants crossing a laminated card
in a 30 second period (based on the method of Green et al. 2004). At each
monitoring site (see Part B, Section 10.0, Task 6) measure A. gracilipes
activity at 11 stations spaced at 5 m intervals along three replicate 50 m
transects spaced 10 m apart (Fig. XXX). Counts at all stations within each
transect are summed, and the mean value of the three replicate transects is
used as an index of relative abundance between sites.
- The card count procedure requires a card and a watch):
1. Make a square card (laminated is preferable as it is stronger and
can be re-used, but a sheet of A4 paper works OK. The card / paper
should measure 20 X 20 cm, and lines should be drawn on the card
to divide it into 4 quadrants (Fig. YYY).
2. Choose a starting station (e.g. Fig. XXX transect 1, station A)
3. Clear a space on the ground large enough for the card and place the
card on the ground
4. Watch the card for up to 20 seconds (tie this) and note which of the
quadrants is first crossed by an ant (A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ or ‘D’). Stop
timing when an ant has crossed one of the quadrants or at 20
seconds, whichever comes first. If no ants cross the card in 20
seconds use any quadrant for the next step.
5. For 30 seconds count the number of ants that cross the chosen
quadrant. Record this number.
6. Move 5 metres (about 6 paces) to the next station (i.e. Fig. XXX
transect 1 station B). Repeat steps 3 - 5.
7. Repeat steps 3- 5 a total of 11 times so that 11 numbers are
recorded (i.e. one for each station in this transect).
8. Move 10 metres (about 12 paces) across to start transect 2, point a.
9. Repeat steps 3 – 7 to complete transect 2.
10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 to complete transect 3.
11. The mean value for all 3 transects is the card count total for the
monitoring site. Repeat the above steps for the other monitoring
sites.
- The card count procedure works well if there are three people: each person
can do one transect (walking side-by-side 10 m apart) and the time taken
is a lot quicker than one person alone.
Fig. - sampling layout for card counts of yellow crazy ant activity
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Fig YYY: card used for card counts. The cards do not have to be labelled with ‘A’, ‘B’,
‘C’ and ‘D’, the labels here are to illustrate the method
station C
station B
station A
station D
station E
station F
station G
station H
station I
station J
station K
transect 1 transect 2 transect 3
station C
station B
station A
station D
station E
station F
station G
station H
station I
station J
station K
station I
station J
station K
station H
station G
station F
station E
station D
station C
station B
station A
5 m
between
each
station
10 m between each
transect
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quadrant A
20 cm
20
cm
quadrant Dquadrant C
quadrant B