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LANDBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN: STRATEGIES FOR REVERSING THE DECLINE OF PASSERINE BIRDS ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Warbler Finch (Certhidea olivacea) one of the species with recorded declines on Santa Cruz (Transition zone: decline by >75%; Scalesia zone: decline by >45%; Agricultural zone: decline by >85%) Photo: M. Dvorak Secondary report of the workshop: Searching for solutions for the control of the avian parasite, Philornis downsi Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos 31 January - 3 February, 2012 Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos National Park Service September 2012 Contributors This plan was developed in February 2012 during the workshop "Searching for Solutions for the Control of the Avian Parasite, Philornis downsi". Charlotte Causton and Francesca Cunninghame (Charles Darwin Foundation) and Wacho Tapia (Galapagos National Park Service) organized the workshop. The workshop was sponsored by Galapagos Conservancy, Galapagos Conservation Trust, and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Though the main focus of the workshop was P. downsi, the development of a strategy for protecting and monitoring small landbirds was considered timely and necessary. The plan was compiled by Francesca Cunninghame, Luis Ortiz-Catedral, and Birgit Fessl. The production of the plan, in large part, was made possible through support provided by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. The list of contributors to the plan includes the members of the landbird working groups and additional researchers who reviewed the plan: Rachel Atkinson Victor Carrion Oscar Carvajal Charlotte Causton Francesca Cunninghame Michael Dvorak Birgit Fessl Pierre-Yves Henry Gustavo Jimenez Sonia Kleindorfer Nivia Luzuriaga Godfrey Merlen Jody O'Connor Luis Ortiz-Catedral Jorge Renteria Christian Sevilla, Wacho Tapia, Sabine Tebbich Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Island Conservation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Parque Nacional Galápagos, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Birdlife, Austria Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia University Pierre & Curie Paris VI, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France Independent consultant Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Parque Nacional Galápagos, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Parque Nacional Galápagos, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan LANDBIRD CONSERVATION PLAN Strategies for reversing the decline of passerine birds on the Galapagos Islands Background Little is known about the native and endemic Galapagos passerines (20 species) and their population sizes and numbers, even though this group includes the world famous Darwin`s finches. From studies carried out primarily by collaborating and visiting scientists at the Charles Darwin Research Station, it has become apparent, at least on some inhabited islands, that populations or subspecies of several of the endemic passerine species have become extinct (see Petren et al., 2010) or are in decline (Table 1). Six of the nine species surveyed in Santa Cruz have shown serious decline. Of these, five are insectivorous species: Large Tree Finch (Camarhynchus psittacula), Warbler Finch (Certhidea olivacea), Woodpecker Finch (Camarhynchus pallidus), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), and the Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (Dvorak et al., 2012). These declines have been most pronounced in humid forest and agricultural zones at higher elevations (Dvorak et al., 2012). On Floreana, studies showing a serious decline in the Medium Tree Finch (Camarhynchus pauper) have lead to an upgrade of this species to “Critically Endangered”, under the IUCN criteria (O'Connor et al., 2010b, 2010c). An insectivorous subspecies, the Warbler Finch (Certhidea olivacea ridwayi), was searched for in vain and might be already extinct from Floreana Island (Grant et al., 2005). The reasons for these declines are not understood, though multiple potential threats are present; several of which are more pronounced in the highlands. All of the species found to be in decline suffer from reduced nesting success due to parasitism from the introduced bot-fly Philornis downsi (Dudaniec & Kleindorfer, 2006; Fessl et. al., 2006a,b; Huber, 2008; O'Connor et al., 2010a,b,c; Koop et al., 2011) in addition to facing predation from introduced mammals (rats Rattus rattus & R. norvegicus, and cats Felis catus), and having suffered from habitat loss due to anthropogenic land use change. Only one percent of the original Scalesia forest currently remains on Santa Cruz while none is left on San Cristobal and only remnants remain on Floreana, Santiago and Southern Isabela (Watson et al., 2010; Mauchamp & Atkinson, 2011). Scalesia forest is key habitat for the passerine species mentioned above (Dvorak et.al., 2012). Other suggested reasons for the observed declines are the possible reduction in food availability (likely related to habitat reduction and invasive plants) and, potentially, an unknown effect from pesticide and herbicide use. It is thus imperative that long-term regular monitoring be carried out on the endemic and native Galapagos passerine populations in order to determine the extent of declines and the current population trends of these species. Due to the cyclic nature of the Galapagos climate and the breeding of passerines being directly correlated to rainfall, a long-term data set needs to be obtained to be able to better understand the status of these species. Although declines of passerines on at least two islands have been reported there is no baseline monitoring for passerines on other inhabited islands (San Cristobal or Isabela) aside from the critically endangered Mangrove Finch Camarhynchus heliobates (Fessl et al., 2010) or on uninhabited islands (exception Daphne and Genovesa – work of Grant and Grant). Furthermore, aside from two species-specific conservation projects focusing on critically endangered passerines (Mangrove Finch, and Floreana Mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus), no permanent small landbird monitoring exists on the Galapagos (Luzuriaga et al. 2012), therefore we are reliant on the work of visiting and collaborating scientists, which though it yields important information and has provided the current awareness of declines, does not present an opportunity for the required thorough population monitoring and resulting population management which is needed to prevent further declines. Research needs to be carried out on species that are in decline and management actions implemented to prevent further loss. There are only two specific conservation management 3 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan programmes in place to protect critically endangered passerine species or the habitats they occupy (Mangrove finch and Floreana Mockingbird). The lack of action taken to protect small landbird species is primarily due to an absence of information and the assumption that small landbirds are not threatened; the status of small landbirds is little known at a local or international level. A recent assessment of Galapagos birds (IUCN, 2012) identifies 5 of the 20 passerine species as threatened by extinction. However, subspecies or populations of landbirds are not assessed by the IUCN and in Galapagos several of the passerine species have subspecies that are restricted in their distribution (Table 1, Wiedenfeld, 2006). A further six species have been identified to be in serious decline by researchers who work in Galapagos (Grant et al., 2005; Wiedenfeld and Jiménez Uzcátegui, 2008; O'Connor et al., 2010b; Dvorak et al., 2012; Merlen, in press). Awareness raising is needed to ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect these iconic species. Table 1. Conservation status of Passeriformes that are native (N) and endemic (E) to the Galapagos Islands (Source Wiedenfeld 2006; IUCN, 2012) Scientific name (origin) English common name IUCN status * Additional reports of species or subspecies with serious declines Camarhynchus heliobates (E) Mangrove Finch CR, stable Camarhynchus pallidus (E) 3 sub sp. Woodpecker Finch LC, stable Santa Cruz 1 Camarhynchus parvulus (E) 2 sub sp. Small Tree finch LC, stable Santa Cruz1 Camarhynchus pauper (E) Medium Tree Finch CR, decreasing Only found on Floreana Camarhynchus psittacula (E) 3 sub sp. Large Tree finch LC, stable Floreana2, Santa Cruz 1 Certhidea olivacea (E) 8 sub sp. Warbler Finch LC, stable Floreana2,3, Santa Cruz1 Dendroica petechia (N) Yellow Warbler LC, stable Santa Cruz1 Geospiza conirostris (E) 3 sub sp. Large Cactus Finch LC, stable Geospiza difficilis (E) Sharp-beaked Ground Finch LC, stable Geospiza fortis (E) Medium Ground Finch LC, stable Geospiza fuliginosa (E) Small Ground Finch LC, stable Geospiza magnirostris (E) Large Ground Finch LC, stable Geospiza scandens (E) 4 sub sp. Cactus Finch LC, stable Mimus melanotis (E) San Cristóbal Mockingbird CR, decreasing Mimus parvulus (E) 6 sub sp. Galapagos Mockingbird LC, stable Mimus trifasciatus (E) Floreana Mockingbird CR, stable Myiarchus magnirostris (E) Galapagos Flycatcher LC, decreasing Platyspiza crassirostris (E) Vegetarian Finch LC, stable Progne modesta (E) Galapagos Martin EN, decreasing Archipelago-wide5 Pyrocephalus rubinus (E) 2 sub sp.? Vermilion Flycatcher Not listed* Extinct on San Cristobal, declining on Floreana, Isabela, Santa Cruz5,6 Extinct on Floreana, Isabela 4 Extinct on Floreana, San Cristobal4 Extinct on Floreana 5 * IUCN does not evaluate the status of subspecies or populations. Dvorak et al, 2012; 2O'Connor et al., 2010b; 3Grant et al., 2005; 4Petren et al., 2010, 5 Wiedenfeld and Jiménez-Uzcátegui, 2008; 6Merlen, in press 1 A four day workshop hosted by the Galapagos National Park (GNP) and the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) took place from 31 January – 3 February, 2012 to develop an action plan for the control of the invasive parasitic fly P. downsi to conserve the archipelago's endemic birds. During the 4 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan planning phase of the workshop, it became apparent that very little is known about the status of Galapagos landbirds, in spite of the recent declines of several species, and that a framework for the protection of Galapagos landbirds is needed. Additional sessions were included to discuss actions for monitoring and protecting landbirds. Following a day of talks (see appendix), participants were divided into four groups to discuss work on specific tasks; two of them focusing on landbird protection, namely: a. b. To develop an action plan for the immediate and long-term protection of threatened bird species To develop a standardized, simple and efficient monitoring method to enable us to pick up changes in population numbers of common bird populations. The presentations from the workshop are available on line: https://sites.google.com/site/philornisworkinggroup/workshop/presentations 5 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Table 2: Summary of high priority activities that are necessary to develop an effective management plan for the protection of threatened passerine species Goal Activities Location Cooperators a Galapagos Workshop participants Galapagos, Santa Cruz Isabela CDF, FU, GNP, LO, MD, ST, 1-2 2.2 Habitat protection and Galapagos, restoration of Scalesia Forest Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz (p11) BF, CDF, FC, FU, GNP, IC, JR, LO, MD, Skl, ST, STe 2.3 Bird protection in Floreana Island (p13) Galapagos, Floreana 2.4 Determine current status of Galapagos Martin (p15) Galapagos archipelago 1.Develop action plan for 1.Identify species that should protection of threatened be considered that are not passerine species currently managed (p 8) Duration Funding Approx. (years) statusb funding required $USDc In progress - completed PF 97,500 √ 2+ U 96,500 √ CDF, EN, MD, SKl, Project Floreana 1-3 PF 50,000 √ CDF, GNP, naturalist Guides, visiting scientists 1-3 U 20,000 2.5 Conduct study basic Galapagos, ecology/impact of smooth Santa Cruz billed ani and develop control methods (p16) CDF, GNP 1-2 F 113, 630 2.6 Determine current status of large ground finch (p17) Galapagos, Santa Cruz CDF, Visiting Scientists 2-3 U 12,200 1-2 Implementation of standardised monitoring of land birds across different islands and habitat zones (p 18) Galapagos archipelago GNP, MD, SKl, MD, P + RG, FCD, Naturalist Guides, Earthwatch , Community Groups, Interested local land owners, Citizen Science 1 U 104,000 2. Identify key actions that are necessary to develop strategic, efficient and effective action for the management and protection of threatened bird species 2.1 Determine current status of Vermilion flycatcher on Santa Cruz and Isabela , identify conservation management actions (p9) 2. Develop standardized, simple, time efficient monitoring methods for landbirds that enable us to pick up changes in populations as well as factors that may be influencing in population changes and ecosystem changes. √ √ a: Cooperators: BF, Birgit Fessl (CDF); CC, Charlotte Causton (CDF); CDF, CDF researcher (to be hired);EN, Erwin Nemeth (Max Plank Institute of Ornithology) :FC, Francesca Cunninghame (CDF); FU, Fundar; GJ, Gustavo Jimenez (CDF); GM, Godfrey Merlen (Independent consultant); GNP, Galapagos National Park Service; IC, Island Conservation; LO Luis Ortiz-Catedral (CDF): JR, Jorge Renteria (CDF); MD, Michael Dvorak (Birdlife International, Austria); SKl, Sonia Kleindorfer (Flinders University, Australia); ST, Sabine Tebbich (University of Vienna, Austria); STe, Stephen Teale (College of Environment and Forestry, SUNY, USA). b: Funding status: F, funded; PF, partially funded; U, unfunded. c: Approximate costs: The intention of these estimates is to give an idea of the range of costs needed to complete each research activity. 6 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan RESEARCH PLAN This document identifies key research and actions that are needed to develop an effective research and management programme for the conservation of passerines on the Galapagos Islands. The plan is divided into two sections based on two goals: 1) Develop an action plan for the immediate and longterm protection of threatened passerine species and 2) Develop standardized, simple, time efficient monitoring methods that enable us to pick up changes in populations as well as identifying factors that may be influencing in population changes and ecosystem changes. It is recommended that the plan is reviewed after a year to ensure that goals are being met and to identify additional actions that are necessary to protect Galapagos passerines. The following high priority tasks were identified for each goal and are listed according to priority. Goal 1: Develop an action plan for the immediate and long-term protection of threatened passerine species 1. Identify species that should be considered for protection or research that are not currently under any kind of research or management programme. 2. Identify priority actions that are needed to develop strategic, efficient and effective action for the management and protection of threatened bird species. 2.1 Determine current status of the Vermillion flycatcher on Santa Cruz and identify conservation management actions to enable the species to expand its range and recover population numbers. 2.2 Habitat protection and restoration of Scalesia Forest in Santa Cruz. 2.3 Bird protection on Floreana Island. 2.4 Determine current status of Galapagos Martin. 2.5 Conduct study into basic ecology and impact of smooth-billed ani and develop mechanisms for its control. 2.6 Determine current status of large ground finch. Goal 2: Develop standardized, simple, time efficient monitoring methods for landbirds that enable us to pick up changes in populations as well as factors that may be influencing in population changes and ecosystem changes 1. Determine which islands, habitats and bird species should be focused on. 2. Develop a standardised methodology which is simple to implement in all habitats. Presented below is an overview of the recommended actions that should be undertaken to achieve each goal. For each identified task (listed above) the following information is provided: brief description of methodology, where the research will be conducted, principal resources required to carry out the research, list of researchers cooperating on the project with the coordinator of the project indicated by an asterisk, and, lastly the funding needs of the project. Field research and resulting management will be conducted on the Galapagos Islands, however visiting and collaborating scientists from several countries will carry out their personal analysis and advise from outside of Ecuador. Any actions requiring research or control techniques related to P. downsi will be conducted in collaboration with researchers identified in the action plan: Management of the avian parasite Philornis downsi in the Galapagos Islands; a strategic research plan produced by CDF and GNP in April 2012. https://sites.google.com/site/philornisworkinggroup/action-plan 7 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan GOAL 1: DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM PROTECTION OF THREATENED PASSERINE SPECIES Problem: There are no specific conservation management actions in place to protect threatened species (exceptions are the programmes to protect the mangrove finch and Floreana mockingbird). Threats to these species are increasing (Philornis parasitism, pesticides, herbicides, introduced vertebrates, habitat degradation). There is an urgent need for awareness raising about these declines and a need to define what research is required and what actions need to be taken in the short and long-term to protect these species. Task 1: Identify species that should be considered for protection or research that are not currently under any kind of research or management programme (completed) Method: The species were identified from information available in the literature or because of the lack of information available for the given species; islands of focus for future work are listed in brackets, the priority of the bird species descends with the order. Note: This list is far from complete. There is very little or no information available about land birds from most inhabited (with the exception of Santa Cruz and Floreana) and uninhabited islands (with the exception of Daphne and Genovesa), because of this, this evaluation is primarily limited to inhabited islands. Species where data indicates that they are in decline: Warbler Finch (Certhidea olivacea) (LC) (Floreana, Santa Cruz); significant decline on Santa Cruz (Dvorak et al. 2012), very rare on Floreana (Grant et al. 2005), study in progress for Santa Cruz (S.Tebbich, Univ. Vienna); Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (LC) (Santa Cruz, Floreana, Isabela); significant decline on Santa Cruz, potentially extinct on Floreana and reported declines on other inhabited islands, charismatic flagship species, easy to recognize by those interested in birds and representative of Scalesia habitat; Medium Tree Finch (Camarhynchus pauper) (CR) (Floreana); study showing decline (O’Connor et al., 2010b), severely impacted by P. downsi; Small Tree Finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) (LC) (Santa Cruz); stable according to study (Dvorak et. al. 2012), though ongoing study shows very low nesting success in Scalesia forest (Univ. of Vienna) in addition to an apparently aging population; Woodpecker Finch (Camarhynchus pallidus) (LC) (Santa Cruz); significant decline on Santa Cruz (Dvorak et al. 2012), highland birds might be especially susceptible to diseases such as avian pox virus; Large Tree Finch (Camarhynchus psittacula) (LC) (Santa Cruz, Floreana); significant decline on Santa Cruz (Dvorak et al. 2012), might be especially affected by land use change as it cannot be found at lower altitudes. Seems to be very rare on Floreana and could be potentially extinct (S. Kleindorfer pers. comm.). Species for which baseline data are broadly absent: Galapagos Martin (Progne modesta) (EN) (archipelago-wide); data deficient, lack of baseline data and population trends but known to be uncommon. As an endemic species there is a need to better understand its status. Wiedenfeld and Jimenez Uzcategui (2008), estimate 8 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan that there are less than 500 individuals and that they are found in limited areas; Large Ground Finch (Geospiza magnirostris) (LC); this species could not be counted in a study conducted by Dvorak et al (2012). It is likely that it has special habitat needs or starts singing activity later than the other species monitored; Vegetarian Finch (Platyspiza crassirostris) (LC); appears to be uncommon on San Cristobal and extremely rare on Floreana (Dvorak pers. comm.). Species for which baseline data is absent and are/could be contributing to declines in bird populations: Bot fly, (Philornis downsi) (archipelago-wide); known to impact many species of passerines. Little known about its biology and no known control methods. Action plan implemented. Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) (archipelago-wide); though an introduced species it is a possible predator and/or food competitor of endemic species (S. Deem); however studies on this species are lacking. Furthermore an eradication plan is in progress with the GNP and control by shooting has already begun. Funding has been obtained by CDF to research the basic ecology of the species on Santa Cruz; Task 2: Identify key actions that are necessary to allow conservation organizations to develop strategic, efficient and effective action for the management and protection of threatened passerine species 2.1. Determine current status of the Vermilion flycatcher on Santa Cruz and Isabela and identify conservation management actions that will allow the species to expand its range and recover population numbers Background The endemic Galapagos subspecies of the Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus nanus is the most well known species of those recorded to be in serious decline. It has been recorded from all of the major islands except Genovesa and Darwin, with only single records from Española and Wolf and extinct on Santa Fe and Rabida (Wiedenfeld, 2006). It has become extinct on San Cristobal within the last 40 years (Wiedenfeld, 2006), is suspected to be extinct on Floreana (Grant et al., 2005), and has a severely reduced range (possibly on the verge of extinction) on Santa Cruz [Dvorak et. al., 2012, Merlen, in press]). This species is characteristic of Scalesia habitat and like many of the other species reported to be in decline, the reasons for this population reduction are unknown. This species has been chosen as a flagship species to raise awareness about the plight of small landbirds in Galapagos and the need to protect key breeding habitats. Action Determine the current distribution of the Galapagos Vermilion Flycatcher on Santa Cruz Island and contrast with its historical distribution using historical records, specimens in museums and interviews with members of the local community (high priority, partly started); Through intensive surveys, investigate the vermilion flycatcher population on Isabela and determine population size (Sierra Negra area) (high priority); Where sufficient numbers of the flycatcher are found determine the territory size of breeding pairs during and outside the breeding season (high priority); If possible, determine the reproductive success (number of chicks/nest/breeding pair) in two study groups: a) focal group and b) management group (high priority) 9 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Identify the main threats limiting the reproductive success of the species (e.g. rat predation, predation by smooth-billed ani, nest infestation by Philornis, predation by Solenopsis ants) (high priority); Compile observational data from different islands (including reports made by Park guards) (low priority). Brief description of methodology This research will be dependent on the size of the populations found on Santa Cruz and Isabela (Sierra Negra). Phase 1) Compilation of information on historical distribution of the species, current sightings and interviews with members of the community on Santa Cruz and Isabela Island; Phase 2) Fieldwork with emphasis on the breeding season (January to May). Fieldwork includes searches for active nests and georeferencing of territories remaining in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and on Sierra Negra, Isabela Island. If found, habitat types will be categorized and breeding pairs will be ringed with unique combinations of metal and plastic rings to aid in determining the size of territories as well as interactions with conspecifics. There may be opportunities to take blood, tissue, faecal or feather samples to test for diseases, parasites, and chemical contamination. If possible, the territories/ nests found will be divided into two groups: a) focal study group and b) management group. The focal study group will be used to determine the effect of threats in the absence of management. The management group will be used to determine the efficiency of management actions to increase reproductive success (i.e. nest protection against rat predation, treatment for Philornis infestation etc.). Duration: 1-2 years Employ Recruit and employ principal investigator to carry out work over 2013-14 breeding seasons, eight months per year. If funding permits and the research focus remains the same, employ a principal investigator for work on Isabela for five months each year. Two field assistants for the duration of the field season each year (1 Santa Cruz, 1 Isabela). Where possible, involve the community in the surveys. Resources needed Transport Basic field equipment (GPS, binoculars, capture and banding equipment, foot wear etc) Collaborators Sabine Tebbich and University of Vienna (current distribution in Scalesia Forest on Santa Cruz is based on what was found by Sabine’s field team), Michi Dvorak, Godfrey Merlen, CDF, GNP, Fundar Funding sources Proposal submitted to Galapagos Conservation Trust - to be used as their Christmas Appeal, Estimated funding needs for total project $97 500 Work in progress Proposal submitted to GCT; Point count data from Dvorak et. al., data from 1997 to 2010 from point counts as GPS coordinates; Count data from Luzuriaga et. al., data from 2010 and 2011 from point counts and transects, with GPS coordinates; Godfrey Merlen has conducted distribution surveys during 2011 and started a thorough 10 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan literature review; University of Vienna field workers have found territories and nests in study area in Scalesia forest on Santa Cruz in 2011; Angel Ulloa (CDF P. downsi field assistant) will continue to make observations of birds in the Scalesia forest 2012 -2013. 2.2 Habitat Protection and Restoration of Scalesia Forest on Santa Cruz Island Background On Santa Cruz the highest density of insectivorous passerines is found in the remnant Scalesia forest at Los Gemelos craters with four of the five listed finch species from Task one having their highest recorded densities in the forest (Dvorak et. al., 2012). The protection of this area is worthwhile and important, though it should be pointed out that additional land management actions, such as the reforestation of agricultural areas, are necessary to avoid landbird declines at an island-wide level (see below). Due to the high density of nesting finch species in the Scalesia forest and the similarity of their habitat requirements it has become clear that multi-species monitoring and management, in conjunction with habitat restoration, is the most feasible and effective way to help conserve the passerines that inhabit the area. The Medium Tree Finch from Floreana also inhabits Scalesia forest and therefore conservation management methods developed on Santa Cruz could be implemented on Floreana Island based on what is found to work on Santa Cruz. Moreover it is likely that similar trends are present on Floreana with other species and on San Cristobal, although only one season`s data is available for San Cristobal. However funding and logistic limitations mean it is unrealistic to initially propose to work on several islands. Using the remnant forest in Santa Cruz to begin with should be seen as the first step of a long-term vision to enhance endemic landbird conservation across all islands. The benefits of having Santa Cruz as the main point of reference for population declines is the high density of endemic passerines that it supports as well as its accessibility to the headquarters of both CDF and GNPS. We propose a habitat management approach for the conservation of passerines in the Scalesia forest. It is likely that many of the species in recorded decline are suffering from the same pressures (further highlighted by the fact that 5 of the 6 species are insectivorous). One possible reason for recorded declines is habitat reduction, which itself may also be the driver for a possible reduction in food sources. Though the adult trees remain intact the ecosystem is degraded due to the presence of many introduced plant species. The species with the most notable effect is blackberry Rubus niveus which forms a dense understory subsequently inhibiting the germination of endemic flora (Renteria 2006, Renteria 2011). The current control method for blackberry is only possible on a small scale and is carried out in only certain areas within the Scalesia forest. It involves cutting back the established plants and a regular application of herbicides to new seedlings, this results in the removal of the understory. Studies conducted by Sabine Tebbich from the University of Vienna showed that passerine nesting success was far lower in areas of blackberry control (10%), than in areas with no blackberry control (64%). The reasons for this are unknown and the results are based on just one season`s work (2010). Follow up is needed as it is likely related to many factors, however, understory seems especially important as cover for recently fledged chicks (B. Fessl pers. obs.). In addition, a multispecies management programme needs to be put in place to reduce the impacts of the invasive species that are known to have an impact on bird nesting, such as rats, fire ants, anis, and Philornis. 11 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Action Annual multi species endemic passerine monitoring during the breeding season; Establish experimental habitat management zones; Implement introduced predator control; Assess more effective ways of controlling blackberry and, if this still requires removal of the understory, time actions to occur after the bird breeding season. Brief description of methodology Conduct passerine population monitoring during the breeding season using point counts when male singing activity is most reliable. Data from earlier years are already available for comparisons. This needs a trained person with good knowledge of bird song and bird identification, as most often, birds are identified by song only; Implement P. downsi control methods to a set number of nests if methodologies are developed in time for the 2012-13 breeding season (using poles to inject low concentration pyrethrum into nests); Select at least 20ha of Scalesia forest in which to establish introduced rat, ani, and fire ant control using permanent bait stations and determine efficacy; Trial different methods for controlling blackberry in selected experimental plots within the Scalesia forest see whether there is any correlation between passerine nesting success and the blackberry control methods; Compare P. downsi effects on nesting success between areas of blackberry and non blackberry control (Partly done). Duration: 2 years Employ Passerine bird investigator who will also conduct nesting success observations related to rat and fire ant predation, and P. downsi parasitism; Minimum one field assistant during breeding seasons; Minimum two volunteers during breeding seasons; Collaborate with GNP rangers for rat, ant and blackberry control, minimum of four personnel needed for blackberry work. Resources needed Rat bait and fire ant bait station materials (GNP) Blackberry control materials (GNP) Binoculars, range finder (for counting method), nest camera Basic Field Equipment (GPS, foot wear etc) Collaborators Sabine Tebbich University of Vienna has conducted passerine nesting success and P. downsi studies in this habitat for two seasons and has collected data related to blackberry control and nesting success; Birgit Fessl and Michi Dvorak have passerine species density estimates from point counts; Sonia Kleindorfer Flinders University has conducted passerine nesting success and P. downsi studies on Santa Cruz since 2000, including data on nesting density and population age structure; Earthwatch volunteers (coordinated by Kleindorfer) will collect data across six weeks a year on nesting outcome; 12 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Jorge Renteria (CDF) studied effect of blackberry on endemic plant composition in Scalesia forest at Los Gemelos; CDF Restoration group to establish experimental design of various treatment plots; GNP to conduct introduced predator and blackberry control; Island Conservation, rat control, some rat trapping was done March 2012 together with GNP. Funding needs GNP can supply logistical support as well as rat and ant poison and herbicides. CDF should present proposal with detailed methodology to possible donors. Estimated funding needs for complete project $96, 500 Work already in progress Blackberry control and habitat restoration by GNP but methodology needs to be refined; Reforestation of Scalesia zone behind los Gemelos with support from the Japanese group; Passerine nesting success studies by collaborating and visiting scientists; Passerine distribution in Scalesia zone using point counts; Galapagos Conservation Trust are funding research into short-term control methods for P. downsi. Detailed action plan prepared by Jorge Renteria CDF: “Plan de acción para la restauración del bosque de Scalesia en “Los Gemelos” Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos” written with detailed methodology. Information can be used to present formal funding proposal; Note: In addition to the Scalesia forests, other important areas for bird breeding are the humid, agricultural zones and the fern zone. With partners such as Galapagos National Park, Fundar and Conservation International, current efforts to reforest the agricultural zones with native species should be evaluated in order to identify the highest priority areas for intervention. 2.3. Bird protection in Floreana Island Background Although the highlands are relatively intact, this island appears to have lost more bird species than any other (Floreana Mockingbird, Large Ground Finch, Vermillion Flycatcher, Warbler Finch, Sharpbeaked Finch) (Grant et al., 2005; Wiedenfeld 2006; Petren et al., 2010; M. Dvorak, pers. comm.). Studies have shown a significant decline in the population of the Medium Tree Finch which is now found in only a small area of Floreana (O’Connor et al. 2010c; M. Dvorak pers. comm), the Vegetarian Finch is also declining (M. Dvorak pers. comm) and a study in progress seems to suggest that the Large Tree Finch might be almost extinct (Kleindorfer et al, in progress). Studies so far have been concentrated on the Cerro Pajas area; counts in other areas have been carried out in 2005 (Grant et al., 2005), February-April 2010-2011 (Luzuriaga et al., 2012, in progress) and in February 2012 (Dvorak et. al. in progress), so baseline data are available. Floreana is subject to a huge restoration project; the landbird aspect focusing on the re-introduction of the Floreana Mockingbird. Highland restoration and/or P. downsi control methods that are tested in Santa Cruz could be applied to Floreana once they are available. Action A new comprehensive survey of Medium Tree Finch on Floreana by a experienced person is needed to get a more detailed picture of its status; Bird monitoring over the whole island with a focus on declining species (if the person in charge cannot monitor all species) in order to obtain long-term data and confirm the first data set; 13 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Conduct specific searches for Vermilion Flycatcher, Large Tree Finch and Warbler Finch to establish the current status of these very rare or possibly extinct species. Brief description of methodology Conduct repeatable point counts at set locations across different habitat zones on the Island. Include Cerro Pajas Scalesia forest to focus on declining Medium Tree Finch. Carry out point counts during the bird breeding season when singing activity is most reliable at a minimum of 20 sites in each habitat zone. Compare data obtained to base line data available from Kleindorfer, Dvorak and Luzuriaga. If individuals of very rare or possibly extinct species are detected conduct monitoring to determine breeding status. If possible capture and mark individuals to better determine numbers. Repeat point counts each year. Duration: 1-3 years. Employ Field assistant to conduct point counts. Note: it is imperative that these baseline surveys are done by experienced observers familiar with Galapagos birds. Recruit local GNP rangers to partake in monitoring if possible. Volunteers to assist with field work. Resources Needed Transport Basic Field Equipment (GPS, binoculars, capture and banding equipment, foot wear etc) Collaborators CDF, Project Floreana; CDF Floreana Mockingbird Project may establish areas of predator control on Floreana which will benefit all bird species in the area; Sonia Kleindorfer (Flinders University) and her team has extended data from the Cerro Pajas area since 2004, including population age structure, nesting success, parasite intensity, and population genetic structure; Michi Dvorak (BirdLife International Austria) and Erwin Nemeth (Max Plank Institute of Ornithology); GNP. Funding Sources CDF through Project Floreana - Island Conservation (IC) is planning a large scale rodent eradication and island restoration project from 2013 onwards. Estimated funding needs to conduct bird monitoring (not including implementation of conservation measures) is $50,000. Work in Progress CDF Floreana Mockingbird plans underway to establish small scale predator control in lowlands of Floreana. Michi Dvorak and Erwin Nemeth have carried out point counts for baseline data in 2012 and plan to return each season. Sonia Kleindorfer and her team have long established projects from Cerro Pajas including species density estimates from point counts in 2004 and 2008. Kleindorfer’s team will continue annual nest monitoring and population recruitment patterns in Darwin’s tree finches. Earthwatch volunteers (coordinated by Kleindorfer) will collect data across six weeks a year on nesting outcome. 14 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Nivia Luzuriaga carried out point counts and transects for baseline data in Feb-Apr. 2010-2011. 2.4. Determine current status of Galapagos Martin Background This species has recently been uplisted to Endangered by the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2012). The population size, structure and trends of this species are very poorly known. It is known to be uncommon, seen in small numbers throughout the archipelago (Wiedenfeld and Jiménez-Uzcategui, 2008). It is unlikely that the total population exceeds 500 birds, with fewer than 250 mature individuals in each subpopulation, and is in decline (Birdlife International, 2012). Dedicated surveys are needed urgently, and may reveal that the species warrants uplisting to Critically Endangered on the basis of an even smaller population. Action Collect baseline data for this species and conduct a thorough literature search; Carry out surveys for this species throughout its range, visiting all known or suspected strongholds, to develop accurate population estimates; Develop a questionnaire for interested guides and GNP rangers who frequent areas of its distribution and thus enhance knowledge on distribution and numbers; Establish monitoring programme to determine population trends; Carry out research to determine the reasons for its small population and any declines; Carry out actions to reduce any threats to this species (e.g. control of nest predators). Duration: 1-3 years. Employ Investigator as well as field assistant, volunteer or student to carry out literature search and develop and manage questionnaire. Resources Needed Access to historic records, literature Collaborators Due to the distribution and habitat requirements of this species, the necessary work cannot be combined with any other actions proposed in the plan. If there is a landbird investigator who can be employed by CDF he/she could eventually initiate a student project for collecting baseline data. People partaking in field trips to less visited sites conducted by GNP or visiting and collaborating scientists should be approached and given questionnaires, such as Galapagos Naturalist Guides, GNP. Funding Sources CDF to prepare and present proposal to secure field assistant or volunteer to carry out literature review and to prepare and distribute questionnaire. Estimated cost including investigator $20,000. Field costs undetermined (initial stage will involve gathering baseline data - no field trips planned. Guides and others to carry out investigations as part of other trips). Work in Progress Nil 15 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan 2.5 Conduct study into basic ecology and impact of Smooth-billed Ani and develop control methods Background Although the Smooth-billed Ani was introduced to Santa Cruz in the 1960s and rapidly spread throughout the archipelago (Jiménez-Uzcátegui et.al., 2011) there have been few studies into its ecology on the Galapagos or efforts to quantify the risk it presents to endemic and native species. It is omnivorous and a stomach content analysis has indicated that anis have a wide ranging diet including fruits of the invasive blackberry Rubus niveus, introduced rats, Darwin's Finch nestlings, and other native and endemic vertebrate and invertebrate species (S. Deem, pers. comm.). They are gregarious and show aggressive and competitive behavior toward native birds. Furthermore there is concern that their impact on the populations of critically endangered bird species such as the Mangrove Finch and Floreana Mockingbird may be adding an additional stress to population recovery and conservation efforts. Current funding secured in 2012 with the GNP has resulted in the implementation of control through shooting. Due to the wide range of anis control across all areas of occupancy is not possible. To be better able to control the species, knowledge of its basic ecology in the Galapagos is essential. Furthermore there is a need to better understand the impact that anis have on endemic bird species to be able to effectively target control methods. It has been recommended that anis be eradicated from Galapagos, however, bird eradication on this scale has never been carried out successfully, and this management technique is unlikely to be a feasible option for this species. A realistic aim for management of the ani should be to establish a regular targeted control programme using optimal methods and focused on the areas that are most susceptible to the negative impacts of the species. Action Study ecology of Smooth-billed Ani; Quantify the population level impact that the Smooth-billed Ani has on key native species; Determine the most efficient control method for Smooth-billed Ani; Carry out a feasibility study for the implementation of the optimal control method; Develop and implement a plan for Smooth-billed Ani control at the level of archipelago. Brief description of methodology This work will be carried out on Santa Cruz. Carry out a literature review on the ecology, impact and control of ani species. Select key species as targets for a study of the ani on the native fauna of Galapagos (vertebrate and invertebrate species). Carry out impact studies in the field with ani exclusion experiments and control plots with anis to determine the impact of the ani at the level of the population on the key native species; once in dry season, once in wet season, in the dry, transition and humid zones. Carry out trials to determine the most efficient method and methodology for the control of ani populations. Trials should be carried out using shooting, trapping, poisoning etc. Establish the time taken to re-colonize a control area to determine how often control needs to be carried out. Establish the relative cost of each control method. Determine realistic and quantitative objectives of the control of ani Identify priority areas for ani control, based on conservation priorities, as well as social priorities (e.g. tourism sites). Determine preparatory activities, training and equipment needed. Carry out a cost analysis for control measures each priority area. Determine the feasibility of the programme over a long time scale. Develop an implementation plan for control of the ani, which includes a programme of 16 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan monitoring and evaluation to determine the efficiency of the control methods. Duration: 1-3 years. Employ Project coordinator (part time salary) Principal Investigator Field assistants (5 for 12 months) (GNP) Resources Needed Transport Field equipment (poison, guns and ammunition (GNP) GPS, binoculars, traps) Computer Collaborators It is imperative that this project is run closely with the GNP Invasive Species Control and Eradication Team who are already implementing ani control. Funding Sources GNP providing $75 000 as counterpart, CDF submitted successful grant application to KNCF Japan and secured $38 630. Estimated funding needs for completing project $113,630 Work in Progress GNP air rifles and ammunition purchased in January 2012. Control efforts have begun in agricultural zone of Santa Cruz and opportunistic shootings in more remote areas when visited as part of other GNP work (Rabida for ant control, NW Isabela for cat control) CDF Restoration Group submitted successful proposal and funding secured, project planning underway Nivia Luzuriaga has carried out point counts and transects for baseline data in February-April 2010-2011. These counts include Ani data, and are available on request. Michi Dvorak has unpublished point count data available from Santa Cruz, 2010. 2.6. Determine current status of Large Ground Finch Background The Large Ground Finch has already been lost from Floreana and San Cristobal (Petren et al., 2010), and has not been observed around Villamil on Isabela. This species is scarce, and because of this it has not been possible to calculate population densities (Dvorak, pers. comm). It is a difficult species to assess since it is largely confined to lower altitudes where access is difficult. Our inability to count this species needs to be addressed. Observations suggest that it has special, so far unidentified habitat preferences. On Santa Cruz, it has been observed around CDRS, Tortuga Bay and Garrapatero, however estimates are higher than thought because it is often confused with medium ground finches (M. Dvorak pers. comm). Other parts of the arid zone of Santa Cruz should be surveyed. Action Identify places with large ground finch abundance through communication with visiting scientists and other parties. Look at habitat aspects of inhabited areas in order to determine habitat requirements of the species. 17 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Brief description of methodology Liaise with people working and visiting different habitat zones on Santa Cruz (visiting/collaborating scientists, guides, local land owners, GNP rangers) to determine areas of occupancy; Conduct point counts during breeding season in accessible areas throughout lowlands to help determine distribution; Characterize habitat at inhabited sites and compare to find common factors; Search further areas of similar habitat; Conduct all field work over six months during breeding season. Duration: 2-3 years. Employ Field assistant to liaise with collaborators and conduct point counts and habitat characterization. It is essential that who ever conducts the surveys is trained in identifying LGF and able to distinguish between other species. Resources Needed Transport Basic Field Equipment (GPS, binoculars, capture and banding equipment, foot wear etc) Collaborators Visiting and Collaborating Scientists with field work based on Santa Cruz GNP rangers CDF Naturalist Guides Funding Needs CDF to develop small proposal. Approximate funding needs for field assistants and transport $12,200 Work in Progress Nil 18 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan GOAL 2: DEVELOP A STANDARDIZED, SIMPLE, TIME EFFICIENT MONITORING METHODS FOR LANDBIRDS THAT ENABLE US TO PICK UP CHANGES IN POPULATIONS AS WELL AS FACTORS THAT MAY BE INFLUENCING IN POPULATION CHANGES AND ECOSYSTEM CHANGES. Problem: Some landbird species are being monitored, but different methods are being used (O'Connor et al., 2010b, Dvorak et al., 2012, Luzuriaga et al., 2012 and in progress), while other species appear to be declining, but are not being monitored at all. Monitoring is the only valuable tool for detecting population changes in a long-term context. It is time intensive and requires motivated and trained people in both visual and oral bird identification (Luzuriaga et al., 2012). Training to a high level is not simple and it has to be taken into account that the bird song of the same species differs substantially between islands, meaning that people trained for Santa Cruz need further additional time before they are able to satisfactorily monitor on other islands. Samples of bird song for several species and several islands should ultimately be available through Erwin Nemeth, Austria and Jeremy Robertson, Australia. The ultimate goal is to obtain baseline data that quantify population trends and can be used as a baseline for the assessment of bird health and efficiency of localized management actions across species. Task 1: Determine which islands, habitats and bird species should be focused on 1.1 Which islands should be focused on? Inhabited islands, as land use change is most prominent and some baseline data already exist; Islands with projected restoration plans (Floreana) as it is very important to have a baseline data set. Furthermore these data might help decisions with timing of events etc.; Islands with restoration already in progress (even if baseline does not exist it is preferable to start collecting data); Opportunistic visits to places/ islands where visiting scientists go. Most importantly is that the same method is used across all of the sites to achieve consistency. And, if the monitoring design must differ between islands (because of unequal visiting effort), the different monitoring designs should be nested, so that all data can be easily combined. Table 3. Existing monitoring data as related to key islands and habitat zones Island Zones Existing Data Santa Cruz 1,2,3,4,5 1997, 2008 – 2010 (Dvorak), 2010-11 (Luzuriaga) San Cristóbal 1,2,3,4,5 2010 (Dvorak) Floreana 1,2,3,4,5 2004, 2008, 2011 (Kleindorfer), , 2010-11 (Luzuriaga), 2012 (Dvorak) Isabela Sierra Negra 1,2,3,4,5 none Isabela Cerro Azul 3,4,5 none Isabela Volcán Wolf 3,4,5 ? Isabela Volcán Alcedo 3,4,5 1997-1998 (Vargas), Mangroves (Dvorak) Fernandina 3,4,5 2009 – 2010 (?) Baltra 1 none Genovesa 1 1973, 1978-1988 (Grant), 2006 (Jiménez Uzcátegui ) Marchena 1 1990s (Grant) Champion 1 1973, 1978-1988 (Grant), followed by CDF, Hoeck Daphne 1 1973-2012 (Grant) Española 3 2010 (FCD) Santa Fe 3 2003 (FCD), 2011 (PNG) Santiago 3 2004? (FCD) Pinta 3,4,5 2011 (PNG), 1980 (Schluter) Pinzón 3 2011 (FCD) Rábida 3,4,5 2011(FCD) Zones: 1 lowland scrubland, scrub and dry lands; 2 Agricultural land; 3 Opuntia-Bursera forest; 4 Transition zones; 5 Scalesia-Fern Humid forest 19 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan 1.2 Which habitat zones should be focused on? The habitat zones can be divided into five groups (Urban, Agricultural, Arid, Transition and Humid; Dvorak et al, 2012). Ideally bird monitoring should be conducted across all zones to determine trends in all different habitats. For rare species monitoring, the spatial distribution of the number of point counts should be a priori stratified, so that enough point counts are implemented in the known preferred habitats (eg. Vermillion Flycatcher in the humid zone, Large Ground Finch in arid zone). 1.3 Which birds should be focused on? The monitoring system proposed below is only designed to capture common species. This is because the cost to monitor rare species is too great, primarily because one would need to greatly increase the sampling effort. However, the occurrence of rare species will be noted in the following ways: Use opportunistic observations (made systematically during the period of baseline monitoring; but possibly also across the year); Create a table of all terrestrial bird species with classifications about status (common, rare, declining) and publish on Datazone; Compile observations of rare birds in a separate data base with GPS coordinates (where available); Share data with online systems such as ebird.com; Liaise with tour guides and ornithology tourists to report sightings of rare birds; Establish a way to enter data with the FCD observations database (created by Rob Adams); When restoration activity occurs, increase monitoring activity (more point samples) with the same methodology. For common birds: obtain an index of population level changes related to ecosystem, climate change and human-mediated environmental changes (see Danielsen et al. 2003, 2006; Nichols & Williams, 2006): All of the species All of the islands Human habited and uninhabited areas 20 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan The following classification is based on the feasibility for counting birds: For all the finches some training and, at best, audio-cds will be necessary. Caution is needed, as some finches sing differently between islands and between different habitat zones within an island. Bird species Visual identification (without binoculars) Oral identification Comments Mockingbird Easy Easy Might follow Vermilion flycatcher Easy Moderate, song is not very loud and easy to miss Might follow, display flight more suspicious than its song Galapagos flycatcher Easy Easy Might follow up, sings early morning; otherwise pair has typical call Dark-billed cuckoo Easy Easy Shy bird, hard to see; Distance estimation difficult with their call Yellow warbler Easy Easy Vegetarian finch Easy Easy Cactus finch Easy Hard, difficult to separate from SGF Warbler finch Easy Easy Several song types, young yellow warblers might be counted as warbler finches Small ground finch* Easy Moderate Might be confused with medium ground finch and cactus finch (song) Medium ground finch* Moderate to difficult Moderate The MGF has different song types and a high variability in its beak size Large ground finch* Moderate, large billed MGF can be very similar to LGF, especially when seen from a distance. Moderate, because rare. The song is easy to recognise and by far the best clue to identify and count the species. As rare, would take a while to be trained, not sure if song record available Small tree finch Easy Moderate Different song types Woodpecker finch Easy Easy Different song types in different habitat zones Large tree finch Moderate, difficult to identify from a distance Moderate Different song types in different habitat zones; could be mixed up with ground finches SGF, MGF, LGF: Some individuals of these species are difficult to identify, and you have to use several clues (song, call, behaviour). Some birds will be impossible to identify. Task 2. Develop and implement standardised monitoring methodology which is simple to use in all habitats. Background There is no locally based established long-term monitoring programme for land birds in the Galapagos (Luzuriaga et al. 2012). Monitoring has been conducted previously by local employees of CDF and GNP in addition to visiting and collaborating scientists. However, the methodologies have differed 21 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan therefore making it problematic to try and compare data and look for trends across time. Moreover often challenging terrain makes monitoring hard to implement across the archipelago. There is a need to implement standardised bird monitoring that can be carried out across a range of habitats. Action Develop and implement a simple landbird monitoring method agreed upon by mangers and researchers that can be applied across the archipelago over the long-term. Brief description of methodology We propose a point count method for common land birds as preferable to transects for the following reasons: Transects are often along existing paths with disturbed vegetation, thus bird populations in edge vegetation might be very different, e.g. many ground finches feed on artificial open pathways and therefore population estimates would be artificially high; Conditions on some islands mean that transects are not possible to establish or at best would require a lot of effort. Therefore it is time consuming and disturbs habitat; The terrain is often difficult in the Galapagos and therefore at times walking transects requires significant concentration, therefore taking away the observer`s ability to focus completely on bird counting; Some bird species follow the observer therefore a transect-counting method could result in an increased frequency of multiple counting. Note: This conclusion is in contra to Luzuriaga et al. (2012), however, these authors do agree with the recommendation in this plan. To produce a standardized methodology across islands and habitats we propose the following (the only exception is if one wants to focus on rare species): Minimum 20 points per zone, per island; Minimum distance between points should be 250m to avoid duplicating counts; Conduct five-minute bird counts between 06:00 and 09:00 in the morning; Conducted once per year during the height of the breeding season (January – March) when bird singing activity is its most reliable. To account for between-year fluctuations in the start of the rainy season, and therefore of the breeding season, the starting date of the counting period could be matched with a threshold value of rainfall. Below is an example of a monitoring sheet with necessary information: Species Observation Seen Heard Distance Bearing Deformities Beak Feet Sex GPS coordinates While walking between points, observations of rare species should be registered with their corresponding coordinates. In addition to this, the following environmental data should be recorded: Observer, identity, island, date, time, wind (none/gentle/moderate/strong/very strong), cloud cover (4 categories), Precipitation (4 categories), temperature, altitude, vegetation type (general). Vegetation classification (three strata) cover and percentage of main plant in following three categories 1 (herbs): 22 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan < 50cm, 2 (brush): 50 – 150cm, 3 (trees): > 150cm. This should be estimated for a radius of 50m and if this is not possible because of dense vegetation this will be recorded, there will be always outliers. In addition introduced plants should be recorded if they are not the dominant species. Employ Consultant data base; Consultant monitoring plan; Part time landbird investigator to oversee and develop monitoring programme; Field assistants during the monitoring period (bird breeding seasons); GNP will coordinate monitoring programme once it is implemented. Resources Needed Transport Basic Field Equipment (GPS, binoculars, foot wear etc) Training bird song tapes Computer for data compilation and analysis Database for observations and for collating monitoring information. Collaborators The success of this programme is dependent on the collaboration of many people and will require a coordinator to ensure that the correct methods are employed and that data is collated. To have reliable bird monitoring across islands and habitat the involvement of several observers is necessary. There are several different groups who could, in theory, conduct the surveys (listed below), however, as previously stated, high level training of all personnel is required (Luzuriaga et al., in progress). GNP, FCD, visiting and collaborating scientist such as Kleindorfer, Tebbich, Dvorak, P and R Grant, Podos, Naturalist Guides, Earthwatch , Community Groups, Interested local land owners, Citizen Science. Some groups could count all bird species while others might focus on some species only, e.g. the “easy” ones, depending on the zone in which the surveys are conducted and the skill level of the group. Funding Needs The total estimated costs of the monitoring programme (below) will depend on the availability of trained personnel (GNP, CDF, visiting scientists, and bird watchers) and how many people need to be hired, and the availability of GNP transport. Because of this, we have identified three possible scenarios. Calculations are based on 20 points per habitat zone per island with monitoring conducted once during the bird breeding season. This system is only for common bird species; the cost to monitor rare species is much higher because one would need to greatly increase the sampling effort. Per diem of 26 USD day + GNP transport Per diem of 45 USD day + GNP transport Per diem of 45 USD day + private transport Per diem 7600 13000 13000 Transport 8500 8500 17000 Coordination 17000 17000 17000 Total (plus 15%) 38000 45000 54000 It is estimated that a further $50,000 is needed for equipment, consultants etc. Total maximum estimate: $104,000. 23 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Some support available from CDF, GNP, Earthwatch. Implementation schedule 2013 Jan -March (1) Apply for funds for equipment April - June (2) Include work in SOP of GNP for 2014 Consultancy 1: Define work plan for fieldwork (ideally a local person with good knowledge of the field conditions) July - Sep (3) Consultancy 2: Develop database Oct-Dec (4) Purchasing of equipment Training for volunteers 2014 Jan -March (1) Implementation Funds from GNP April – June (2) Data preparation and analysis July - Sep (3) complete analyses and prepare report There is an urgent need for a permanent landbird investigator position based in Galapagos, either in CDF or GNP. All of the activities proposed in this plan require a landbird investigator who can oversee the work and provide guidance to the field assistants, volunteers and collaborators involved. Bibliography BirdLife International (2012). Progne modesta. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 21 September 2012. Danielsen, F., Mendoza, M.M., Alviola, P., Balete, D.S., Enghoff, M., Poulsen, M.K. and Jensen, A.E. (2003). Biodiversity monitoring in developing countries: what are we trying to achieve? Oryx 37, 407–409. Danielsen, F., Burgess, N.D., Balmford, A., Fjeldsa˚ , J., Andrianandrasana, H.T.,Becker, C.D., Bennun, L., Brashares, J.S. (2006). Monitoring matters: evaluating locally-based biodiversity monitoring in developing countries. Oryx 40, 14–15. Dudaniec RY & Kleindorfer S (2006). The effects of the parasitic flies Philornis (Diptera: Muscidae) on birds. Emu 106: 13-20. Dvorak, M., Fessl, B., Nemeth, E., Kleindorfer, S.M., & Tebbich, S. (2012). Distribution and abundance of Darwin´s Finches and other land birds on Santa Cruz Island Galapagos: evidence for declining populations. Oryx, 46:78-86 Fessl, B., Kleindorfer, S., Tebbich, S., (2006a). An experimental study on the effects of an introduced parasite in Darwin’s finches. Biological Conservation 127: 55-61. Fessl, B., Sinclair, B.J., Kleindorfer, S. (2006b). The life cycle of Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae) parasitizing Darwin’s finches and its impacts on nestling survival. Parasitology 133: 739-747. Fessl, B., Young, H.G., Young, R.P., Rodriguez-Matamorus, J., Dvorak, M., Tebbich, S. (2010) How to save the rarest Darwin’s finch from extinction: the mangrove finch on Isabela Island. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B: Biological Sciences 365:1019–1030. Grant, P.R. and Grant, B.R. (2005). Darwin`s Finches. Current Biology 15: R614-R615 Harris. Michael. (1974). A field guide to the Birds of Galapagos. Taplinger Publishing Co., Inc. New York. Huber, S. K. (2008). Effects of the introduced parasite Philornis downsi on nestling growth and mortality in the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis). Biological Conservation 141:601-609. IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. 24 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Downloaded on 19 September 2012. Jiménez-Uzcátegui, G., Zabala, J., Milstead, B., Snell, H. L. (2011). CDF Checklist of Galapagos Introduced Vertebrates - FCD Lista de especies de Vertebrados introducidos de Galápagos. In: Bungartz, F., Herrera, H., Jaramillo, P., Tirado, N., Jimenez-Uzcategui, G., Ruiz, D., Guezou, A. Ziemmeck, F. (eds.). Charles Darwin Foundation Galapagos Species Checklist - Lista de Especies de Galápagos de la Fundación Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin Foundation / Fundaciラn Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos: http://www.darwinfoundation.org/datazone/checklists/introduced-species/introducedvertebrates/ Last updated 07 Jul 2011. Koop, Jennifer A.H., Huber, Sarah K., Laverty, Sean M., and Dale H. Clayton (2011) Experimental demonstration of the fitness consequences of an introduced parasite of Darwin’s finches. PLoS ONE, 6:e19706, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019706. Luzuriaga, N, Jiguet, F, Gardener, M.R., Véran, S., and Henry, P.-Y. (2012). Monitoring an endemic community of terrestrial birds: the Galápagos Islands Breeding Bird Survey (GIBBS). Bird Census News 25 (in press) Mauchamp, A., and Atkinson, R. (2010). Pérdida de hábitat rápida, reciente e irreversible: Los bosques de Scalesia en las Islas Galápagos En: Informe Galápagos 2009-2010: Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador. Nichols, JD and Williams BK. (2006). Monitoring for conservation. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 21: 668-673. O’Connor JA, Dudaniec RY, Kleindorfer, S. (2010a). Parasite infestation in Galapagos birds: contrasting two elevational habitats between islands. Journal of Tropical Ecology 26: 285292. O’Connor JA, Sulloway FJ, Kleindorfer, S. (2010b). Avian Population Survey in the Floreana Highlands: Is the Medium Tree Finch declining in remnant patches of Scalesia forest? Bird Conservation International. DOI 10.1017/S0959270910000195 O’Connor JA, Sulloway FJ, Robertson J, Kleindorfer, S. (2010c). Philornis downsi parasitism is the primary cause of nestling mortality in the critically endangered Darwin’s medium tree finch (Camarhynchus pauper). Biodiversity and Conservation 19: 853-866. Petren, K., Grant, P. R, Grant, B R., Clack, A. A, & Lescano, N. V (2010). Multilocus genotypes from Charles Darwin's finches: biodiversity lost since the voyage of the Beagle. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences, 365(1543), 100918. Rentería, J.L., & Buddenhagen, C.E. (2006). Invasive plants in the Scalesia pedunculata forest at Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz, Galapagos: Galapagos Research 64:31-35. Rentería, J.L. (2011). Towards an optimal management of the invasive plant Rubus niveus in the Galapagos Islands, Imperial College of London. Watson, J., Trueman, M., Tufet, M., Henderson, S., and Atkinson, R. (2010). Mapping terrestrial anthropogenic degradation on the inhabited islands of the Galápagos archipelago: Oryx 44: 79-82. Wiedenfeld, D. A. (2006) Aves, The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Check List: 2(2): 1-27. Wiedenfeld, D.A., Jiménez, U.G.A., Fessl, B., Kleindorfer, S., Valarezo, J.C. (2007). Distribution of the introduced parasitic fly Philornis downsi (Diptera, Muscidae) in the Galapágos Islands. Pacific Conservation Biology 13, 14-19. Wiedenfeld, D. A.; Jiménez-Uzcátegui, G. A. (2008) Critical problems for bird conservation in the Galápagos Islands. Cotinga: 22-27. 25 Galapagos Landbird Conservation Plan Appendix 1. List of workshop participants and contact information of those whom participated in the bird working groups and/or development of this plan. Rachel Atkinson Botany/invasive species/restoration, adjunct researcher Victor Carrion Technical advisor Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Island Conservation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Oscar Carvajal Coordinator, Isabela office Parque Nacional Galápagos, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Entomology/invasive species, adjunct researcher Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Francesca Cunninghame Ornithology, Mangrove finch programme Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Michael Dvorak Ornithology/conservation biology Birdlife, Austria [email protected] Birgit Fessl Behavioral ecology/conservation biology, adjunct researcher Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Pierre-Yves Henry Biodiversity management/ornithology/climate change, research professor University Pierre & Curie Paris VI, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France [email protected] Charlotte Causton Gustavo Jimenez Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia [email protected] Sonia Kleindorfer Ornithology, researcher Ornithology/behavioral ecology, Professor of Biodiversity and Conservation and Scientific Director for the Flinders Research Centre for Climate Adaptation and Animal Behaviour Nivia Luzuriaga University Pierre & Curie Paris VI, Museum Conservation biology/monitoring Graduate student National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France [email protected] Godfrey Merlen Conservation/invasive species pathways Ornithology/conservation biology/Floreana Mocking bird programme, coordinator restoration programme Independent consultant [email protected] Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Jorge Renteria Habitat restoration, consultant Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Christian Sevilla Coordinator, Conservation and restoration of island Parque Nacional Galápagos, Galapagos ecosystems Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Wacho Tapia Coordinator, Conservation, Sustainable Development and Research programme [email protected] Sabine Tebbich Ornithology/behavioral ecology, research associate University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Luis Ortiz-Catedral Parque Nacional Galápagos, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador [email protected] Appendix 2. Working groups Group 1 Participants Protecting threatened bird species a) Sonia Kleindorfer, Michael Dvorak, Nivia Luzuriaga, Pierrea) Monitoring system for birds – which system, which species, Yves-Henry, Luis Ortiz-Catedral, Wacho Tapia, Oscar where, what needs to be monitored (bird numbers, parasitoids, Carvajal. presence of ants, Philornis) b) Plan for protecting threatened species including: b) Birgit Fessl, Francesca Cunninghame, Godfrey Merlen, Sabine Tebbich, 2 Biology/Ecology P. downsi a) Expand on information available about P. downsi b) Identify research questions c) means to answering questions (step by step plans) d) Identify possible collaborators/donors Andrew Parker, Dave Chadee, Raymond Martinez, Martín Quiroga, Steve Teale, Kristin Doherty, Piedad Lincango, Jen Koop, Renato Leon, Leandro Vaca 3 Management of P. downsi Intermediate solutions for controlling fly in areas of high conservation value Long-term solutions Cathy Smallridge, George Heimpel, Charlotte Causton, Christian Sevilla, Victor Carrion, Sarah Knutie, Ronal Azuero, Raphael Carrion. 26