Namdrik Atoll

The Second Nominated Wetland of International Importance for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

View from southern corner of Ajelto across the lagoon to north. December 2009
by: Nancy and Brian Vander Velde Majuro, Marshall Islands nancyv@ntamar.net

Contents
Introductionpages 1 - 6
Settingpage 1 Historypage 4 Previous Biodiversity Workspage 5

Namdriks Wetlandspage 7 - 23
Marine/Coastalpage 8 Freshwaterpage 18 Man-Made Wetlandspage 22

Plant Diversitypages 24 - 26
Mangroves and Other Wetland Plantspage 26

Animal Diversity...pages 27 - 28 Importance and Value of Namdriks Wetlands...pages 29 - 33 What About the Rhizophora of Madmad?...pages 34 - 35 Threats to the Wetlands of Namdrik...pages 36 - 38 Recommendations...pages 39 - 41 Summary...page 42 References...pages 43 - 48 Appendices...pages 49 - 71
Appendix A: Vascular Plants of Namdrik Atollpages 49 - 62 Appendix B: Vertebrates of Namdrik Atoll63 - 71

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Figures
View from southern cover of Ajelto across the lagoon. Figure 1: Map of Marshall Islands Figure 2 : Image of Namdrik Atoll.... Figure 3: Namdrik Atoll from the air.... Figure 4: Namdrik Community Center.. Figure 5: Namorik Harbour in the 1870s... Figure 6: AIR Marshall Islands' Dash-8 aircraft on Namdrik.. Figure 7: Witt, J. 1881. Die Marschall-Gruppe, Annalen der Hydrographie IX... Figure 8: Map of Namorik Atoll, taken from the 1893 map 'Schutzgebiet der Marshall Inseln'.. Figure 9: Watercolor by Elizabeth Krmer, Namdrik from the west.... Figure 10: Madmad mangrove wetlands... Figure 11: Oceanside intertidal reef, Eoon-ene. Figure 11: Wandering Tattler and Pacific Golden Plover on lagoon beach.. Figure 12: Serrated Ribbon Seagrass (tentative determination) underwater. Figure 13: Boulders on ocean reef, smaller ones near Eoon-ene with canoe fishing in background... Figure 14: Aerial view of sand islets between Ajelto and Madmad.. Figure 15: Entrance to wetland areas of Madmad, looking toward the inflow of saltwater from the lagoon... Figure 16: Probably the Arno skink (Emoia arnoensis) in mangrove area on Madmad Island.... Figure 17: Seagrass and Orbiculate Cardinalfish near Sonneratia alba on Madmad... Figure 18: Mudskipper and periwinkles by Community Center... Figure 9: Old stand of Rhizophora on Madmad Island.. Figure 21: Peperomia ponapensis on Madmad Island.. Figure 10: Sprouted Nypa fruit along ocean beach... Figure 11: Lumnitzera in wetlands of Eoon-ene... Figure 12: Premna serratifolia functioning as mangrove in wetland near urban area. Figure 13: Pectoral Sandpiper... Figure 14: Tethered pigs wallowing.. Figure 27: Coconut palm with Shoestring Ferns, wetland, Eoon-ene... Figure 15: Wetland of Ajelto by air strip.. Figure 16: : Litter of leaves and fruit under Lumnitzera littorea.. Figure 17: Moss covered tree trunk in Lumnitzera wetland. Figure 18: Sprouting seedlings under practically monospecific Hernandia forest, ocean side, Eoon-ene... Figure 19: Possible ancardid shrimp in wetland of Eoon-ene... Figure 20: : Possible Bruguiera x rhynchopetala in wetland of Ajelto, with evident stilts on young trees. Figure 21: Large water catchment tank of private residence with smaller vessels to the side.. Figure 22: Giant Swamp Taro pit.. Figure 23: Soaking pit in mangrove wetland, Eoon-ene... Figure 24: Dragonflies over probable abandoned iaraj pit near urban area.. Figure 25: Water Hyacinth... Figure 39: Australian Pine on Eoon-ene.. Figure 26: Extensive area of White Water Sedge in private yard Figure 271: Small moth near wetlands of Eoon-ene. Figure 42: Ruddy Turnstone. Figure 43: Juvenile Lesser Frigatebird flying over Eoon-ene.. Figure 28: Traditional canoes along ocean beach, in for the evening after a day out fishing and gathering Figure 29: Bananas near private residence.... Figure 46: Peperomia ponapensis from Madmad wetlands. Figure 47: Beautyleaf tree with leaves evidently eaten by caterpillars. Figure 30: Rhizophora flowers and hypocotyl, Madmad Island.. Figure 49: View of Maj-en-an-Lijobkonira from 2001 Figure 50: Mangrove area, Maj-en-an-Lijobkonira the interior of Madmad, late 2009 view... Figure 51: School on Namdrik, built on former wetland area, with the invasive flower, Trailing Daisy, as part of the lawn.. Figure 52: View from Ajelto looking over to Eoon-ene and Madmad. cover page 1 page 1 page 1 page 2 page 3 page 3 page 4 page 4 page 4 page 6 page 8 page 9 page 10 page 11 page 12 page 12 page 14 page 14 page 15 page 16 page 17 page 17 page 18 page 18 page 18 page 18 page 19 page 19 page 20 page 20 page 20 page 21 page 21 page 22 page 22 page 23 page 23 page 25 page 25 page 25 page 27 page 28 page 28 page 30 page 31 page 31 page 32 page 34 page 35 page 35 page 36 page 42

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Tables
Table 1: Vascular Plants of Namdrik Recorded in Legend and Place Names and Vascular Plants Recorded by F. R. Fosberg. Table 2: Namdrik Wetlands according to the Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Types. Table 3: Mangroves from Namdrik Atoll (based on listings in Duke 2006 and Tomlinson 1986). Table 4: Crabs Mentioned During Biodiversity Workshop Table 5: Usages of Mangrove and Wetland Plants as Reported by Participants of the 1997 Namdrik Biodiversity Workshop.. Table 6: Quantitative List of Mangrove Plant Products in Southeast Asia Table 7: Traditional Sites, Navigational Markers, etc. of Namdrik. page 5 page 7 page 26 page 27 page 29 page 30 page 33

Abbreviations
CEPF: IUCN: RMIEPA: RMIHPO: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund International Union for Conservation of Nature Republic of the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority Republic of the Marshall Islands Historic Preservation Office

Background of Report
In 2004, the Republic of the Marshall Islands joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Thereafter, the Jaluit Atoll Conservation Area became listed as a wetland of international importance under the Convention. In keeping with Article 2 of the Convention, further wetlands are to be designated at the national level. Hence, with the financial assistance from the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, preparatory activities have been undertaken for the designation of Namdrik Atoll as their second Ramsar site. A major component of these preparatory activities is an assessment of the biodiversity in, and associated with, Namdrik Atolls wetlands. On October 20-27, 2009, Nancy and Brian Vander Velde, who have had long experience with biodiversity in the Marshall Islands and other parts of the Pacific, traveled to Namdrik Atoll to investigate the plants and animals of the wetlands.

Spelling of Marshallese Words and Names

The spelling system for Marshallese has been in a state of flux almost since the long spoken language was put into writing. For instance, according to the most recent orthography, the name of the atolls should be Namdik, but actually with a cedilla (or , under the m) (Bender 1976). But over the years, it has also been spelled Namorik, Namarik, Namurik Namurikku To, and other variations of such. For the purpose of this report, Namdrik is used to conform with that being used by the local government and other agencies (Damon 1861; Young 1877; Bryan 1971). The names of historic and legendary personages, plant and animal names and site names are similarly varied as to spelling. In some reports, particularly the older ones, these at times can be hard to decipher. Whenever possible, attempts are made to bring spelling of these names as close as possible to the current orthography, but due to limitations of knowledge of the phonemes and keyboard, this has not been possible in some (or perhaps even in many) cases.

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Introduction
Setting Namdrik Atoll is one of the more southern Railik Chain of the Marshall Islands, located at 535' to 538' North, 1685' to 1689' East. It is a relatively small atoll with only 2.77 square kilometers (1.07 square miles) of land (Bryan 1971; Dashwood 1991). (See figure 1).

Figure 1: Map of Marshall Islands.

Figure 2 : Image of Namdrik Atoll (source: Google Earth).

This land is divided between two well-vegetated islands Namdrik and Madmad, joined together by a continuous reef, roughly as a trapazoid. (See figures 2 and 3). The highest elevation is figured to be about 3 meters (10 feet) above sea level. (Amerson 1969).

Figure 3: Namdrik Atoll from the air; Ajelto in foreground, Eoon-ene behind, with Madmad just out of view to the right. (photo: M. Honath).

There are a few sandbars and shoals on the connecting reefs which are exposed at low tide. There are also a number of coral boulders scattered over the same reefs, some supporting terrestrial vegetation on their upper surfaces. The smaller island, Madmad, is in the northwest corner of the trapazoid and is uninhabited, although frequented for copra collection and food harvesting. The other, larger island, Namdrik, extends from the northeast corner around to just past the southwest corner. It is is divided into two districts Ajelto, from the northern end to southeast corner, and Eoon-ene across the southern portion. Namdrik Island is inhabited

throughout, with the concentration in the central portion of Eoon-ene near the Community Center. (See figure 4). The interior lagoon encircled by the two islands and the reef is only 3.25 square miles (8.42 square kilometers, and has no natural passes. (Bryan 1971; Dashwood 1991; Young 1877). The at low tide water within the lagoon can be as much as two meters higher than that of the outside ocean (Krmer & Nevermann 1938 [trans. Brant & Armstrong 1942]).

Figure 4: Namdrik Community Center.

Old records refer to this atoll as Barings Island (Young 1877) but the local name Namdrik (variously spelled, see above) has been in English accounts since early contact. According to Bender (1976) the name is based on the combination of nam (or secondary lagoon) and dik (small). While potentially this could refer to some of the inshore areas within the lagoon which are encircled by reef, the fact that the lagoon itself is so small and without any passes, this itself may qualify as a rather small nam. Namdrik is considered to be a very wet atoll with an annual rainfall of 120 to 150 inches (Amerson 1969). Generally, Namdrik is in the North Equatorial Current, and sometimes the Equatorial Counter Current moves it latitude. Hence drift material is regularly swept onto and away from Namdriks shores in both directions. Namdrik Atoll has suffered several typhoons in recorded history. According to Spennemann & Marschner (1994), Namdrik was hit by typhoons in 1875, 1900, 1953, 1969, 1979, 1991, 1992. Additionally, in late 1957, Namdrik was the principal atoll in the Marshalls to feel the fury of Supertyphoon Lola (the first of a series of disastrous storms to hit the southern Marshalls). That storm destroyed the homes and crops of the over 500 residents (US Dept. of State 1958). A still visible evidence of any of these storms are the remaining numerous relief houses still in use. The lack of a natural pass into the lagoon has created a unqiue environment. Although at times the water exchange that occur over the reef and into the lagoon during high tide is quite significant by not having as much of a regular influx of open ocean water, the lagoon affords protection to certain marine life such as pearl oyster larvae (Dashwood 1991). Since the early 1990s, a blacklip pearl operation has been undertaken in this lagoon, producing black-pearls for export (Dashwood 1991).

Goods have long been brought ashore by ferrying from vessels anchored offshore, and this tedious process is recorded in an old lithograph. (Figure 5). Over a hundred years ago, this was described by a visiting ship:
There is no anchorage at the island, and the only available landing is on the West side of island near the S. W. point of atoll, at this place if the tide is low one has to land on the edge of the reef and walk some 600 yards over reef to the beach, but at high water a boat can go in (Young 1877).

Nowadays much smaller freight comes on the regular flights of AIR Marshall Islands (AMI). A runway spans the northern portion of Ajelto, being long enough to accomadate both types of AMIs current aircraft.

Figure 5: Namorik Harbour in the 1870s (Hernsheim, Franz (1883) Sdsee-Erinnerungen (1875-1880). Berlin: A.Hofmann & Compagnie. plate 4).

Figure 6: AIR Marshall Islands' Dash-8 aircraft on Namdrik.

The population is currently estimated to be approximately 500 people, (according to Aisa Peter, the atoll Medical Officer). (The figure of 814 persons in 96 households/buildings although still in use, is based on the 1986 survey (Dashwood 1991; wikipedia.org). In the latter part of the ninetheeth century, the population was figured to be about 400 (Young 1877), in the early twentieth century about 500 (Krmer & Nevermann 1938 [trans. Brant & Armstrong 1942]) and still again a few years later (Amerson 1969), so it appears to

continued relatively at a steady level. In 1996, solar energy was introduced to many of Namdriks by the French government and in 2005, an improved system of solar electricity was provided through the Pacific Islands Energy Policy and Strategic Action Planing (Empower Consultants Ltd. 2005; Wade & Johnson 2005). Nevertheless, most people still maintain a relatively traditional lifestyle Substance farming continues with traditional crops such as coconuts, breadfruit, pandanus and swamp taro. Traditional outrigger canoes are built from largely local material and daily men sail these canoes to fish in the lagoon or to transit to Madmad to gather crustaceans and fish in the wetlands.

History
The first recorded sighting of Namdrik Atoll by a non-Micronesian was in 1792 by the British captain Henry Bond. Although there was limited contact for many years thereafter, no successful landings were documented (Hezel 1983). However, in 1864, Namdrik was one of the first atolls after Ebon to receive resident Hawaiian missionaries from the American Board of Commisioners for Foreign Missions (Walsh 2003).

Figure 7: Witt, J. 1881. Die Marschall-Gruppe, Annalen der Hydrographie IX (source: marshall.csu.edu.au).

In the late nineteeth century, Germany began the copra industry throughout the Marshall Islands, including Namdrik. In order to make way for coconut plantations, native forest were extensively cleared. By the 1870s, several trading stations had been established on Namdrik, where copra was exchanged for imported goods (Hezel 1983; NBTRMI 2000). (See figures 7, 8 and 9). In 1914, Japanese administration replaced that of German in Micronesia, but no Figure 8: Map of Namorik Atoll, taken from the Japanese were found on Namdrik when 1893 map 'Schutzgebiet der Marshall Inseln', published Langhans, Paul (1897) Deutscher American troups arrived at the end of Kolonial-atlas. 30 Karten mit 300 Nebenkarten. World War II (Heinl & Crown 1954). Gotha: Justus Perthes. Map 30 'Schutzgebiet der Evidently, however, a local trader had Marshall Inseln' (source: marshall.csu.edu.au). remained, hidden by the local residents, and when American troops left, he came out of hiding to contine his trading operations at least for a while (Mead et al. 2003). After a few years of Navy administration, the Marshall Islands and the rest of Micronesia were put under trusteeship by the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. In 1979, this was replaced by a Compact of Free Association and the Republic of the Marshall Islands came into being (Walsh 2003).

Figure 9: Watercolor by Elizabeth Krmer, Namdrik from the west (source: Krmer & Nevermann 1938).

Previous Biodiversity Work

The earliest information about the biodivesity of any location can often be found by examining the navigational markers, chants, legends, and place names. Until recently, as far as Namdrik is concerned, these have provided more insight than the published scientific reports have. Navigational markers were of great importance to such seafaring as the Marshallese. The famed stick-charts taught navigators about wave patterns, certain patterns of animals or drifting material served to indicate when a certain atoll lay near. Offshore from Namdrik Atoll, an extremely large flock of birds, a pod of porpoise, and a turtle were said to be found. A quanity of pandanus leaves and the reef boulders were also important markers (Erdland 1914 [trans. Neuse 1961]; Knight 1982; Mwekto undtd; Tobin 2002). Erdland also names a greenish herring and a large kidid (a bird usually identified as the Wandering Tattler [Heteroscelus incanus]). To demonstrate the value of using traditional knowledge, by referring to just the legend of the origin of the Erebra matrilineal clan and place names, 17 vascular plants can be determined, and although still fairly limited, these are far more than the mere 11 species recorded scientifically in 1990 by the botanist, F. R. Fosberg. (See Table 1). Furthermore, even though Namdrik Atoll did not receive the extensive scientific investigation that took place on the nearby atoll of Jaluit during early contact, some impressions were recorded.
Table 1: Vascular Plants of Namdrik Recorded in Legend and Place Names
(sources: Erdland 1914, Bender 1976)

English
False Spider Lily Pandanus Polynesian Arrowroot Island Walnut Red-flowered Black Mangrove Beach Almond Beach Spurge Beach Hibiscus Golden Mallow Breadfruit Giant Lettuce Tree Long-leafed Orange Mangrove Flower of the Forest Flame-of-the-Forest Red-bug Tree Bitter Tree Beach Privet

Marshallese
kiep toar? makmok kno kimeme ekko pdal lo kio ma kaal jo wut kajdo kutaak kabwijl wulej

Scientific
Crinum asiasticum Pandanus tectorius Tacca lentopelaloides Corda subcordata Lumnitzera littorea Terminalia samoensis Chamaesyce chamissonis Hibiscus tileaceus Sida fallax Artocarpus sp. Pisonia grandis Bruguiera gymnorhiza Guettarda speciosa Ixora casei Allophylus timoriensis Soulamea amara Clerodendrum inerme

Vascular Plants Recorded by F. R. Fosberg (1990)

Strap Fern Scented Fern Lacy Fern Shoestring Fern False Spider Lily Beach Sedge Beach Sunflower Golden Mallow Breadfruit Breadfruit Boerhavia ? kino ? ? kiep padadijmaan markubwebwe kio ma ma dbijdeka Ophioglossum pendulum Phymatosorus grossus Pteris tripartita Vittaria incurvata Crinum asiasticum Fimbristylis cymosa Meanthera biflora Sida fallax Artocarpus altilis Artocapus mariannensis Boerhavia tetrandra

The ship captain James Lyle Young, in his impressions of Namdrik from a 1876 visit, describes it as probably the most fertile and productive group of the Marshalls Group. He also told of heavy straight timber, of some kind of hard wood and some cocoanuts [sic] on Madmad Island and the main island being densely covered with cocoanuts [sic], pandanus, breadfruit, etc. as well as bananas, pigs, fowls and, in the lagoon, pearl oysters (Young 1877).

The writer, Robert Louis Stevenson was probably the most famous of such visitors to record his experience on Namdrik. In discussing the harsh conditions he found on most Pacific atolls, he commented that the atoll is a discomfortable home, yet noted that some, such as Namdrik, were probably ancient, where a deep soil has been formed and the most valuable fruit-trees prosper. He recounted how in the atoll of Namorik in the Marshall group, which he said stands alone in my experience, he walked...with equal admiration and surprise, through a forest of huge breadfruits, eating bananas and stumbling among taro as I went (Stevenson 1909:182,183). During the Japanese administration, there was a similar paupacy of scientific work done on Namdrik Atoll. After the United States took charge in Micronesia, there was considerable interest and investigation given to Marshalls atolls, although primarily to the large and diverse Arno Atoll of the Ratak Chain. Some regional work was done on insects, largely in reports of various economic entomologists working in the area and a few Namdrik insects were described (Beardsley 1966). The nuclear testing program of the 1940s to 1960s created a flurry of scientific research being done on Bikini, Enewetak and some of the nearby atolls. Only by extension was this information applicable to other parts of the Marshalls (Devaney et al. 1987; Garrett & Schreiber 1988; Taylor 1950). But in 1997, little Namdrik Atoll was selected as the first of five atolls to conduct Biodivesity Workshops. Local people from around the atoll, together with an international and national consultant, gathered to discuss and record the plants and animals of the atoll and their importance. Many of the wetland species of Namdrik were recorded for the first time, including Figure 10: Madmad mangrove wetlands. the mangrove trees and some of the animals in those wetlands. Additionally, the visitors saw firsthand the mangrove areas of Madmad Island. (See figure 10). Most of the results from that workshop were incorporated into the book The Marshall Islands Living Atolls Amidst the Living Sea. The National Biodiversity Report of the Republic of the Marshall Islands which was printed in 2000 and widely distributed. The following year some additional work on Namdrik was done by the RMI Historic Preservation Office during its survey of cultural resources (Mead et al. 2003). Although the focus was on culture, many of the sites described were connected with wetlands and wetland plants and animals.

Namdriks Wetlands
The most outstanding of Namdriks wetlands are unquestionably its mangrove areas. However, a surprisingly large diversity of wetland types are to be found on and around this small atoll. Table 2: By using the Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Types (Ramsar 1996) twelve types of wetlands can be described on Namdrik. (See Table 2). Admittedly, the differentiation between these types, however, is often hard to make and some areas could be classified under several different categories. This is particularly true when considering such a small atoll with such limited land. It has even been expressed that in Micronesia, much less the Marshall Islands, that there exists no sharp boundary between mangrove swamps and freshwater swamps and that most or all of these Micronesian species are confined to saline areas by competition and migrational ability rather than by physiological necessity (MuellerDombois & Fosberg 1998). Below is a brief explantion of where each of these twelve wetlands were found, along with some of the species of these wetlands, bearing in mind, however, that often the distinctions between the wetland are rather arbitrary and many of the species will cross over into many of the wetland types.
Namdrik Wetlands according to the Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Types Marine/Coastal: A. Permanent shallow marine waters less than six metres deep at low tide; includes sea bays and straits. B. Marine subtidal aquatic beds; includes kelp beds, sea-grass beds, tropical marine meadows. C. Coral reefs. D. Rocky marine shores; includes rocky offshore islands, sea cliffs. E. Sand, shingle or pebble shores; includes sand bars, spits and sandy islets; includes dune systems and humid dune slacks. I. Intertidal forested wetlands; includes mangrove swamps, nipah swamps and tidal freshwater swamp forests. Zk. Subterranean karst and cave hydrological systems. Freshwater: Sp. Permanent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. Ss. Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/ pools. Xp. Forested peatlands; peatswamp forest. Zk(b). Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems, inland "Man-made" Wetlands: 2. Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks; (generally below 8 ha). 7. Excavations; gravel/brick/clay pits; borrow pits, mining pools.

MARINE/COASTAL
A. Permanent shallow marine waters less than six metres deep at low tide; includes sea bays and straits.

The entire encircling reef-flat around both islets and the areas connecting the two islands would fall in this definition, since as all this area is exposed at low tides and even at high tides, would not be more than a meter or two deep. Much of the beginning of the ocean reef drop-offs would also fall into this definition. Mammals During the recent survey, a pod of unidentified small cetaceans were observed Figure 11: Oceanside intertidal reef, Eoon-ene. swimming near the edge of the reef drop-off on the oceanside of Eoon-ene. One of the traditional navigational markers tells of either a single cetacean between Eoon-ene and Madmad (Mwekto undtd.) or a pod of porpoises offshore (Knight 1982; Tobin 2002). Reptiles Both the Green Sea Turtle wn (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawkbill Turtle jebake (Eretochelys imbricata) were said to regularly be found in the lagoon of Namdrik. In order to enter the lagoon, these turtles would have had to transit over the intertidal reefs between the islets. The number of both types of turtles are greatly reduced, not only around Namdrik but worldwide the Green Sea Turtle is now considered to be an Endangered Species by the IUCN and the Hawksbill Critically Endangered. Several years ago, according to Mayor Clarence Luther, a Leatherback Turtle won in lometo (Eretmochelys coriacea) washed ashore at Ajelto. This species (which is also considered to be Critically Endangered by the IUCN) regularly transits through the southern Marshall Islands (McCoy pers. comm. 2009). Birds: Many seabirds and shorebirds spend considerable time in this area; others at least transit this area. Common winter residents are seen throughout this wetland all around the atoll Pacific Golden Plover kwolej (Pluvialis dominica), Wandering Tattler kidid

(Heteroscelus incanus) and Ruddy Turnstone ktkt (Arenaria interpres). (See figure 11). These birds, as well as Bristle-thighed Curlew kowak (Numenius tahitiensis), were named by the participants of the Biodiversity Workshop. The latter is worthy of special note because of its Vulnerable status with the IUCN and being considered to be Potentially Threatened by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot. Fishes The participants of the 1997 Biodiversity Figure 12: Wandering Tattler and Workshop identified 150 species of fishes, Pacific Golden Plover on lagoon primarily reef fishes, most of which are to be beach. found within limits of this wetland. Among those named were the Napoleon Wrasse labbo, Cheilinus undulatus, (which is considered to be an Endangered Species by the IUCN), and the Brown-marbled Grouper kro, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN). Other species of groupers, not named during the Biodiversity Workshop are also expected in this area, and are of concern by the IUCN. These would include the Squaretail Leopardgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus), the Blacksaddled Coral Grouper (Plectropomus laevis) (both of which are considered Vulnerable), the Surge Grouper (Epinephelus socialis) and Highfin Coral Grouper (Plectropomus oligacanthus) (Near Threatened). Near the ocean reef off of Eoon-ene, Yellowfin Tuna bwebwe (Thunnus albacoros) often come close to shore, and there caught by fishermen fishing from traditional outrigger canoes. This fish was named by the Biodiversity Workshop, and it too is considered to be Near Threatened by the IUCN. Mollusks Several species of tridacna clams found on Namdrik in this wetland and similar wetland habitats. These included the Giant Clam kabor, Tridacna gigas (IUCN Vulnerable Species) and the Bear Claw Clam dimuuj, Hippopus hippopus, Small Giant Clam mejenwod (Tridacna maxima) and Fluted Clam Tridacna squmosa (all IUCN species of Lower Risk). Corals No specific work was done with this group of marine animals during the recent survey, but what was observed during the time spent free diving on the ocean reef, was that there is notable variety of species. The formation observed built by corals at the ocean drop-off was also remarkable.

B. Marine subtidal aquatic beds; includes kelp beds, seagrass beds, tropical marine meadows.

Seagrass is found on much of the shallow sandy area of the lagoon and ocean sides of Namdrik, with some patches in the mangrove areas of Madmad. The species has been tentatively identified as Serrated Ribbon Seagrass, Cymodocea serrulata (Kannan & Thangaradjou 2009; Lanyon, J. 1986; McKenzie et al. 2006-2009). (See figure 13). Figure 13: Serrated Ribbon Seagrass (tentative If this identification is confirmed, determination) underwater. (photo: M. Honath) this would represent a new record for the Marshall Islands. In other parts world, this seagrass is known as food for the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) (Arthur et al. 2009:7). During brief snorkeling over some of these seagrass beds near the Community Center on Eoon-ene, many small fishes and some mollusks and crustaceas were observed. This wetland is also a habitat of foraminferans and small plankton.

C. Coral Reefs

There are many areas further from shore than the intertidal reefs. These would include the coral pinnacles and reef ridges which encircle the secondary lagoons, such as that just south of Ajelto and those off of Madmad. (See figure 14). In Namdrik, the marine subtidal aquatic beds share many species with the Permanent shallow marine waters (above). However, open ocean species, such as the mammals, tubesnout birds, and Yellowfin Tuna, would be generally absent or only occasionally present.

Figure 14: Aerial view of eastern end of Madmad, showing reefs and secondary lagoons. (photo: M. Honath).

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D. Rocky marine shores; includes rocky offshore islands, sea cliffs. There are a number of large rocks on the intertidal reef between the two main islands. Some of these rocks are large enough to have terrestrial vegetation and assocated insects and other arthropods on top, making them reminescent to the famed Rock Islands of Palau. These reef rocks obviously appeared long ago. Only a brief visit was made to those rocks during the recent survey, but further investigation into vegetation, animals, formation, and ecosystems would seem appropriate.

Figure 11: Large rocks on ocean reef, smaller ones near Eoon-ene with canoe fishing in background.

Legends are assocatiated with these reef roecks. At least the larger ones have names, with those on one side of Madmad being called Ledik-nejin-Lijabkanira (or daughters of Ms. Jabkanira) and those on the other side, Ladik-nejin-Lijabkanira (or the sons of the same woman). These were all players in a story related to the formation of one of the matrilineal clan, Erebra (Erdland 1914 [trans. Neuse 1961]; Mead et al. 2003). These bolders were the basis of a number of navigational signs. Three of the named bolders, Lijinej, Lijoal, and Lijenmaloklok, are traditional navigation signs, said to have been women who came from Kosrae (Tobin 2002). Other named navigational sign/bolders are Lalblok both a greenish colored anchovy and a stone on the southern outer shore and Jelauwe with again a double manifestation, a large kidid (presumably a Wandering Tattler, [Numenius tahitiensis]), and a stone on the outer shore (Erdland 1914 [trans. Neuse 1961]). Early records and illustrations of Namdrik show these reef bolders. On one illustration (see figure 9, above), three palm trees are clearly indicated on one of the bolders. This would likely have been another navigation marker, Taij (Krmer & Nevermann 1938 [trans. Brant & Armstrong 1942]); Tobin 2002]. These palms are no longer present, perhaps destroyed by a subsequent typhoon. The nearshore seabirds the and shorebirds on and around these bolders would be those also found in the Permanent shallow marine waters (above), with many species using them as resting spots.

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E. Sand, shingle or pebble shores; includes sand bars, spits and sandy islets; includes dune systems and humid dune slacks.

At the end of the two islets are sand spits extending out to intertidal reef. On these was found a concentration of drift material. Along the north facing intertidal reef between Madmad and Ajelto, there are prominent sand bars and shoals islets, apparently exposed except during the highest of tides. The area was not explored during the recent survey. (See figure 15). This environment may serve as a resting area and potentially breeding area of sand nesting seabirds, such as the Black-naped Tern, (Sterna sumatrana).

Figure 15: Aerial view of sand islets between Ajelto and Madmad.

I. Intertidal forested wetlands; includes mangrove swamps, nipah swamps and tidal freshwater swamp forests

All of Namdriks mangrove areas are effected by tides, but as is typical in the Marshall Islands, most are mangrove depressions and not intertidal barrier areas (Fosberg 1949, 1975; Mueller-Dombois & Fosberg 1998). An extensive complex of these depressions are found in the interior of Eoon-ene. A small mangrove depression is found in Ajelto. (These will be discussed in more detail under several of the appropriate Freshwater wetlands below).

The large mangrove area of Madmad is therefore notable as it is the inflow from the lagoon, (which, again, is not the norm for 12

Figure 12: Entrance to wetland areas of Madmad, looking toward the inflow of saltwater from the lagoon (photo: M. Honath)

mangrove wetlands in the Marshalls). (See figure 16). Even far into the interior was found evidence of the regular influx of distant oceanic material (i.e. Nypa fruticans fruit, fishing floats). This wetland system is one of most beautiful and significant in all of Namdrik. Not only is it connected with traditional legend and navigational markers, it also serves as a pantry for the inhabitants of the atoll. It appears to be in a remarkablly healthy condition, not heavily impacted by foreign species nor suffering a great increase in exploitation. Mammals While rats were not actually observed, there was evidence of their activity. They are presumably the Polynesian Rat (Rattus exulans). Free-roaming pigs (Sus scrofa) are allowed to forage in the mangrove areas. Birds As in much of the atoll, Brown Noddy pejwak (Anous stolidus), Black Noddy jekad (Anous minutus), and White or Fairy Terns (Gygis alba) are common sights overhead. Shorebirds also frequent the area, including the Bristle-thighed Curlew kowak (Numerius tahitiensis) (see above). The Long-tailed Cuckoo wdej (Eudynamis taitensis) was observed in this area. This bird is Oceania endemic which lays its eggs in the New Zealand region and migrates to the Central Pacific. During the recent survey of the Madmad mangrove wetlands, a loud bird cry was heard, which was unfamiliar the authors. No bird was observed that would have accounted for the cry. However, there is a remote possiblity that Madmad could still be home to the last remnant population of the White-browed Rail (Porzana cinerea). The only documented specimen of this secretive wetland bird was taken from Bikini in 1933 (Garrett & Schreiber 1988). Although there is no way of telling if this bird may also be what is described in traditional legends of a secretive small wetland bird called the anna. While never describing the bird in any detail, old German accounts explain that the annan was extirpated from many areas after the introduction of cats (Krmer & Nevermann 1938 [trans. Brant & Armstrong 1942]). According to informants, there were a few cats briefly living on Madmad but they did not necessarily get into the wetland areas. Therefore, Madmad could be a last holdout for a small marsh bird in the Marshall Islands, be that the White-browed Rail, the anna or some other species.

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Reptiles Skinks are well represented in the mangrove and nearby areas of Madmad and Eoon-ene. Most are small species kul, in the Emoia striped complex caeruleocauda / cyanura / impar. These species can be tricky to differentiate and since only photographs were taken, absolute identification cannot be made at present. Larger skinks, aob are also found in a variety of colors. The residents of Namdrik readily describe how aob came in yellow, brown, green and black. Some of these are likely color variations of the so-called Emerald Skink, Lamprolepis smaragdina, a wide-ranging oceanic species. However, the black skinks are of particularly significance since they are probably the Arno Skink, (Emoia arnoensis). This species is endemic to the Marshalls, Nauru and a few island of the Carolines and has been recognized as potentially threatened by the Critical Figure 13: Probably the Arno Skink (Emoia arnoensis) in Ecosystem Partnership mangrove area on Madmad Island. Fund (CEPF) for the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot.

Fish Soon after entering the Madmad wetland, there are small schools of the nearly inactive Orbiculate Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia orbicularia) hanging around near seagrass and Sonneratia pneumatophores or the specialized breathing tubes that extend up from the roots of some mangrove species. (See figure 18). These marine fishes are charactically found in mangrove and other protected, calm water areas (Lieske & Myers 1994).

Figure 14: Seagrass and Orbiculate Cardinalfish near Sonneratia alba on Madmad.

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Little mudskippers or jipalo are even more classically associated with mangroves. The ones that were found around the mangrove root systems on Madmad Island were likely either the Barred Mudskipper (Periophthalmus argentilineatus) or the Common Mudskipper (P. kalolo) (pers. comm. Gianluca Polgar 2009). These amazing fishes spend much of their time out of water, scuttling away if disturbed. Mudskippers need soft sediments for their reproductive burrows, which are in abudance on Madmad. (However, it seems that after breeding, these disperse throughout Namdriks lagoon and are found in Figure 15: Mudskipper and most environments.) (See figure 19). periwinkles by Community
Center.

The much larger Snakehead gudgeon kirinbo (Ophieleotris aporos) inhabit the ponds and are pursued by the people of Namdrik for food. The Madmad wetlands also contain eels. Spennemann (1998) felt that the freshwater eel ton (Anguilla celebensis) was present, likely introduced from the west, coming first to Namdrik and Jaluit, then on to other parts of the Marshalls. While such a thing certainly could have been done in precontact times, at present, none of our informants felt that ton was present on Namdrik, although knowing it from Ebon Atoll to the south. Unidentified eels, were known by informants as maj were observed during the survey. Insects As with wetlands in general, mosquitoes are present in those of Namdrik. However it is likely that at least some of these are the endemic species Aedes marshallensis. Positive identification needs to be made. Crabs There are several species of crabs collected for food in the Madmad wetlands. These include the Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata), the Blue Crab (Gecarcinus quadratus), and the Red Crab (Cardisoma armatum). Hermit Crabs are also common, but it is the related Coconut Crab barulep (Birgus latro) that is prized for eating (Mead et al. 2003). Although not observed and not a food species, informants indicated that fiddler crabs (Uca sp.) were also present. One of the traditional stories related to the matriarch of Namdrik, Lijobkonira, explains that her daughters are believed to be small crabs that are found inside the shells of clams in the swamp. These crabs are said to be unique to the swamp of Namdik (Mead et al. 2003). No determination was made as to whether or not there is any unique crab species in the wetlands of Madmad or some other part of Namdrik, but this may warrant further investigation. 15

Mangroves At the entrance of the area, there are isolated Reef Barrier Mangrove, ke (Pemphis acidula) but then a large area of White Apple Mangrove bulabol (Sonneratia alba) with its characteristic pencil-like pneumatophores extending up. Then Red Mangrove jo (Bruguiera gynmorrhiza) soon thereafter becomes mixed in, plus a few Island Teak kabok / kije (c. f. Intsia bijuga) trees, all well arrayed with various ferns and other epiphytes. A short walk from shore, is found. a small patch of older Stilt Mangrove eoeak (Rhizophora sp.). (See figure 20). There are a few older Rhizophora trees found a bit further inland. Then in the center of the wetland as well as center of the island, is an extensive area of young Rhizophora trees. These may, or may not, all represent the same species.
Figure 6: Old stand of Rhizophora on Madmad Island.

Other Plants Extensive ferns are found in assocation with the mangroves, most of them being ephiphytes growing on trees. The common species included the Fishtail Fern iri (Nephrolepsis acutifolia), Scented Fern kino (Phymatosorus grossus) and Shoestring Fern (Vittaria incurvata). The Strap Fern (Ophloglossum pedulum) is less common (Raulerson & Rinehart 1992). The Stalked Procris (Procris pedunculata) is also found growing on trees. Its fleshy reddish fruit are edible and have a sweet taste and hence are known by many people on Namdrik as loli (or candy).

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On nearby rocks was found patches of the Pohnpei Peperomia (Peperomia ponapensis), another regional endemic that is considered to potentially threatened by CEPF. This species had been lost to science for decades so its presence on Madmad is significant. (See figure 21; also see page 31).
Figure 21: Peperomia ponapensis on Madmad Island.

In addition to this spectacular mangrove wetland in Madmad, were found an ephemeral Nypa area along the ocean beach of Eoon-ene and southern Ajelto. Numerous drift Nypa fruticans were discovered both sprouted and rooted. (See figure 22). Evidently, these regularly wash ashore and although ephemeral, they can reach a half-meter or so in height.
Figure 7: Sprouted Nypa fruit along ocean beach.

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FRESHWATER
Sp. Permanent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. Brackish inland pools are the mangrove depression which are commonly said to be the mangrove areas characterizing atolls (Fosberg 1949, 1975; Mueller-Dombois & Fosberg 1998). These rise and fall with the tidal flux but are rarely, if ever, completely dry. The wetlands of Eoon-ene would fall into this category. Immediately behind the main urban area of Eoon-ene, there is an extensive wetland system consisting largely of Red-flowered Black Mangrove, kimeme (Lumnitzera littorea) and Large-leafed Orange Mangrove jo (Bruguiera gymnorhiza). The same epiphyic ferns such as are found on Madmad are also present. The Red-flowered Black Mangrove has bright red flowers are traditionally reserved for the garlands of chiefs. There are a few pools without any typical mangrove tree species but other species not normally associated with mangroves are Figure 8: Lumnitzera in wetlands of Eoon-ene. seen functioning this this capacity. Most notable was False Elderberry kaar (Premna serratifolia). In addition to the ubiquitous mosquitoes, which again may be the endemic Aedes marshallensis, were dragonflies and damselflies. Thiarid snails were also found in some of the ponds (pers. comm. R. Cowie 2009). Seabirds fly overhead and shorebirds often forage near these wetlands. The record of a single Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) was in this area. (See figure 25).

Figure 9: Premna serratifolia functioning as mangrove in wetland near urban area.

Figure 25: Pectoral Sandpiper.

A number of non-native species of plants have made inroads into this area, including invasive grasses and weeds. Also, they are used as hogwallows for both tethered and free roaming animals. (See figure 26)
Figure 26: Tethered pigs wallowing.

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Ss. Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/ pools.

Some of the pools and ponds of Eoon-ene often loose their standing water during ebb tides. These have many of the same species as those in the previous wetland category, but in this area, there are more extensive stands of Beach Privet wulej (Clerodendrum inerme). There was also observed sections dominated by small, seemingly spreading young wild Pandanus edwaan (Pandanus tectorius). Epiphytic ferns were again present, sometimes in abundance. (See figure 27). The highly attractive, non-epiphytic Lacy Fern (Pteris tripartita) is also found in the forested areas. There are also planted food crops such as Coconut ni (Cocos nucifera). The area is bordered by Breadfruit m (Artocarpus altilis) Cultivated Pandanus cutivars bb (general name) (Pandanus tectorius) and Banana pinana (general name) (Musa cultivars). Some of the larger breadfruit trees are felled and their trunks employed in the construction of traditional outrigger canoes karkar. The far end of Ajelto also has wetlands which for the most part periodically become dry, although interspersed with deeper hollows. (See figure 28).
Figure 10: Coconut palm with Shoestring Ferns, wetland, Eoon-ene.

The area has a high overstory, dominated by tall trees the Giant Lettuce Tree kaal (Pisonia grandis), Island Teak kubok / kije (c. f. Intsia bijuga), Bittertree kabwijil (Soulamea amara), and the Seeded Breadfruit (Artocarpus mariannensis). Many of these trees have epiphytic ferns. The understory consists of smaller native trees, ferns and herbaceus ground cover plants. Birds nest and roost in these tall trees, including the graceful and beautiful White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon jipkorj lepturus).

Figure 11: Wetland of Ajelto by air strip.

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Xp. Forested peatlands; peatswamp forest. Further out of the residential area of Eoonene, the ground rises a bit and the Redflowered Black Mangrove, kimeme (Lumnitzera littorea) trees reach considerable height, some reaches 10 or more meters. Their litter forms a boggy mat underneath, giving the area a feel like a montane meadow. (See figure 29).

Epiphytic ferns are still present but a greater amount of non-vascular plants such as bryophytes appear. (See figure 30). Some of Figure 12: : Litter of leaves and fruit under these may be Marshalls endemics, as a Lumnitzera littorea. number of such have been described from other atolls, so further investigation would seem warranted. On the ocean side of Eoon-ene is found an extensive area of a practically monospecific forest of the Jack-inthe-Box Tree pipi (Hernandia nymphyaeifolia). Covering many acres of forest, the dense overstory of spreading trees mutes the sunlight, giving an almost surreal effect., and underneath, no plants were seen growing except Hernandia seedlings, and whenever a clearing can be found, it consists of fallen black marblelike seeds and decomposing leaves, all serving to maintain a heavy damp feel to the air and ground. (See figure 31).
Figure 13: Moss covered tree trunk in Lumnitzera wetland.

Some copra plantations on Madmad, Ajelto as well as Eoonene would also fall into this category, although typically cleared of much undergrowth and debris. These areas regularly flood due to heavy rains. Heaps of coconut husks are left decaying and within these are said to be found the large lizard kutiltil. Only a glimpse of one of these was made during the recent survey so positive Figure 14: Sprouting seedlings under practically identification was not made, but the monospecific Hernandia forest, ocean side, Eoon-ene. people of Namdrik all know this lizard. To some, it is highly feared, to others, it is becomes a pet.

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Zk(b). Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems, inland.

In a mangrove wetland area of Ajelto and a few of those of Eoon-ene, cracks are known in the bottom of the pools where water ebbs and flows according to the tide. Shrimp liponej live in these cracks. These are likely anchialine shrimp, possibly Antecaridina lauensis, which is considered to be potentially threatened by CEPF. (See figure 32). Fishermen who catch Yellowfin Tuna bwebwe off of Eoon-ene report that the stomachs of these fish are often full of the same shrimp found in the wetland pools.
Figure 15: Possible ancardid shrimp in wetland of Eoon-ene.

Surrounding the pool on Ajelto are numerous Bruguiera trees, both mature and young. At first glance they tend to look like the widespread B. gymnorhiza. However, upon closer examination, differences were evident, and they had an appearance very much like that of the Hybrid Orange Mangrove B. x. rhynchopetala. Since most of the atoll seems to receive regular drift material, including much viable seeds and fruit, even though this could represent quite an extension of this hybrids range, it would certainly be possible. (See figure 33). But the most important subterranean water system not only for Namdrik, but atolls in general, is the extensive Ghyben-Herzberg water lens. Due to regular rainfall, the fact that freshwater floats on saltwater and the porous nature of atolls and other factors, fresh rainwater seeps through and forms an underground reserve of water. This water supply is often tapped through wells. Some wells have quite sweet water, with others, it can be rather brackish (Fosberg 1949; NBTRMI 2000).

Figure 16: : Possible Bruguiera x rhynchopetala in wetland of Ajelto, with evident stilts on young trees.

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MAN-MADE" WETLANDS
2. Ponds; includes. farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks; (generally below 8 ha). Even with the above described Ghyben-Herzberg water lens, and Namdrik receiving a relatively large amount of rain, getting a safe supply of drinking water is a continuous challenge. In times of severe drought, most, if not all wells may turn salty. In recent decades this problem has been addressed by providing households with private water catchment tanks. Years ago, these were made of concrete and aluminum, but nowadays, plastic tanks are more popular. (See figure 34). After the recent survey was done, a delivery of more of such donated tanks took place. Particularly if left uncovered water Figure 17: Large water catchment tank of private catchment tanks, which are typically residence with smaller vessels to the side. hold 500 to 1500 gallons tend to attract aquatic insects. Mosquitoes almost immediately lay their eggs, as do also dragonflies. If unattended for long enough, other insects and invertebrates will find their way into these tanks, and cytobacteria, algae and other plants will grow in and around them. Additionally, it is typical for other small household water countainers to be utilized for washing and other purposes. If these are not diligently covered and the water is allowed to stand in them for any length of time, can become havens for mosquitoes and other aquatic invertebrates. 7. Excavations; gravel/brick/clay pits; borrow pits, mining pools.

The inhabitants of the Marshall Islands have since prehistoric times excavated pits for growing the important stabile crop, Giant Swamp Taro iaraj (Cyrtosperma chamissonis) (NBTRMI 2000) and this certainly the case on Namdrik. The participants of the Biodivesity Workshop mentioned iaraj as one of the most important plants. One of the traditional navigational markers refers to a man digging taro (Erdland 1914 [trans. Neuse 1961]). (In the Marshall Islands, unlike in other parts of Micronesia, tending to taro has long been done by men, not women).

Figure 18: Giant Swamp Taro pit.

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Scattered around the dwellings of Eoon-ene are excavated iaraj pits. (See figure 35). The history of each and every one was not addressed. Often, a natural wetland depression will be enlarged by hand in order to be provide enough water to grow iaraj. Some of these had been worked relatively. Mayor Luther explained that many of the existing pits were dug by heavy equipment in the 1970s with the hopes of being able to provide additional food for the people. Others have a much longer history and significance. For instance, one of these former iaraj pits is considered to be a culturally significant site, The Home of Ledebno, (another player in the tales of Lijobkonira). Now appearing as little more than a slightly depressed area of dark soil located at the center of the island. It was the only prehistoric site that was located on Namdrik during the 2001 HPO cultural survey (Mead et al. 2003). One interior wetland, which likely was at one time used as a taro pit, is now used as a soaking pit for pandanus leaves for use in the production of traditional weaving and handicrafts. (See figure 36). Admittedly, though, most of these these taro pits have fallen into disuse. Only a few were still being actively farmed but for the most part, they were full of native sedges and other plants, as well as invasive Figure 19: Soaking pit in mangrove wetland, Eoon-ene. weeds. The ones still functioning (photo: M. Honath). were fenced so as to keep the freeranging pigs out, but not always successfully. Ecologically, however, these pits, whether in active use in taro production or not, have similar wetland function. These serve as a breeding area for insects, freshwater snails and other invertebrates. (See figure 37). Fortunately, no evidence was found of the introduction of the highly destructive Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) or any similar exotic fish. Smaller excavations have been made in the form of wells in order to access the freshwater lens, wells have long been dug. Some of these are of recent origin while others are so old to be be considered culturally significant (Mead et al. 2003).
Figure 20: Dragonflies over probable abandoned iaraj pit near urban area.

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Plant Diversity
From an assemblence of only a couple dozen vascular plants recorded historically and scientifically (see Table 1, page 5), and 58 listed by the 1997 Biodiversity Workshop, close to two-hundred vascular plants are now known from Namdrik Atoll (see Appendix A). Of these, 73 are probably native, (probably must be used in such a case because it is almost impossible at times to determine what species arrived on their own and which ones came with humans), another 15 are of probable of aborignal introduction. A few of the plant records are based on drift seeds, fruit or, in the case of bamboo, material. One drift seed was found sprouted and until now, remains unidentified Only a few species which had been reported in earlier reports were not observed. The Golden Mallow kio (Sida fallax) was recorded by Fosberg (1990), legend and place name but was not definitively found during the recent survey. In general it favors hot, dry conditions. However, it was traditionally planted because of its attractive flower, which could account also for its being known earlier but no longer around. The majority of plants found are of recent origin. Many of these are decoratives planted around private homes and buildings. As in other parts of the Marshalls and the world people enjoy beautifying their surroundings with flowers and other attractive plants. However, from the point of view of one place on earth, biodiversity is increased by importing non-native species. But if an aggressive invasive becomes established and destroys valuable endemic species, the end result would be an overall reduction in global divesity. The plants that were compiled in the current listing were all vascular plants ferns and seed-bearing plants with a system for transporting water and nutrients within themselves. There are in addition an abundance of non-vascular species, such as algae and mosses. In other parts of the Marshall Islands, regional endemic species of these types of plants have been recorded (NBTRMI 2000). It would seem likely that some of these or even other endemics would be found on Namdrik. Invasive Exotic Species: Many decorative species are not necessarily a problem to the environment but unfortunately, a fair number of the recently introduced decorative plants are among those considered to be invasives. According to what is typically considered to be Exotic Invasive Species of plants, 44 of such plants were observed during the recent survey of Namdrik. Some of the invasive plants found on Namdrik were the Trailing Daisy (Sphagneticola [= Wedelia] trilobata), Water Hyacyth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Yellow Alder (Turnera ulmifolia). The Trailing Daisy was planted extensively, and covered a large portion of the lawn by the school. It is frequently used to add color to garlands. Unfortunately, it was observed very close to a wetland area of Eoon-ene, actually just across a narrow foot path and so could potentially encroarch into such areas.

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Only one planting of Water Hyacynth was seen, it being in a container of water in a private yard. Although not yet documented as getting loose into the wild in the Marshall Islands, it is considered to be one of the worlds worst aquatic weeds and is even banned from interstate commerse in the United States (Whistler 2000). Two other notorious invasives were found only as single plants the Australian Pine pientri, bulukam (Casuarina equisetifolia) (figure 39) and tangan-tangan (Leucaena leucocephala). While both these trees have been promoted for some of their beneficial agricultural qualities, in general they have proved to be highly destructive to coral island environments.
Figure 38: Water Hyacinth.

Other invasives are more along the line of grasses, ground covers and full-on weeds. Several of these appeared healthier than those of the same species on other atolls. For instance, Cinderella Weed bwilbwilkaj (Synedrella nodiflora) and T-grass (Paspalum conjugatum) that were observed on Namdrik were considerably larger and more robust than those frequently seen on Majuro. Of course, the ultimate behavior of new species introduced into an area, whether they are brought in intentionally or accidentally is often hard to predict.

Figure 39: Australian Pine on Eoon-ene.

Figure 40: Extensive area of White Water Sedge in private yard.

However, from what was observed during the survey on Namdrik, one invasive species which appears to be a major threat to wetlands is the White Water Sedge (Kyllinga nemoralis). This low-lying seemingly innocuous ground-cover, can spread by means of a long-creeping rhizome (or underground stem), and it can be abundant in relatively moist, disturbed places (Whistler 1995) as was seen in a few areas of Eoon-ene. (See figure 40).

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Mangroves and Other Wetland Plants There is one school of thought that the only species that should be considered to be mangrove or wetland are those which are exclusively found in those environments and no others. The other opinion is that any species in such area should be considered as part of the environment (Giesen et al. 2006). For the sake of this report, the broader viewpoint is used. Based on observations for this report, 65 plant species are either exclusively related to wetland or at least associated with these areas. All the ferns found were mangrove associates, but some of these were also found in non-wetland environments (Raulerson & Rinehart 1992). One species of seagrass, tentatively the Serrated Ribbon Seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata), (which if verified, would be a new record for the Marshalls, although potentially also at other atolls that have yet been recently investigated). Forteen of these species are what are considered standardly to be mangroves (Duke 2006). (See Table 3). This listing does not include the Polynesian Chestnut (Inocarpus fagifer) that was only observed as a garden tree, or Xylocarpus sp. or Barringtonia racemosa which were found only as drift fruit, none of which seemed viable All mangrove species in this listing are considered to be indigenous to Namdrik. However, this may or may not be the actual case. Over the years, botanists and other researchers, (including the authors of this report at times) have held to the opinion that mangroves in the Marshall Islands were of aboriginal origin. This nearly-correct idea that the mangrove areas are all interior depressions has given substance to this assumption (Hatheway 1953, MuellerDombois & Fosberg 1998; NBTRMI 2000; Spennemann 1998). Yet most mangrove species are quite capible of spreading through oceanic drift (Claussen 2005; Smith 1999). During the recent visit to Namdrik in preparation for this report, viable mangrove drift seeds, fruit, and hypocotyls were found along all seaward beaches. These included hypocotlys of Bruguiera (likely B. gymnorhiza) and several species of Rhizophora. Additionally, a substancial number of sprouting and rooting fruit of Nypa fruticans were encountered.

Table 3: Mangroves from Namdrik Atoll (based on listings in Duke 2006 and Tomlinson1986) 1. Fish-kill Tree wp Barringtonia asiatica^ Large-leafed Orange Mangrove jo Bruguiera gymnorhiza Hybrid Orange Mangrove jo Bruguiera x rhynchopetala# Beautyleaf lukwej Calophyllum inophyllum^ 5. Beach Hibiscus lo Hibiscus tileaceus^ Island Teak kabk / kije Intsia bijuga^ 7. Red-flowered Black Mangrove kimeme Lumnitzera littorea 6. 4. 3.

2.

8. Mangrove Palm Nypa fruticans* Reef Barrier Mangrove ke Pemphis acidula 10. Hybrid Stilt Mangrove eoeak Rhizophora x lamarckii# 11. Long-style Stilt Mangrove eoeak Rhizophora stylosa# 12. Half-flower knnat Scaevola taccada^ 13. White-flowered Apple Mangrove bulabul Sonneratia alba 14. Tropical Almond ktl Terminalia catappa^
*ephemeral # tentative identification ^ Tomlinson but not Duke

9.

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Animal Diversity
Namdrik and its extensive wetlands are home to an abundance of animal life. Some of these are classically associated with mangroves. Among them is the Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata), a prized food. But other crabs also are found in mangrove areas as well as other wetland areas. Over a dozen of these were listed by the Marshallese names during the 2007 Biodiversity Workshop, most being considered useful for food and other purposes. (See Table 4). There are many more ecological and other values which were not named at that workshop.

Table 4: Crabs Mentioned During Biodiversity Workshop name use baru wan food, medicine, income bajlo food, income atun food jebarbar food maeo food barulep food, handicraft likorkor food karuk bait, chicken feed linkorat (nothing stated) mejaj (nothing stated) om bait, medicine om kot bait, medicine om ed bait, medicine jawin Madmad (also bird?)

The little fish, the mudskipper (Periophthalmus sp.) is almost proverbally associated with mangroves. However, on Namdrik, while it is evidently the soft mud of Madmads mangrove area that are used for a breeding area, individuals are known to venture all around the lagoon. It thus remains a wetland species, but in environments not so typical. Some animal species are connected with water although not necessarily with mangroves. Included in these are ll of the reef invertebrates, including the corals, and marine vertebrates fish, marine mammals and sea turtles. (See Appendix B). The wetlands of Namdrik are home to a number of aquatic insects, such as dragonflies, damselflies, midges and mosquitoes. The participants of the 2007 Biodiversity Workshop specifically named boub (dragonfly and possibly also damselfly) and nam (mosquito), the former stated as being valuable because it eats mosquitoes and the latter undesirable because it causes sickness. (However, if the primary mosquito is the endemic Aedes marshallensis, its relatively shorter lifespan would make it a poor vector for some mosquito-borne diseases, such as Dengue Fever.) Fly ln and ant lon were also mentioned. While these insects are not aquatic in nature, various species of these were observed in many of the wetland environments. Even though pestiferous houseflies and some tramp ants were seen, many of the particular undesirable species, such as the biting Tropical Fire Ant kinal (Solenopsis geminata) were not found.

Figure 41: Small moth near wetlands of Eoon-ene.

But many more insects are present in and around the wetlands of Namdrik moths, grasshoppers, earwigs, etc. (See figure 41). It could not be determined during the recent

27

survey what species these were nor which were native and which were recent introductions. In general, Namdrik did NOT seem to be suffering from many of the problematic invasive insects that are plaging other areas. Even the highly destructive Formosan Subterranean Termite (Coptotermes formosanus) which is currently ravaging Majuro, was not found as evidenced by the number of wooden houses that were built decades ago and still standing. In some of the wetlands were found small shrimpliponej presumably anchialine shrimp, possibly Antecaridina lauensis (considered to be potentially threatened by CEPF) or a related species. (On Jaluit, several species of anchialine shrimp were found in that atolls various wetlands, including some that are endemic and a similar situation could be expected on Namdrik.) Lizards were one of the more visible vertebrates observed in the wetlands during the recent survey and several of these were named during the Biodiversity Workshop. From the most of the local names kul, korab, aob it is hard to determine species, but from the recent survey, it is apparent that quite a variety is present. (Many of these are listed in Appendix B.) But the animal many people enjoy seeing in wetlands are the birds. Appendix B lists over two dozen species of birds that were either observed or reported on Namdrik. Most of these are common and some of these are even kept as pets. (See figure 42). Figure 42: Ruddy Turnstone. Many of these birds are associated with wetlands but most also inhabited drier areas. The only exception might be the remote chance that the White-browed Rail (Porzana cinerea) or maybe the mysterious anna, if such a bird is still exists on Madmad. (See above).
Figure 43: Juvenile Lesser Frigatebird flying over Eoon-ene.

The tall Giant Lettuce Trees kaal (Pisonia grandis) of Madmad and Ajelto are roosting and nesting sites for many seabirds. A small flock of White-tailed Tropicbird jibkorj (Phaethon lepturus) were observed flying overhead visiting that area. Some of these species, such as the are uncommon sights in other parts of the Marshalls, but Another not exceptionally common bird seen overhead was a trio of Lesser Frigatebirds ak (Fregata ariel).

The Bristle-thighed Curlew kowak (Numenius tahitiensis) was named by the Workshop participants and our informants. It is considered to be a Vulnerable species by the IUCN and one of our informants felt that the number on Namdrik had decreased in recent years.

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Importance and Value of Namdriks Wetlands

Traditional Wetlands have long been extremely important to the daily life of the people of Namdrik Atoll. If fact, it would have been nigh-on impossible for anyone to survive in earlier times without the resources that were derived from the mangrove, seashore, reef, freshwater habitats, and the underground water lens. The basics of life food, water, clothing, shelter were all Table 5: related to wetlands. But beyond Usages of Mangrove and Wetland Plants as Reported by those, canoe-building supplies, Participants of the 1997 Namdrik Biodiversity Workshop ornaments, beauty aids, (in order listed in workshop notes) medicines, ceremonial supplies, Coconut (ni): Purple Beach Pea (marlap): material for maintaining food medicine attractive homesteads and more drink False Spider Lily (kiep): medicine medicine came from resources found in broom Reef Barrier Mangrove (ke): wetlands. lumber medicine
handicraft spear rope plate charcoal Pandanus (bb/ edwaan): juice house drying breadfruit medicine mat Half-flower (knnat): medicine garland canoe house firewood fishing pole Large-leafed Orange Mangrove (jo): house canoe medicine Red-flowered Black Mangrove (kimeme): firewood house garland canoe erosion control White-flowered Apple Mangrove (bulabl): canoe house Scented Fern (kino): medicine roasting with meat garland husking stick pounder erosion control Birds Nest Fern (kartp): medicine wrapping breadfruit Beach Privet (wulej): medicine shade Giant Swamp Taro (iaraj): food Beach Sunflower (markubwebwe): medicine Giant Lettuce Tree (kaal): soil improvement bird nesting Flame-of-the-Forest (kajdo): medicine Beach Almond (ekkon): food shade Silver Pipturus (armwe): medicine False Elderberry (kaar): medicine Beach Hibiscus (lo): handicraft boat house rope garland Red-bug Tree (kutaak): medicine house firewood

It seems that even though there would have been some activities conducted entirely on dry land, there would have been very little that was necessarily not wetland related. The participants of the 1997 Biodiversity Workshop listed the uses they knew of from the twenty-one wetland species that were discussed. (See Table 5). This may seem rather limited compared to other reports from other regions. But, those tabulations have a much broader diversity of plants to consider, as well as dealing with different cultures. (See Table 6). Such listings from other areas do provide interesting and often useful information, but it is important to not misapply these to Marshalls wetland.

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Table 6: Quantitative List of Mangrove Plant Products in Southeast Asia

(source: Giesen et al. 2007: 30) # sp % 110 41* 67 25 58 22 46 17 31 12 23 9 23 9 15 6 11 4 11 4 10 4 8 3 8 3 8 3 7 3 5 2 62 23 * 268 species were included in this evaluation.

On Namdrik, Bruguiera, Rhizophora, Sonneatia and Lumnitzera mangroves are generally found away from the shoreline and hence not at the forefront in protecting shorelines from waves, winds and storms. But other wetland and mangrove species do stabilize the substrate, those plants themselves dissipating wave and current energy. Foremost among these are Half-flower knnat (Scaevola taccada) wild Pandanus edwaan (Pandanus tectorius) and Reef Barrier Mangrove ke (Pemphis acidula). These are major components of the traditional jar or windward forest; a mixed forest of windward shores (Stege 2009). Modern Times Many traditional uses of wetlands have continued until modern times. Men in outrigger canoes karkar regularly gather food from the mangrove area of Madmad as well as the nearshore reef. (See figure 44). Several types of crabs are regularly sought, not only for local consumption but also export into Majuro. The Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata) is found only in mangrove areas and is particularly prized.

Mangrove Use medicine construction material food ornamental fuel utensils fodder tannin oil & wax rope & binding mats & baskets hedges & fencing dye perfume glue roofing & thatching no known use

Wetland animals also are important sources of food and tools. Traditionally, almost all reef and inshore fish were sought as food for the local people. There were also the crabs, mollusks and birds. Some of these uses were recognized during the 2007 Biodiversity Workshop (see Animal Diversity above). Namdriks wetlands are culturally important as shown by the majority of the traditional sites and navigational markers are often associated with wetlands. (See Table 7, page 33).

Some Giant Swamp Taro iaraj is still grown in wetlands, but Namdrik is renowned for its abundant supply of bananas. Different varieties of this staple are often grown in or near wetlands. Many of the copra producing areas are in the wetlands.

Figure 44: Traditional canoes along ocean beach, in for the evening after a day out fishing and gathering.

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Although coconut has also long been an important traditional food crop, it has also become a major cash crop since the introduction of the copra trade in the late nineteenth century. Anecdotally the local people claimed that diabetes did not develop among those actually living on Namdrik. They said that it was found with Namdrik people who had moved to Majuro or other areas who had developed the condition there. Whether or not such is true, and to document such would require careful investigation. However, it does give insight into how the people feel about the benefits of living a more traditional life on Namdrik. (The resident Medical Officer, Aisa Peter [pers. comm.] estimated that there were about 10 cases, a much lower Figure 45: Bananas near private residence. rate than other parts of the Marshalls.)

Scientifically Many of Namdriks natural features are scientifically noteworthy. Its small size, with only two islands, and its lagoon without any passes contribute to those. But so has its isolation and the relatively low number of people, a population figure which has remained fairly steady since early contact. This could have allowed some fragile species that have been extirpated in other parts of the Marshall Islands and Micronesia to still survive on Namdrik. The Pohnpeian Peperomia (Peperomia ponapensis) had all but been lost to science. In earlier personal communication with botanists knowledgable with this species, none knew of any published reports of sighting of this plant within nearly fifty years. No one on Pohnpei, where it was originally described, had seen it in recent years. Aside from the eastern Caroline Islands and a few atolls of the Marshalls, this plant was not known to live anywhere else in the world (Fosberg & Sachet 1975).
Figure 1: Peperomia ponapensis from Madmad wetlands.

Hatheway (1953) documented this species on Arno in the 1950s, detailing exactly the

31

location and environment where it was found. The authors in June 2009 revisted this area and found no trace of it anywhere. So it was very exciting to find that this species is in fact not extinct, but a healty population still thriving in the wetland areas of Madmad Island. Other endemic species were found in the wetlands of Namdrik. The Arno Skink aob (Emoia arnoensis) was relatively common throughout the atoll, although not in the more urban areas. Land and freshwater snails were also common although much smaller in size. Some of these appeared that they may be the endemic subspecies, Assiminea nitida marshallensis, although identification is pending. There is a crane fly, (Libnotes [=Limonia] beardsleyi) which is endemic to Namdrik, Kili and Namu (Alexander 1972). At least some of the mosquitoes were likely tentatively identified as the Tree-hole Mosquito (Aedes marshallensis), an endemic to the Marshalls, Kiribati, Kosrae and some Caroline atolls. Other species known to be endemic to the Marshalls or at least Micronesia could well be also present liverworts, various insects, reef fishes, the Bull Conch (Strombus taurus), etc. (NBTRMI 2000). There is no known work on the protozoa, microbes and other small components of the biodiversity, which may be just as likely to contain functionally important species and even endemics. Having a relatively healthy environment with many endemics already recorded, Namdrik with its wetlands would also appear to be a likely place to find species never recorded before in the Marshall Islands, or even heretofore never undescribed. A small Beautyleaf tree lukwej (Calophyllum inophyllum) found on the shore of Madmad has features look different than typical. Its leaves appear to being eaten by caterpillars, something not known anywhere else in its range, and is worthy of futher investigation (pers. comm. P. Stevens 2009).

Figure 47: Beautyleaf tree with leaves evidently being eaten by caterpillars.

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What About the Rhizophora of Madmad?

Namdrik residents repeatedly expressed the opinion was that the Rhizophora in Madmad had been recently introduced from Jaluit, and it is considered to be an invasive species. Granted, no mention of Rhizophora by its local name eoeak was made during the 1997 Biodiversity Workshop, but it still seems that this type of mangrove came by natural means and likely from the west. But, first of all, the Rhizophora of Madmad is NOT the same as currently known on Jaluit. That species that was identified a few years ago is R. apiculata (Vander Velde & Vander Velde 2005). But the differences in the flower arrangement and hypocotyls clearly show that the trees in Madmad are not this species. The peduncle (flower stem) for R. apiculata is short and its bracts are corky brown. The one on the Madmad Rhizophora, the peducles were longer and not corky. The flowers are almost always in single pairs with R. apiculata they were in sets of one and two or two and two with the Madmad Rhizophara. The hypocotlys (or the dispersing Figure 48: Rhizophora flowers and hypocotyl, fruit although actually an immature Madmad Island. plant ready to sprout) of R. apiculata are relatively small, to about 37 cm long and with a broader section at the end. The ones of the Madmad Rhizophora were longer and more cylindrical although with a pointed tip. (See figure 48). There was more than one stand of Rhizophora on Madmad and it is possible that more than one species is present. The older trees near the entrance to the wetland have few hypocotlys which are relatively smooth and may be the Hybrid Stilt Mangrove, R. x. lamarckii. However, the young trees in the far interior pond have an abundance of hypocotyls which more bumps and might be the Long-style Stilt Mangrove, R. stylosa. The trees nearest the entrance to the wetland appeared much older and could have been present for decades, even back to when the Biodiversity Workshop was conducted. It may not have been until these mangroves became established into the interior mangrove

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area of Madmad, Maj-en-an-Lijobkonira which is considered to be representative of Namdiks origins and identity (Mead et al. 2003) that they were really noticed. Evidently this Rhizopora sp. had made its way into the interior occurred sometime before the 2001 HPO cultural survey of traditional sites. In a photo taken at that time, young Rhizophora trees are clearly evident. (Mead et al. 2003). (See figure 49). From a comparison of recent photographs, while it is evident that the Rhizophora had spread some, they still appear about the same size as they did eight years before. (See figures 49 and 50).

Figure 49: View of Maj-en-an-Lijobkonira from 2001; note small

Furthermore, near the old Rhizophora clearly evident. (Source: RMI HPO). stand Rhizophora of trees and the Rhizophora stand part way into the areas shown Nypa fruticans fruit. Although not necessarily viable, the presence of those drift dispersed fruit would point to a natural introduction, likely from the west where that species and the various species of Rhizophora are common. (See also page 42 , Recommendations).

Figure 50: Mangrove area, Maj-en-an-Lijobkonira the interior of Madmad, late 2009 view.

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type of feature
Traditional Traditional/ prehistoric Traditional/ ?prehistoric Traditional Traditional Traditional Traditional Traditional Historic Traditional Totem Navigational Marker Navigational Marker Navigational Marker Navigational Marker Navigational Marker Navigational Marker Navigational Marker Navigational Marker

description
A Coral in intertidal zone Swamp, marsh, former taro pit Well Rock located in intertidal zone Well Rock in the islands interior Intsia tree along lagoon shore Rocks on the table reef Building ruins Mangrove swamp Brown Booby Green Herring Stone on southern outer shore Porpoises Stone on weather side Wandering Tattler Stone on outer shore unstated Large flock of birds. Pandanus leaf at sea Rocks on Reef Turtle X X

Table 7: Traditional Sites, Navigational Markers, etc. of Namdrik nonRamsar # of wetland type (see page 7 of main report) wetland explanation and/or legend
B C D E I Sp Ss Xp Zk 2 7 land sea Patch of ephermial slippery coral; associated with Lobejbejina. Located on the interior of Namdik. House site associated with traditional story of Jedebno. Said to still be in use and never goes dry. Possibly associated with Lomajtamij, one of Lijobknoniras paramours. Supposedly located at site of Jodikwod and story on origin of the banana. Associated with Lotepiej, a famous navigator and one of Lijobknoniras paramours. Associated with the story of one of Lijobknoniras paramours. Running from the west side of Madmad to the west side of Namdik; associated with the story of Lijobkoniras children. Japanese Trading Post Associated with the story of Lijobkoniras children. Totem of the Erebra jowi. Lalblok. X X X Jelauwe X X X X X X Lio ilo pat in Madmad, a girl who jumped down from a tree. Off of Madmad, many types of birds together. Off of Madmad where best pandanus for weaving is said to come Daij and Lilibij (Knight); Taij (with two palm trees between Madmad and Namdrik) and Lejpel (Tobin). Off reef of Jabar and Liltin (perhaps Namdrik or Kosrae). Libokja (Erdland); probably same as Linijej, Lijoal, and Lijenmaloklok, women originally from Kosrae said to be reef rocks.

HPO no. and/or other reference

MI-MM-MM-01 MI-MM-MM-02 MI-MM-MM-03 MI-MM-MM-04 MI-MM-MM-05 MI-MM-MM-06 MI-MM-MM-07 MI-MM-MM-08 MI-MM-MM-09 MI-MM-MA-01 Erdland pg. 343. Erdland pg. 361. Erdland pg. 361. Knight pg. 72. Tobin pg. 136. Erdland pg. 362.

X X

X X X X X X X X X

Erdland pg. 362. Tobin pg 135. Knight pg. 72. Tobin pg 135. Knight pg. 72. Knight pg. 72.

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Threats to the Wetlands of Namdrik

Wetlands worldwide face multiple threats. Since Namdriks ecology, including its wetlands, appear to be in relatively good condition, it may be particularly vulnerable to the early changes of initial impacts that have already taken place in much of the rest of the world. Many of these are of course related to human activities. Over the years probably centuries, if not millennia it appears that a relative equilibrium has been achieved between the people living on Namdrik and its wetlands. But lifestyle changes and the desires for modern conveniences and perceived necessities and modern esthetics that such typically brings, could easily have deleterious effects on many of Namdriks wetlands. One of such changes that is readily apparent is the discarding of trash, rubbish and other unwanted material into wetlands, such as along beaches or in mangrove areas. When such material is entirely plant and animal matter, it may still not be very pleasing in some peoples viewpoint but will eventually decompose or otherwise disappear through natural means. However, if the discarded matter is imported plastics, metals, glass, electronic equipment, etc., these may remain for undeterminably long periods of time, or if they do break down into the environment or are burned, they could release toxins. Similarly, it is apparent that limited land clearing and land moving for homesteads, copra production and traditional garden plots has long been done in some of the wetlands. An excessive increase or decrease in such activities could disrupt the ecology, of which humans are a part of. Farming is currently being done in a traditional fashion using primarily traditional Figure 1: School on Namdrik, built on former wetland area, crops breadfruit, coconut, with the invasive flower, Trailing Daisy, as part of the lawn. pandanus, bananas, taro with a few more modern variants, such as pumpkins and hot peppers. The system for growing these crops has long been established and the ecology appears to be fairly stabile. However, if the long-standing crops were abandoned in favor of more modern food plants, this stabile situation would most probably change, possibly even collapse.

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Pressure from a money economy could easily lead to over-harvesting of the crabs, fish, and lumber from the mangrove and other wetland areas, or over-cultivation. Currently there are no four-wheeled motor vehicles on Namdrik, only a couple of motorcycles. Most people transport themselves around the atoll by walking, riding bicycles, or by outrigger canoes and a few motorboats. Walking allows the greatest access with the lowest impact into the wetlands, but even bicycles can go down many narrow trails without any great impact. If a large number of motorcycles, cars, or ATCs were to replace walking and bicycle riding, the wetlands would undoubtedly suffer. If a boat channel was to be blasted in the reef, it would likely have hydrodynamic implications for the lagoon (pers. comm. C. Woodroffe 2009). The actual results and ramifications would not accurately known until the after it was done. Many of the effects could be irreversible even if the channel was subsequently filled. Some reasonable speculation as to what might happen would be that the removal of protection of lagoon species from open ocean species, which could results in mass extirpations and a major ecological disruption in the lagoon. Those could be so as dramatic to eventually change reef and land structure. It could produce dramatically increased tidal flux in the lagoon, which could cause household wells to become brackish or salty rather than fresh. The tidal flux could disrupt lagoon ecology and coral growth, perhaps eliminating unstudied systems or species. Turbidity and nutrient availability could be greatly altered, resulting in ecological and reef structure changes. Lagoon currents would likely be altered, potentially affecting marine life. High reef flats that are not now normally exposed would likely face long periods of lower water than they have ever faced before, causing changes and damage to marine life. Inland wetland level changes would likely be disrupted, potentially altering insect breeding and other wetland functions, which may affect the inhabitants The arrival of ships into the lagoon could greatly accelerate the introduction of marine invasives. Ships and the related improved docking and loading and unloading of goods could rapidly accelerate the introduction of terrestrial transformer invasive species, such as many destructive and painful species of tramp ants, destructive termites, more toxic centipedes, transformer invasive weeds, etc. It could also allow more allow the presence of heavy earth-moving equipment, which, if even present on a short-term, temporary basis, could have drastic impacts on the wetlands. The current view of coastal management is human actions should not destroy nonrenewable resources, but should be sustainable. Impacts, such as resource depletion, environmental degradation and pollution, can often be seen to be the result of poor planning rather than being an independent problem. With integrated coastal zone

37

management (ICZM) traditional, cultural and historical perspectives and conflicting interests and uses should all be considered (Woodroffe 2002). Climate change is probably the highest profile threat to atoll wetlands and there is reason for concern. A recent report figured that small islands and most particularly low-lying coral atolls are especially vulnerable. Coastal wetlands appear to be threatened with loss or significant change in most locations (Abuodha & Woodroffe 2006). It has further been stated: Climate change components that affect mangroves include changes in sea-level, high water events, storminess, precipitation, temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentration, ocean circulation patterns, health of functionally linked neighboring ecosystems, as well as human responses to climate change. But more than mangroves are at risk. Other ocean related wetlands, including all those found on Namdrik seas beaches, seagrasses, sandy areas, coral reefs may experience reduced area and health from climate change outcomes, including increased temperature, timing of seasonal temperature changes, and ocean acidification. It is thus figured that mangroves of low islands and atolls, which receive a proportion of sediment supply from productive coral reefs, may suffer lower sedimentation rates and increased susceptibility to relative sea-level rise if coral reefs become less productive due to relative sea-level rise or other climate change outcomes (Gilman et al. 2008). Even the non-coastal wetlands would not be immune. The vital underground GhybenHerzberg water lens may be particularly vulnerable. Climate-change induced sea-level rise influences the location of the freshwater-saltwater interface in function of the location of the groundwater table above sea level. Therefore it is figured that even a small sea-level rise would create an amplification effect in saltwater intrusion (Kundzewicz 2008). But alien invasive species potentially pose an even greater threat, often coming in subtly, just one species at a time, and raising no alarm until it is too late. And while at times the invasive species comes in as an unwanted pest, frequently they are intentionally brought in by well-meaning people wanting pretty flowers or a new type of food crop (Space & Flynn 2002). They can sometimes grow out of control, like a cancer (Wildlife Committee 2008). This is happening throughout the world and Namdrik has not escaped. (See Plant Diversity pages 24-25 and Recommendations page 39-40).

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Recommendations
While obviously Namdriks diverse wetlands are a major part of the life and beauty of the atoll, it is not necessarily obvious as to how best protect these wetlands while still benefiting from them. Invasive species have already begun to make inroads into the ecology and undoubtedly will continue to do so. But it was reassuring that a number of particularly nasty invasive species which have been found on other parts of the Marshalls, though, were not found on Namdrik and it could well worth the cost to keep them out. Plants and animals which would threaten the wetlands should especially be kept out. For instance, there was no evidence of the climbing vine, Devils Ivy (Epipremnum pinnatum) which is found in some of the mangrove areas of Majuro and forests of Arno. It is often introduced by people seeking an attractive climber by their homes. Another climbing vine that is established and destructive in Majuro, and could prove destructive to Namdrik, is Merremia (Merremia pelata). This species will crawl up and over shrubs and trees, and when it becomes well established and especially aggressive, it can smother trees or groups of trees (PIER 2005). On Majuro, it has killed palm trees. A few years ago, the authors found the potentially even more destructive fast spreading vine, Mikania micrantha on Kili Island, Namdrik closest neighbor island. The common English name, Mile-a-Minute, is somewhat of an exaggeration as this plant does actually not grow that fast, but can grow 27 mm a day. A single plant may cover over 25 square metres within a few months, and release as many as 40,000 viable [wind-borne] seeds every year. In some locations flowering and seed production are during short days only (ISSG 2005). Although the authors have heard reports that efforts were made to extirpate Mile-a-Minute from Kili, it would still seem advisable to monitor any shipments from that island into Namdrik to make sure no overlooked seed or plant bit might sneak in. Follow-up on the actual current status of this invasive on Kili would also seem appropriate. The above plants are among the invasives termed transformer species. These are are a subset of invasive plants which are species that change the character, condition, form or nature of ecosystems over substantial areas relative to the extent of that ecosystem (Richardson 2000). The Australian Pine (Casuarina equestifolia) and Tangan-tangan (Leucena leucocephala) are known transformer species, and appear to have the potential to do major damage Namdriks wetlands, overall ecological integrity, and significantly for humans, its agriculture. During the recent survey, only one each of these invasive transformer were found, trees, so at present, they would seem fairly straight-forward to get rid of. In general, as is true in other parts of the Pacific, the people of Namdrik should: Be very cautious in introducing new grasses, as many of them are aggressive invaders. Also, grass seed is invariably contaminated with other, possibly invasive, grasses or weeds (Space & Flynn 2002). One of the most aggressive alien invasive grass species in the Marshall Islands is Four-finger Grass (Dactyloctenium aegyptium). None was found on Namdrik but if some were to be introduced, it could quickly spread. It grows exceptionally well in

39

areas which are requently mowed or otherwise cleared, (as does some of the invasive plants already on Namdrik, such as Beggars Ticks [Bidens alba]). In general, maintaining lawns, be it through lawn-mowing and weed-wacking encourages the spread of invasive plants once they are established in an area. The more traditional bare ground or use of beach gravel l around houses may be a beneficial alternative at least as far as reducing the spread of invasive weeds. Some of the invasive species present may be able to be extirpated. This would seem to be particularly so with those currently in small areas or present in low numbers. American Bluehearts (Buchnera americana) were seen primarily along on runway, with a limited number of plants along the pathway. Although not as notorious as some of the above mentioned invasive transformer plants, on Arno it was observed rendering the soil around it unfit for other plants, so it may be a species that could be considered for extirpation. As far as animals, the almost total absence of dogs is probably something good to continue. They are capible of transporting invasive plant seeds and human pathogens, Unfortunately, there were still many cats and in addition to the above concerns with dogs, they can be particularly destructive to native birds and lizards. Also unfortunately, they are hard to remove from an area because of emotional attachment that often develops when they are pets. It would be good to keep out other invasive animals, such as the Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and other freshwater fishes, such as guppies and mollies, which are present on Majuro. These could adversely impact freshwater wetland ecology. The Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), a small bird now on Majuro could prove quite damaging to crops and native animals if it came to Namdrik. Of possibly equal importance would be to be very cautious about bringing in unseen microorganisms and seeds, such as those that may be in the soil of potted plants, and in live plants, or even dead plant material. Persons who deal with invasive species often talk about the potential value of intraisland quarantining, but usually acknowledge that such is not always successful (Parsons 2007). Not only do people often try to skirt quarantines, but invasive species themselves are notorious in being able to get around all efforts to block their entrance into new areas. Some of the recommendations made concerning the invasive plants of Samoa may be appropriate for Namdrik: Education of the public about the danger of introductions and encouraging the use of native species needs to continue. People should be encouraged to take responsible actions such as following quarantine regulations, not dumping garden cuttings in the woods and reporting suspicious plants. The public also needs to understand that the immediate eradication of a small area of a problem species, even if it involves the use of pesticides, may be better than living with a problem species forever (Space & Flynn 2002). Along with any education into invasive species as well as dangerous practices that encourage them, and extirpation efforts to get rid of new arrivals, education into important native species, would be appropriate. To the uninformed, the endemic

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herbaceous plant, Peperomia ponapensis, would appear to be nothing more than a useless weed. In fact, when shown specimens of this plant, some persons told of how they in the past would just destroy patches that they found. Similarly, the Arno Skink (Emoia arnoensis) may not appear to be at all valuable at present to the people of Namdrik, but it may be worth taking steps to preserve it for future benefits, perhaps tourism, scientific, medical use or ecological service, that are not now understood. It should be noted that it is absent or nearly absent in the urban areas, and may be in the process of being extirpated from the rest of the atoll. The Rhizophora eoeak mangrove in the Madmad wetlands presents an interesting situation. As the people of Namdrik kept reporting, it is likely of fairly recent origin but it more than likely come through natural means, likely oceanic drift years ago. Anecdotally this mangrove said to be spreading, and likely so. But is it invasive? As a native species which is staying within its natural environment, it is hard to really label it as such. Some authorities consider Rhizophora the pioneer of open, muddy areas, of which Maj-en-an-Lijobkonira would be. Furthermore, even though Bruguiera jo is usually considered the stabile, climax, species, because of the high degree of dynamics of mangroves, some authors tend to regard all mangroves as pioneer vegetation (Giesen et al. 2006). Further study into the situation might be the only recommended action, but even this may not be worthwhile. Tourism is likely to become a reality on Namdrik in the future, especially ecotourism as those who want to experience the beautiful wetlands firsthand are drawn to the atoll. But the increase in traffic from the outside will bring more opportunities for the introduction of undesirable exotic species and more impact on the delicate ecosystems. Nature paths through wetlands are often built to accommodate visitors and if any such are constructed on Namdrik, they should be done carefully. However, some of the existing pathways already in use for copra making had the feel of a ready-made nature trail and could potentially be used for such. While climate change is a bigger problem than can be dealt with on a small, local scale, at least the traditional coastal protecting vegetation, the jar should be left intact (Stege 2009). In any areas where such has been removed through urbanization, natural regrowth by native species should be encouraged. Study of formaniferans and algal growth should be done to avoid harming these potential land-building organisms. An artificial boat channel through the reef should be viewed as a threat to the ecology, hydrodynamics and well-being of the entire atoll. (See further information under Threats, page 37). In endevoring to protect the Mangrove Crab, consideration should be given to what happened in the wetlands of Jaluit Island, Jaluit Atoll. There the Mangrove Crab had been harvested, but transformer invasive species were introduced and water channel modifications were made. There may or may not have been overexploitation, but the original population of the crab is said to no longer be there. Other commercially important species and their habitat, may be worthy of various protection schemes.
41

Summary
Namdrik Atoll in the southern Railik Chain, may be one of the smallest atolls of the Marshall Islands, but it is certainly full of wonders. Its extensive and varied wetlands have long been acknowledged as a major part of its outstanding features. For the initial report of wetlands in the Marshall Islands decades ago, one of the significant wetlands for the country was: A small, enclosed saline lagoon in one of the two main islands in Namdik (Namorik) Atoll (Ralik Chain) (Scott 1983). While that statement proves true even now, more than just that one saline lagoon on Madmad is to be found. Mangrove areas and other inland wetlands are scattered throughout the atoll, each unique. There are also the other wetlands the beaches and coral reefs, teaming with colorful marine creatures, offering a visitor an almost endless opportunity to investigate, as well as relax and reflect. And connected with all these wetland are the warm, friendly inhabitants of the atoll. This report has barely scratched the surface of all that Namdrik has to offer, but it has hopefully served to show some of what is to be found. Namdrik is still, as Robert Louis Stevenson remarked over 100 years ago, where a deep soil has formed and the most valuable fruit-trees prosper and a person can walk with equal admiration and surprise, through a forest of huge breadfruits, eating bananas and stumbling among taro as they go. Yes, even today: the atoll of Namorik in the Marshall group...stands alone in my [and just about every visitors] experience.

Figure 52: View from Ajelto looking over to Eoon-ene and Madmad. 42

References
Abuodha. P. A. and C. D. Woodroffe, 2006. International Assessments of the Vulnerability of the Coastal Zone to Climate Change, Including an Australian Perspective. Australian Greenhouse Office, Department of the Environment and Heritage. Alexander, C. P. 1972. Diptera: Tipulidae. Insects of Micronesia, 12 (8): 733-863. http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/pubs-online/pdf/iom12-8.pdf Amerson, A. B. Jr. 1969. Ornithology of the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. Atoll Research Bulletin, 127:1-348. Arthur, K. E., K. M. McMahon, C. H. Limpus and W. C. Dennison 2009. Feeding Ecology of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Shoalwater Bay, Australia. Marine Turtle Newsletter, 123: 6-12. http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/PDF/MTN123.pdf Baker, R. H. 1951. The Avifauna of Microneisa, Its Origin, Evolution and Distribution. University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Beardsley, J. W. Jr. 1966. Homoptera: Coccoidea. Insects of Micronesia, 6 (7): 377-460. http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/fiji/pdf/iom6-7.pdf Bender, B. W. 1976. Place Names of the Marshall Islands. in Abo, T., Bender, B. W., Capelle, A. & DeBrum, T. (1976). Marshallese-English Dictionary, third edition. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. Bryan, E. H. Jr. 1953. Check List of Atolls. Atoll Research Bulletin, 19: 1-38. Bryan, E.H. Jr. 1971. Guide to Place Names are given in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii. Claussen, J. 2005. Native Plants of Christmas Island. Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of the Environment and Heritage and Christmas Island National History Association. Conservation International-Melanesia Center for Biodiversity Conservation 2007. Polynesia-Micronesia Biodiversity Hotspot: Ecosystem Profile. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Damon, S. C. 1861. Morning Star Papers, Supplement to the Friend. Missionary Society. [archive.org] Hawaiian

Dashwood, J. 1991. The Namdrik pearl oyster project. Inshore Fisheries Research Project: Country Assignment Report. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New

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Caledonia. http://www.spc.int/coastfish/sections/reef/PROCFish_Web/Modules/Library/DigitalLibra ryRetrieve.aspx?att=false&hit=2&id=8dd8616b-a71d-424b-b38e-74687142bc65 Devaney, D. M., E. S. Reese, B. L. Burch, and P. Helfrich (eds.) 1987. The Natural History of Enewetak Atoll. United States Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. Duke, N. 2006. Australias Mangroves. The Authoritative Guide to Australias Mangrove Plants. University of Queensland, Brisbane. Empower Consultants Limited 2005. Review of Namdrik Atoll Solar Project, RMI Debriefing Note; PIEPSAP Project Report 29. www.sopac.org/data/virlib/PI/PI0029.pdf Erdland, A. 1914. Die Marshall Insulaner. Leben und Sitte, Sinn und Religion eines Sudsee-Volkes. Antropos Bibliothek. (translated by Neuse, R. 1961, Human Relations Area Files, Yale Cross Cultural Survey and Navy Pacific Islands Handbook Project) Fosberg, F. R. Atoll Vegetation and Salinity. Pacific Science, Vol. III , January, 1949. Fosberg, F.R.1975. Phytogeography of Micronesian mangroves. Proc. International Symposium on the Biology and Management of Mangroves 1: 23-42. Fosberg, F.R. 1990. A review of the Natural History of the Marshall Islands. Atoll Research Bulletin,330:1-100. www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/arb/330-338/330.pdf Fosberg, F. R. and M.-H. Sachet 1975. Flora of Micronesia, 2: Casuarinaceae, Piperaceae, and Myricaceae. Smithsonian Institution Press. http://sipddr.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/6174/1/Fosberg_and_sachetflora_of_microne.pdf Garrett, K.L. and R. W. Schreiber, 1988. The Birds of Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands: May 1986. Atoll Research Bulletin, 314:1- 46. Giesen, W. S. Wulffraat, M. Zieren and L. Scholten 2006 (First print: July 2007) Mangrove Guidebook for Southeast Asia. Rap Publication 2006/07. FAO and Wetlands International, printed by: Dharmasarn Co., Ltd. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/ag132e/ag132e00.pdf Gilman, E. L., J. Ellison, N. C. Duke and C. Field 2008. Threats to mangroves from climate change and adaptation options. A review. Aquatic Botany 89:237250. http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/aquatic_botany_mangrove_article2008.pdf Hatheway, W. H. 1953. The Land Vegetation of Arno Atoll, Marshall Islands. Atoll Research Bulletin 16: 1-67. Heinl, R. D. Jr. and J. A. Crown 1954. The Marshalls: Increasing the Tempo. Historic Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

44

Hezel, F. X. 1983. The First Taint of Civilization: A History of the Caroline and Marshall Islands in Pre-Colonial Days, 1521-1885. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. Invasive Species Specialist Group ISSG 2005. Global Invasive Species Database; Mikania micrantha (vine, climber) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=42 Kannan, L. and T. Thangaradjou 2009. Seagrasses. UNU-INWEH Course 1 - Training Course on Mangroves and Biodiversity. http://ocw.unu.edu/international-network-onwater-environment-and-health/unu-inweh-course-1-mangroves/Seagrasses.pdf Knight, G. 1982. A History of the Marshall Islands (originally published as Man This Reef). Micronitor News and Printing Co., Majuro, Marshall Islands. Krmer, A. and H. Nevermann, 1938. Ralik-Ratak (Marschall Inseln). Ergebnisse der Sudsee-Expedition 1908-1910. II. Ethnographie, B. Mikronesian. Vol. 11, Hamburg. (Translated by Brant, C. and J. M. Armstrong 1942, (photocopy only available). Kundzewicz, Z. W. 2008. Climate change impacts on the hydrological cycle. Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology, 8 (2-4): 195-203. http://versita.metapress.com/content/3k7h033m41v03104/fulltext.pdf Langhans, P. 1897. Deutscher Kolonial-atlas. 30 Karten mit 300 Nebenkarten. Gotha: Justus Perthes. Map 30 'Schutzgebiet der Marshall Inseln' [Map of Namorik Atoll] http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/histmaps/Langhans1897_map_Namorik.html taken from the 1893 map 'Schutzgebiet der Marshall Inseln', published in 1897. Lanyon, J. 1986. Guide to the Identification of Seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef marine Park Authority Special Publication Series (3). http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/2072/mp_011_full.pdf Lieske, E. and R. Myers 1994. Collins Pocket Guide: Coral Reef Fishes. Harper-Collins Publishers, London. National Biodiversity Team of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (NBTRMI) (2000). The Marshall Islands Living Atolls Amidst the Living Sea: The National Biodiversity Report of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. RMI Biodiversity Project, Majuro. Mead, L. A., L. Frank and F. Langmoir 2003. A Survey of Cultural Resources on Namdik Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Office of Historic Preservation (RMIHPO), Majuro, Marshall Islands. McKenzie, L. J., R. L.Yoshida, J. E. Mellors, and R. G. Coles, 2006- 2009. Tropical Seagrass Identification. Seagrass-Watch. http://www.seagrasswatch.org/id_seagrass.html

45

Mueller-Dombois, D. and F. R. Fosberg 1998. Vegetation of the Tropical Pacific Islands. Springer-Verlag, New York, Inc., New York. Mwekto, W. undated. Kjbarok Manit Im Menko Bwinnid. [Alele Museum, Majuro, Marshall Islands]. Pacific Islands Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) 2005. Plant threats to Pacific ecosystems CD, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. Parson, R. 2007. (Little) Red Alert: Tiny invasive ant looms large as threat to the islands Maui Times. http://www.mauitime.com/1editorialbody.lasso?-token.folder=2007-1011&-token.story=164452.112113&-token.subpub= Pratt, H. D., P. L. Bruner,, and D. G. Berrett, D. G 1987. A Field Guide to: The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Ramsar 1996. Classification System for Wetland Type 04/12/1996. The Ramsar Convention definition of "wetland" and classification system for wetland type http://www.ramsar.org/cda/ramsar/display/main/main.jsp?zn=ramsar&cp=1-2676^21235_4000_0__ Raulerson, L. and A. F. Rinehart 1992. Ferns and Orchids of the Mariana Islands. Lynn Raulerson and Agens Rinehart, Agana, Guam. Richardson, D. M, P. Pyse, M. Rejmnek,, M. G. Barbour, F. D. Panetta, and C. J. West 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6: 93107 http://www.ibot.cas.cz/personal/pysek/pdf/naturalization_and_invasion_%20of_alien_pla nts.pdf Scott, D. A. (compiler) 1983. A Directory of Wetlands in Oceania: Republic of the Marshall Islands. http://ramsar.wetlands.org/Portals/15/Marshall_Islands.pdf and http://www.wetlands.org/RSIS/WKBASE/OceaniaDir/Marshall_Is.htm Smith, J. 1999. Australian Driftseeds: A Compendium of Seeds and Fruits Commonly Found on Australian Beaches. School of Human and Environmental Studies, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Space, J. C. and T. Flynn 2002. Report to the Government of Samoa on Invasive Plant Species of Environmental Concern. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, Honolulu, Hawaii. http://www.hear.org/Pier/pdf/samoa_report.pdf

46

Spennemann, D. H. R. 1993. Ennaanin Etto: A Collection of Essays on the Marshallese Past. Republic of the Marshall Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs Historic Preservation Office, Majuro, Marshall Islands. Spennemann, D. H. R.1998. Traditional utilization of Mangroves in the Marshall Islands. http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/mangroves/mangroves.html Spennemann, D.H.R. and I. Marshner, 1994. Stormy Years: On the Association between the El Nio/Southern Oscillation phenomenon and the occurrence of typhoons in the Marshall Islands. Johnstone Centre of Parks, Recreation and Heritage, Report N 9. http://life.csu.edu.au/~dspennem/ReportStore/JCReport009.pdf Stege, M. 2009. Final Report, Planting Resilience to Climate Change: Measuring Youth Perceptions. Micronesia Challenge Regional Coordination Office, RMI Ministry of Education School Enrichment Program, and Marshall Islands Conservation Society. Stevenson, R. L.1909. In the South Seas. Being an Account of Experiences, Observations in the Marquesas, Paumotus and Gilbert Islands in the Course of Two Cruises, on the Yacht ''Casco (1888) and the Schooner Equator (1889).Biographical Edition. Charles Schribner's Sons New York [archive.org] Taylor, W. R. 1950. Plants of Bikini and other Northern Marshall Islands. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tobin, J. A. 2002. Stories from the Marshall Islands. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. Tomlinson, P. B. 1986. The Botany of Mangroves. Cambridge, United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press,

United States Department of State 1958. Department of State bulletin. Office of Public Communication, United States Department of State, Office of Media Services. 39: JulySeptember http://ia311232.us.archive.org/3/items/departmentofstat391958unit/departmentofstat3919 58unit.pdf; http://www.archive.org/stream/oceanica00recluoft/oceanica00recluoft_djvu.txt Vander Velde, N. and B. Vander Velde 2005. Two Species of Mangrove Trees Previously Unrecorded for the Marshall Islands Found in Jaluit Atoll. Micronesica 37 (2): 297-308. Wade, H. and P. Johnston 2005. Pacific Regional Energy Assessment 2004: an assessment of the key energy issues, barriers to the development of renewable energy to mitigate climate change, and capacity development needs to removing the barriers: Marshall Islands National Report, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Apia, Samoa.

47

Walsh, J. M. 2003. Imagining the Marshalls: Chiefs, Tradition and the State on the Fringes of the U. S. Empire. PhD Dissertation on CD. Whistler, W. A. 1992. Flowers of the Pacific Island Seashore. Isle Botanica, Honolulu, Hawaii. Whistler, W. A. 1995. Wayside Plants of the Islands. Isle Botanica, Honolulu, Hawaii. Whistler, W. A. 2000. Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. Wildlife Committee 2008. Controlling Invasive Plants and Animals in our Community. http://www.burkecentre.org/Committees/invasive%20plants%20by%20WLC%20mar08. pdf Woodroffe, C. D. 2002. Coasts: Form, Process and Evolution. Cambridge University Press. http://books.google.com/books?id=jRqW0FVwWh8C&pg=PA241&lpg=PA241&dq=mo rphodynamic++atoll+development&source=bl&ots=lI3VQuPxOa&sig=feGXI9SFcS9Ol yn8FvbOrfO7gWQ&hl=en&ei=n3QcS6fOBo_m7AO0PzMDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBwQ6AEwBDgK#v=o nepage&q=chapter%2010&f=false Young, J. L. 1877. Private Journal, 6 January 1875 - 31 December 1877. Pacific Manuscripts Bureau, Microfilm no 21. Entry for 17 July 1876. transcribed in Marshall Islands History Sources No. 23 Brig Vision at Namorik Atoll (1876) http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/history/Young_Namorik.html

personal communication, 2009: McCoy, M., Fisheries Biologist. Cowie, R., Malacologist, University of Hawaii. Luther, C., Namdrik Atoll Mayor. Jikit, M. guide, Namdrik Atoll. Peter, A., Namdrik Atoll Medical Officer. Polgar, G. www.themudskipper.org Raulerson, L., University of Guam Herbarium. Stevens, P. Botanist, Clusiaceae, Missouri Botanical Gardens. Trevor, M. local Marshallese fish expert. Woodroffe, C. geographer, coastal geomorphologist, University of Wollongong.

48

APPENDIX A:
Vascular Plants of Namdrik Atoll, Marshall Islands (draft November 29, 2009 preliminary determinations, some awaiting confirmation) Nancy and Brian Vander Velde
name comments

PTERIDOPHYTA (Ferns and Fern Allies) ASPLENIACEAE (Spleenwort Fern Family) Asplenium nidus L. birds nest fern; karto p x x x x x x
common to abundant; wetland, often as epiphyte, also most environments including on reef boulders common; many environments, especially wetlands, some attaining great length common; in many environments, even urban settings

NEPHROLEPIDACEAE (Swordfern Family) Nephrolepsis acutifolia (Desv.) Christ epiphitic fishtail fern; iri Nephrolepsis hirsutula (Forst. f.) Presl. swordfern, bairik x x x x x

OPHIOGLOSSACEAE (Adders Tongue Fern Family) Ophioglossum pendulum L. x x x x x x strap fern POLYPODIACEAE (Common Fern Family) Phymatosorus grossus (Langsd. & Fisch.) Brownlie x x x x x x x scented fern; kino Pteris tripartita Sw. x x x x x x lacy fern Vittaria incurvata Cav. shoestring fern x x x x x

PSILOTACEAE (Whisk Fern Family) Psilotum nudum (L.) whisk fern x x ANGIOSPERMAE MONOCOTYLEDONAE AGAVACEAE (Agave Family) Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. ti-plant x x x
uncommon; shrub around homes

recent aboriginal indigenous x

drift inv. exotic wetland x

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg x x

sight only photo collected x x x

uncommon; wetlands, epiphyte on trees

common to abundant; wetlands, few on reef boulders, but often drier environments occasional; many environments including borders of wetlands common to abundant; many environments, especially in wetlands, epiphytic on trees rare; few plants near wetlands, Ajelto

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous x x x x

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Dracaena angustifolia Roxb. narrow-leafed dracaena Dracaena deremensis Engler dracaena Dracaena fragrans (L.) KerGawl. fragrant dracaena Dracaena marginata Lam. rainbow tree Crinum asiaticum L. false spider lily; kiep Crinum augustum Roxburgh reddish false spider lily; kiep Crinum xanthophyluum Hannibal yellow leafed crinum Hippeastrum striatum (Lam.) Moore salmon colored amaryllis Hymenocallis pedalis Herbert spider lily; kiep Zephyranthes rosea (Lindl.) Green pink rain lily Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott elephant ears, wild taro; wo t Caladium bicolor (Ait.) Vent artists pallet Colocasia esculenta L. taro; kotak Cyrtosperma chamissonis (Schott) Merr. giant swamp taro; iaraj

x x x x

x x x x

uncommon; border near private homes uncommon; border near private homes uncommon; border near private homes rare; border near private homes

AMARYLLIDACEAE (Amaryllis Lily Family) x x x x x x x

common; many environments, bordering homes and near wetlands uncommon; few planted by air terminal, some surviving in wild by wetlands uncommon; border plant, many by main church complex rare; single planting observed in private yard common; border around houses, some escaping into less cultivated areas occasional; decorative near homes, some escaping into noncultivated areas common; often found in poorly tended wetlands and other areas, can be a fallback food but generally considered a pest rare; single potted plant by private home occasional; food crop planted by homes common; food crop planted in excavated wetland pits, freeranging pigs often destroy the plantings abundant; in almost all environments, important food and cash crop

x ARACEAE (Arum Family)

x x

x x

x x

x x x

? x

x x

ARECACAEA or PALMAE (Palm Family) Cocos nucifera L. coconut palm; ni x x x x x x x x

49

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Nypa fruticans Wurmb mangrove palm, nipa palm

x x

uncommon; drift fruits along beaches, some ephemerally grow but none known to reach maturity uncommon; weed of grassy and ruderal areas uncommon; in ruderal and wetland areas, including more urban mangroves and taro pits uncommon; in wetland includings taro pits uncommon; in moist ruderal areas, few patches by school common; in most environments, including wetlands and beaches, even on reef boulders common, in many environments, hard to distinguish from above species locally common to abundant; grassy and ruderal areas, especially moister areas; potentially threatening to the wetlands rare; single plant at private home in Ajelto, used for food, said to have been brought from Pohnpei common; food crop grown around houses, at times into wet areas; various cultivars uncommon; few plants by houses, fellow passenger on plane brought some from Majuro common; wild form along beaches and near wetlands, edible cultivars near homes, patches of short plants near wetlands of EoonEne

CYPERACEA (Sedge Family) Cyperus compressus L. summer sedge Cyperus javanicus (Houtt.) marsh sedge x x x x x

Cyperus odoratus L. fragrant flatsedge; bukor Cyperus polystrachyos Rottb. wild sedge Fimbristylis cymosa R. Br. beach sedge; padadijmaan

x x

x x x

x x

? x x x

x x

x x

Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl loose flowered beach sedge Kyllinga nemoralis (Forst.) Dandy ex Hutchingson and Dalziel white water sedge

x x

x x

x x

DIOSCOREACAEA (Yam Family) Dioscorea alata L. greater yam x MUSACEAE (Banana Family) Musa (various groups) banana; keepra, pinana x x x x x x x x x

ORCHIDACEAE (Orchid Family) Spathoglottis plicata Blume Philippine ground orchid x x x

PANDANACEAE (Pandanus Family) Pandanus tectorius Z. pandanus; bb, edwaan x x x x x x

POACEAE or GRAMINAE (Grass Family)

50

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Bambusa unidentified spp. bamboo; koba Cenchrus echinatus L. burrgrass; loklok Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler large crabgrass Digitaria setigera Roth itchy crabgrass (tentative identification) Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. wiregrass, goosegrass Eragrostis scabriflora Swallen Fijian lovegrass Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. Japanese lovegrass Eustachys petrea (Sw.) Desv. pinewoods fingergrass

x x x

x x

x x x

x x

? x x

x x

x x

occasional; washed ashore in drift, used for various utilitarian purposes occasional; weed of grassy and ruderal areas occasional; weed of ruderal areas, more often observed out of town and in Ajelto than in center occasional; weed near wetlands and in ruderal areas of Eoon-ene occasional; weed of grassy and ruderal areas locally abundant; dominant grass of airstrip, only few plants seen elsewhere ruderally uncommon; weed near houses, small, stunted compared to those seen in other atolls common; dominant grass encroaching into wetlands, growing larger than plants observed on other atolls uncertain identification; common; in many native habitats, including on reef boulders locally abundant; dominant grass of disturbed areas, entering wetlands of Eoon-ene locally abundant; in wetlands and disturbed habitats, healthier and larger than plants observed on other atolls common; in moister habitats, grassy and ruderal areas, potentially invasive into wetlands uncommon; few planting by houses in Eoon-ene common; along shores and beaches

x x

Lepturopetium marshallense Fosb. & Sachet Marshalls bunch grass Lepturus repens (G. Forst.) R. Brown beach bunch grass Paspalum conjugatum Berg. T-grass

x ?

x x

x ?

Paspalum setaceum Michx. bullgrass x Paspalum vaginatum Sw. saltgrass x x x x

x x

Saccharum officinarum L. sugar cane; to Stenotaphrum micranthum (Desv.) Hubb. small-flowered buffalo grass x

x x x x

51

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Thuarea involuta (Forst. f.) R. Br. ex R. & S. grass Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. temple grass (?) tentative ID Eichhornia crassipes (Mort.) Solms. water hyacinth

x x

x x

x x x

common to abundant; low-lying grass of beaches and borders of wetlands uncommon; planted near houses and other buildings rare; plants in container at private home, potential invasive of wetlands although no records of doing so in the Marshalls locally abundant; in the wetland of Madmad and along both lagoon and ocean shores of much of the atoll; first record of this species for the Marshalls (related C. rotundata is found in Majuro) uncommon; small patches in less cultivated areas, formerly important food crop

PONTEDERIACEAE (Pickerelweed Family)

POTAMOGETONACEAE (Pondweed Family) Cymodocea serrulata (R.Brown) Ascherson & Magnus serrated ribbon seagrass

x x

TACCACEAE (Polynesian Arrowroot Family) Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) O. Kuntze Polynesian arrowroot; makmok Alpinia purpurata (Viell.) K. Schum red ginger x x x x x

ZINGIBERACEAE (Ginger Family)

occasional; decorative around homes, many pink flowered, although potentially invasive, not known to have become such in the Marshalls

DICOTYLEDONAE ACANTHACEAE (Acanthus Family) Hemigraphis reptans (Forst. f.) T. Anders. waffle plant; utilomjan Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.) Guill. false eranthemum; tirooj Thunbergia erecta (Bentham) T. Anders. kings mantle Alternanthera tenella Colla joyweed
locally abundant; around homes, in wetlands and copra areas, forms patches around the bases of trees uncommon; few bushes around homes, some light leafted variety had escaped into the uncultivated area at the end of Ajelto rare; couple of bushes near private home

x x

x x

x x

x x

AMARANTHACEAE (Amaranth Family) x x ? x

uncommon; few patches planted as groundcover by private homes

52

name

comments

ANACARDIACEAE (Cashew Family or Rhus Family) Mangifera indica L. mango; manko x x x x x

occasional; food crop near houses, some old trees said to date back to Japanese time, another large tree planted from seed from Hawaii not observed; possibly present during Biodiversity Workshop but did not survive common; in most environments including edges of wetlands rare; in planter box of private home periodic; none observed during visit but regularly occurs with drift throughout region common; popular decorative around houses, white and light pink primarily; fellow passenger on plane was bringing some in from Majuro uncommon; small patch along oceanside of Madmad, reportedly had been more common in times past common; decorative tree near houses and other buildings uncommon; decorative tree near homes

ANNONNACEAE (Custard Apple Family) Cananga ordorata (Lam.) Hook. f. and Thoms. ylang-ylang; ilala Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Asiatic pennywort; mariko Allamanda blanchetti DC. purple allamanda Alstonia spathulata Blume heavy cheesewood; wo j x x

APIACEAE (Carrot Family or Parsley Family) x x x x ?

recent aboriginal indigenous ? x

APOCYNACEAE (Dogbane Family) ? ?

drift invas. exot wetland x

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg x

sight only photo collected

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Madagascar periwinkle; raannan-raan Neisoperma oppositifolium (Lam.) Fosb. & Sachet long-petaled false gardenia; ko jbar Plumeria obtusa L. white plumeria; meria

x x

Plumeria rubra L. x x x yellow plumeria; meria common; hedge near Polyscias fruticosa (L.) homes and other Harms x x x buildings parsley panax occasional; hedge near Polyscias guilfoylei (Cong. homes and March.) Bailey x x x Guilfoyles panax uncommon; hedge near Polyscias scutellaria (Burm. homes, Dispensary and f.) Fosb. other buildings x x x saucer panax, saucer plant; ut kup common; hedge near Polyscias tricochleata (Miq.) homes, other buildings Fosb. x x x panax ASTERACEAE or COMPOSITAE (Sunflower Family or Composite Family)

53

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Adenostemma lanceolatum Miq. adenostemma Bidens alba (L.) DC. beggars tick Bidens pilosa L. beggars tick Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. hairy horseweed Meanthera biflora (L.) Wild. beach sunflower; markubwebwe Senecio confusus Britt. Mexican flamevine Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski wedelia, trailing daisy Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. Cinderella weed; bwilbwilkaj (name traditionally
applied to another species)

x x x x x

x x ?

x x x x ?

x x

uncommon; few plants in copra area near corner of southern Ajelto common; around homes, in lawns and ruderal areas uncertain, if so rare; small patch near Community Center (or maybe sick B. alba) locally common; large patches along air strip common to abundant; scrawling vine most non-maintained areas, along beaches and edges of wetlands rare; few plants near private home locally abundant; ground cover near houses, school and in lawns and ruderal areas, flowers used in garlands common to abundant; near buildings and in ruderal areas, plants were larger than those found on other atolls common; in lawns and ruderal areas

x x

x x

x x

x x

x x

Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. little ironweed Impatiens balsamina L. garden balsam Begonia rex Putz decorative leaf hybrid begonia Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex HBK. yellow tecoma

BALSAMINACEAE (Balsam Family) x x x x

uncommon; decorative near private homes

BEGONIACEAE (Begonia Family) x x x x

rare; single potted plant in private garden

BIGNONIACEAE (Bignonia Family) x x x x x

uncommon; old trees near home by dock, few young trees near private home near Community Center common; tree along beaches and near houses common; tree along beaches and near houses, some stunted on reef boulders

BORAGINACEAE (Heliotrope Family or Borage Family) Cordia subcordata Lam. sea trumpet, island walnut; x x x x x kono Tournefortia argentea L. f. heliotrope tree; kiden x x x x x CAESALPINIACEAE (Senna Family)

54

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Caesalpinia bonduc Roxb. gray nickers; kaloklok Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Swartz pride of Barbados; jeimota Deloxia regia (Bojer) Raf. flame tree Dioclea sp. Intsia bijuga (Colebr.) O. Ktze. island teak; kubok, kije Crateva religiosa Forster f. garlic pear

x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x

x x x x x x

rare; small patch along ocean road, overgrowing graveyard uncommon; few trees in private home in Ajelto rare; single tree near church complex rare; couple of driftseeds found ocean beach of Ajelto locally common; in less cultivated forests, on borders of wetlands

CAPPARIDACEAE (Caper Family)

rare; single tree in private garden in Ajelto, said to have been brought in from Pohnpei for food but not used by owners common; food crop by many houses

CARICACEAE (Papaya Family) Carica papaya L. papaya; keinabbu x x x x

CASUARINACEAE (Casuarina Family) Casuarina equisetifolia L. Australian pine; x x x x x pientri, bulukam, mejinoki CLUSIACEAE or GUTTIFERAE (Mangosteen Family) Calophyllum inophyllum L. beauty leaf; lukwej x x x x x x

rare; single tree by lagoon near Community Center

common; large trees along lagoon and ocean beaches; one single tree on lagoon beach of Madmad with leaves which appeared to be infested with caterpillars locally common; dominant tree of wetlands of Eoon-ene, some trees reaching relatively great heights rare as tree; one large tree along lagoon beach of Ajelto; common driftseeds along ocean beaches occasional; along beaches, borders of wetlands occasional; driftseeds along beaches of unidentified species, one sprouting rare; small patch in private residence, fenced to protect from animals

COMBRETACEAE (Terminalia Family) Lumnitzera littorea (Jack) Voigt red-flowered black mangrove; kimeme Terminalia catappa L. tropical almond; koto l x x x x x

x x

Terminalia samoensis Rech. beach almond; ekkon Terminalia sp. drift

x x

x x

x x x x

x x x x

CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning-Glory Family) Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. sweet potato x x x

55

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous x x

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) Sweet ssp. braziliense (L.) v. Ooststr. goat-foot beach morning-glory Ipomoea quamoclit L. cypress vine Ipomoea violacea L. wild moon flower; marpele

rare; small patch observed along lagoon road north Ajelto

rare; single small vine observed in container at private yard not observed; possibly present along beaches, range from nearby atolls would indicate it should be present occasional; food crop near privates homes

CUCURBITACEAE (Melon Family) Cucurbita pepo L. pumpkin; baanke Acalypha godseffiana Masters copper leaf Acalypha hispida Burm. f. red-hot poker Acalypha wilkeniana Muell.Arg. Josephs coat, copper leaf Aleurites triloba Forst. and Forst. candlenut, kukui Chamaesyce chamissonis (Klotzsch & Garcke) F.C.Ho beach spurge; pdol, bwilbwilikkaj x x x x

EUPHORBIACEAEA (Spurge Family) x x x x x x x x x

occasional; hedge near private homes uncommon; planted near a few homes in Eoon-ene occasional; hedge near private homes rare; single old driftseed found on oceanside of Madmad not observed; often found along uncleared beaches, not all examined, uncertain if this species or the similar appearing C. hypericifolia was referred to during Biodiversity Workshop common; in lawns and ruderal areas common; in ruderal areas common; in lawns, ruderal and cleared graveled areas

x ?

Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp. garden spurge, hairy spurge Chamaesyce hypericifolia (L.) Millsp. graceful spurge Chamaesyce prostrata (Ait.) Small prostrate spurge; red caustic creeper; dapijbok Chamaesyce thymifolia (L.) Millesp. thyme-leafed spurge Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Bl. croton Euphorbia cyathophora Murr. wild poinsetta; nukne

uncommon; in lawns and ruderal areas occasional; hedge by private homes uncommon; in ruderal areas

56

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous x x x

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Jatropha integerrima Jacq. rose-colored jatropha Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. slipper flower, red-bird cactus Phyllanthus amarus Sch. & Th. sleeping plant, six-oclock; jiljino awa Canavalia cathartica Thou. purple beach pea; marlap Desmodium incanum DC. Spanish clover Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosb. Polynesian chestnut; kurak Vigna marina (J. Burm.) Merr. yellow beach pea; markinenjojo Episcia cupreata (Hook.) Hanst. flame violet Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. half-flower, saltbush; knnat Hernandia nymphaeifolia (Presl.) Kubr. jack-in-the-box tree; pipi Hernandia sp.? non-peltate drift Ocimum sanctum L. sacred basil; katrii Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd painted nettle Cassytha filiformis L. laurel dodder; kann x

x x

x x

rare; few by private houses in Ajelto rare; few in planter area of private home in Eoon-ene common; in grassy and ruderal areas

x x

FABACEAE (Pea Family) x x x x x x x x x x x

common; along beaches and borders of wetlands occasional; patches along road to dock rare; single young tree in private yard in Eoon-ene abundant; near beaches, copra areas, near houses and borders of wetlands

GERNERIACEAE (Gloxinia Family) x x x

rare; potted plant in private yard in Eoonene

GOODENIACEAEA (Naupaka Family) x x x x x x

abundant; along beaches, urban areas and borders of wetlands common to locally abundant; along beaches, an almost monospecific stand along ocean beach, eastern Eoon-ene rare; single seed found oceanside Ajelto, uncertain identity occasional; near private homes, used to scent garlands occasional; potted plant and low border plant near private homes

HERNANDIACEAE (Hernandia Family)

x x

LAMIACEAE or LABIATAE (Mint Family) x x LAURACEAE (Laurel Family) x x x x

common; semiparasitic vine on other plants in many nonurban environments

x x x

x x

LECYTHIDACEAE (Brazilnut Family)

57

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comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz. fish-poison tree; wp Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng. powder-puff mangrove

common; along beaches, as secondary species in some wetlands uncommon; few drift fruits found along ocean beaches; appeared to have arrived viable but being eaten by hermit crabs occasional; low ground cover in lawns and gravel areas near homes common; along beaches, front line wetland species, often found along shorelines not observed; likely introduced as food crop but did not gain popularity occasional; decorative by private homes and other buildings occasional; along beaches, near houses, secondary wetland species occasional; decorative by private homes and other buildings not observed; grows along shores and beaches, not all examined rare; few seeds along ocean beach, Ajelto, none viable rare; single tree by private home, Eoonene

LOGANIACEAE (Strychnine Family) Polypremum procumbens L. juniperleaf Pemphis acidula J.R. & G. Forst reef barrier mangrove; ke Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Moench. hibiscus spinach, pele Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. common hibiscus; rooj Hibiscus tiliaceus L. beach hibiscus; lo Hibiscus x hybridus ornamental hybrid hibiscus Sida fallax Walp. golden mallow; kio x x x x x x x x x

x x

x x

MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) x x x x x x x x x x x x x

MELIACEAE (Mahogany Family) Xylocarpus granatum Knig cannonball mangrove Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit tangan-tangan Artocarpus altilis (Park.) Fosb. breadfruit Artocarpus mariannensis Trec. Mariana Islands breadfruit, seeded breadfruit Ficus benjamina L. weeping fig; Benjamin tree Ficus tinctoria Forst. f. dyers fig; tpro x x x x

MIMOSACEAE (Mimosa Family) x x x x

MORACEAE (Mulberry Family) x x ? x x x

common; food tree around homes locally common; few around homes, component of tall forest at the end of Ajelto rare; single tree in private yard, Eoon-ene uncommon; food crop by few homes

x x

x x

x x x

x x

MYRTACEAE (Myrtle Family)

58

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comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Psidium guajava L. guava Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & Perry mountain apple

x x

not observed; possibly introduced earlier as food crop but did not survive common; food tree by many homes, at times on edge of wetlands; said to have been introduced decades ago from Pohnpei not observed; low lying plant of sandy, open beach areas, possibly still present as not all such areas were examined uncommon; few plants near homes and other buildings rare; single plant by private home uncommon; decorative near private homes and other buildings locally common; in less cultivated areas, tall trees of Ajelto and Madmad, roosting and nesting sites for birds rare; single plant by private home

NYCTAGINACEAE (Four-OClock Family) Boerhavia tetrandra Forst. f. dabijdeka x x

Bougainvillea x buttiana Holttum & Standley hybrid bougainvillea; limpok Bougainvillea glabra Choisy red bougainvillea; limpok Mirabilis jalapa L. four-oclock; eman-awa Pisonia grandis R. Brown great lettuce tree; kaal x

x x x

x x x

x x x

x x x

OLEACEAE (Olive Family) Jasminum laurifolium Roxb. angle-wing jasmine Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven swamp primrose; utilolb x x x x x

ONAGRACEAE (Evening Primrose Family) x x x x x x

common to locally abundant; in ruderal areas and in wetlands, particularly near the urban areas uncommon; small patches on rocks on east Madmad, near mangrove and copra areas uncommon; few patches in gravel near private home in Eoonene locally common; in wetlands of Eoon-ene and Madmad

PIPERACEAE (Pepper Family) Peperomia ponapensis Pohnpei pepper x x x x x x

PORTUCLACAEAE (Purslane Family) Portulaca oleracea L. sun plant, wildfire, pigweed x x x

RHIZOPHORACEAE (Mangrove Family) Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. f. large-leafed orange mangrove; jo x x x x x x x x

59

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous x x

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Bruguiera x rhynchopetala (W.C. Ko)-J.Ge & N.C. Duke hybrid orange mangrove; jo Rhizophora apiculata Blume corky mangrove; eoeak

x x

Rhizophora mucronata Lamarck upriver stilt mangrove Rhizophora stylosa Griffith long-style stilt mangrove; eoeak

x x

Rhizophora x lamarckii Montrouz hybrid stilt mangrove

x x

uncommon; identification tentative, seemingly dominant mangrove of small wetland of Ajelto uncommon; few drift hypocotyls on ocean beaches of Eoon-ene and Ajelto, some appeared viable rare; couple drift hypocotyls on ocean beach of Ajelto, possibly viable uncommon; identification tentative, many young trees in interior wetland of Madmad, seemingly this species rather than the following rare; few old trees near entrance of mangrove area on Madmad, only few flowers and hypocotyls, the hypotoctyls seemed soother than the above not observed; although named during Biodiversity Workshop possibly known from Arno Atoll, the only current atoll where it is recorded growing rare; few bushes in private yard of Eoonene common; near beaches, homes and borders of wetlands occasional; near homes and cleared areas occasional; near homes and borders of wetlands common; decorative by homes and other buildings, several color variations rare; single plant by private home, Eoonene occasional; decorative by private homes common; near homes, in borders of wetlands and copra areas

RUBIACEAE (Coffee Family) Aidia cochinchinensis Lour Pacific false gardenia; kiolomar

Gardenia taitensis DC. Tahitian gardenia, tiare Guettarda speciosa L. flower-of-the-forest; utilomar, ut Hedyotis biflora (L.) Lam. two-flowered hedyotis; kinwj Ixora casei Hance flame-of-the-forest; kajdo Ixora coccinea L. red ixora Ixora finlaysoniana Lam. white ixora, fragrant ixora Ixora siamensis Wallich ex G. Don pink ixora Morinda citrifolia L. var. citrifolia Indian mulbery; nen x x x

x x

x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

x x x

x x

60

name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous x x x

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum. pentas, Egyptian star cluster Spermacoce assurgens R. & P. woodland false buttonweed Spermacoce ernstii Fosb. & Powell false buttonweed

rare; single bush by private home in Eoonene uncommon; grassy and ruderal areas common; in grassy and ruderal areas, encroaching some into wetland, one of the more visible invasives common; food tree near many homes and other areas rare; uncertain identification, single tree by former Community Center rare; single tree by Community Center

x x

x x

RUTACEAE (Rue Family) Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle lime Citrus limettioides Tan sweet lime Citrus reticulata Blanco tangerine x x x x x

x x

x x

x x x x

SAPINDACEAE (Soapberry Family) Allophylus timoriensis (DC.) Bl. x x x x x x x red-bug tree; kutaak SCROPHULARIACEAE (Snapdragon Family or Figwort Family) Angelonia salicariifolia Humb. & Bonpl. x x x monkey face SIMAROUBACEAE (Quassia Family) Soulamea amara Lam. x x x x x bitter tree; kabwijl SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family) Capsicum frutescens L. x x x tabasco, bird chili Physalis angulata L. x x x x cape gooseberry; karr SONNERATIACEAE (Apple Mangrove Family) Sonneratia alba J. E. Sm. white-flowered apple x x x x x x mangrove; bulabol SURIANACEAE (Bay Cedar Family) Triumfetta procumbens Forst. f. x x x x prostate beach burr; atat TURNERACEAE (Turnera Family) Turnera subulata Hitchc. white alder x x x x

occasional; borders of wetlands and copra areas of Eoon-ene

uncommon; planted near few homes

rare; few trees near airstrip, Ajelto

common; food plant by many homes uncommon; in ruderal areas

locally common; large stands in wetlands of Madmad

uncommon; few plants near beaches

uncommon; planted by few houses and building, including Community Center

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name

comments

recent aboriginal indigenous

drift invas. exot wetland

2009 97 biodiv Bender Fosberg

sight only photo collected

Turnera ulmifolia L. yellow alder x x x x x

common; planted near many homes and other buildings, especially in Eoon-ene, escaping some into less cultivated areas occasional; in many environments, including borders of wetlands, copra and moister ruderal areas uncommon; in moister areas by homes, borders of wetlands occasional; in copra areas and borders of wetlands locally common; epiphytic on trees in wetlands

URTICACEAE (Nettle Family) Laportea ruderalis (Forst. f.) Chew wild nettle; neen ktkt Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm. artillery plant; loktktk Pipturus argenteus (Forst. f.) Wedd. var. argenteus silver pipturus; armwe Procris pedunculata (Forst.) Wedd. procris; loli Clerodendrum inerme L. var. oceanicum A. Gray beach privet; wulej Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blaco) Merr. Philippine glorybower Lantana camara L. lantana Premna serratifolia L. false elderberry; kaar x Vitex trifolia L. var. subtrisecta (Kuntze) Mold. blue vitex, mosquito bush; utkanamnam x x x x x x x x x

x x

x x x

x x x

x x

VERBENACEAE (Verbena Family) x x x x x

common; near beaches, wetlands many other environments rare; few large bushes by private homes in Eoon-ene rare; small bush in planted box by private home, light yellow variety, Eoon-ene common; many environments, including wetlands functioning as a mangrove, with fern epiphytes occasional; hedge by private homes and other buildings

x UNCERTAIN FAMILY

uncertain species

x x

rare; single sprouting driftseed found along southern beach of Ajelto; collected and still growing in hopes of eventual identification

TOTALS 197 species*

* a few species, such as coconut, have different varieties hence were considered in more than more category as to origin.

113* 15* 73*

189 58 12 11

2 151 90

21 44 65

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APPENDIX B: Vertebrates of Namdrik Atoll, Marshall Islands Nancy and Brian Vander Velde prime sources: Mayor Clarence Luther (CL) Morton Jikit (MJ) Nancy and Brian Vander Velde (N; B; N & B) Districts: Eoon-ene (main residential area of larger islet, southeast corner around) Ajelto (airport area to southeast corner) Madmad (separate islet to northwest) other significant locations: lagoon ocean airport Community Center abbreviations: CEFP Critically Endangered Partnership Fund IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature MAMMALS: Whales (raj; ke) families Palaenopteridae, Physteridae, Delphinidae and Siphidae listed during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 along with other marine creatures, no distinction being given as to species CL told how periodically these are seen offshore bones of one which had washed ashore years earlier were shown to N & B the following species have been recorded for the Marshall Islands, and of which could potentially pass near Namdrik; all species recorded are listed by the IUCN at various levels of concern: Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) IUCN Least Concern Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis) IUCN Endangered Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) IUCN Data Deficient Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) RMI Endangered IUCN Endangered

63

Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) IUCN Endangered Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata) IUCN Data Deficient Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) IUCN Data Deficient Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) IUCN Data Deficient Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia sima) IUCN Status: Data Deficient Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) IUCN Least Concern Blainvilles Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) IUCN Data Deficient Ginkgo-toothed Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens IUCN Data Deficient Stejnegers Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon stejnegeri) IUCN Data Deficient Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) IUCN Data Deficient Melon-headed Whale (Peponocephala electra) IUCN Least Concern Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) RMI Endangered IUCN Vulnerable False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens) IUCN Data Deficient Cuvier's Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris) IUCN Least Concern Dolphins (ke) family Delphinidae pod of at least 6 to 8 individuals observed by N & B, offshore from west facing beach of Eoon-ene, October 21 CL said that dolphins are often observed from that area, sometimes being quite numerous the following species have been recorded for the Marshall Islands, and of which could potentially pass near Namdrik; Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) IUCN Least Concern Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus) IUCN Least Concern Fraser's Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) IUCN Least Concern Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) IUCN Least Concern

64

Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) IUCN Least Concern Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) IUCN Data Deficient Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) IUCN Least Concern Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) IUCN Least Concern Domestic Dog (kiru) Canis familaris named during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 according to CL, after a significant typhoon in the 1970s, the advice was given to rid the atoll of dogs the only two dogs were observed by N & B at residents in Ajelto and both appeared to be aged males Domestic Cat (kuuj) Felis catus named during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 common domestic pet no feral population observed Domestic Pig (piik) Sus scrofa named during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 common around residences, both caged and free-roaming a number of taro pits were observed by N & B as fenced or netted off to prevent wallowing and rooting from free-roaming individuals some free-roaming individuals were observed by N searching for food in the sandy beach and upon inquiry was told that they were eating konat or xxxxx xxxxx clams Polynesian Rat (kijidik) Rattus exulans named during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 species not determined but presumably this one because it which is usually considered to be of aboriginal introduction and less harmful than other, more recently introduced species much evidence of rat damage to coconuts observed by N & B BIRDS: Tubenoses (shearwaters and/or petrels and/or storm petrels; family Procellariidae) anecdotal from CL and MJ undetermined species, primarily offshore based on records from nearby atolls, at least the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) would be expected MJ told of occasionally dead birds washing ashore, being about the size of terns with beak like a mule a description which would fit members of the this family.

65

Boobies (nana, kalo, etc.) family Sulidae CL said these are occasional vagrants but never resident similar accounts given by other informants based on records in nearby atolls, the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) and Redfooted Booby (Sula sula) would be expected to at least occasion White-tailed Tropicbird (jipkorj) Phaethon lepturus CL and MJ knew well of these birds. known to nest in tall Pisonia grandis and other tall trees of Ajelto. N & B observed and heard the cries of 5 or 6 (or more) flying above the airport, October 23. Lesser Frigatebird (ak young and female) Fregata ariel three individuals were observed flying near the Community Center, October 25, photographed with one clearly showing marking of the young of this species (N & B) Great Frigatebird (ak young and female; toorl male) Fregata minor the local name for this and the above species (ak for the young and adult) are the same and so it is not possible to differentiate anecdotally informants said that although this and/or the above species are occasionally observed, they are not known to nest ak was named as being present for the 1998 Biodiversity Workshop based on the range of this species in nearby atolls, this species should frequent Namdrik Pacific Reef Heron (kabaj) Egretta sacra CL said this species was common N & B occasionally observed on reefs, both lagoon and ocean, mottled morph seemingly more typical Domestic Duck (dak) Anser anser N observed a few individuals near private residence in northwest end of Eoon-ene October 24. Migratory Duck(s) (ro) Anas and/or Aythys sp(p). undetermined species mentioned at Biodiversity Workshop 1998 based on records from nearby atolls, the Northern Pintail (Anus acuta) would be expected at least as a vagrant. Red Junglefowl; Domestic Chicken (bao in lol; kako male; lolo female; tokwi and/or jojo chick) the more wild variety is considered to be of aboriginal origin throughout the region recorded for Namdrik by Amerson. common in most households.

66

no feral population observed by N & B.

White-browed Rail, Porzana cinerea remote possibility of this species being on Namdrik. NO definitive record. this species according to Pratt et al. is shy and secretive and Prefers wet marshy areas the only Marshalls specimen collected was during Japanese times from Bikini Pratt et al. xxxx and Amerson xxxx call it a vagrant to Bikini however, Baker xxxx considers it to be a natural extension of its range. legends and tales tell of a small bird with a big voice called the annan a term which can also mean shadow German accounts tell of the annan being popular with cats and extirpated by them wherever the cats were introduced CL said that while there were a few cats on Madmad during the time that some families resided on that island, they did not seem to wander from their owners When N & B and MJ visited Madmad on October 21, as they entered the wetlands, they heard a loud bird cry which was unfamiliar to N & B THERE IS A REMOTE POSSIBILITY that Madmad which has wetlands and no long history of free-ranging cats could be the only location in the Marshall Islands where this species could be found Pacific Golden Plover (kwolej) Pluvialis dominica common winter resident, known to residents and informants named as being present for the 1998 Biodiversity Workshop commonly observed during entire stay by N & B on shores and inland photographed by N near Community Center Wandering Tattler (kidid) Heteroscelus incanus common winter resident, known by local name to residents and informants this and the following species are at times difficult to distinguish but based on range in nearby atolls, presumed that most records would be this species Gray-tailed Tattler (kidid) Heteroscelus brevipes common winter resident, known by local name to residents and informants this and the previous species are at times difficult to distinguish but likely at least some records would be this species Bristle-thighed Curlew (kowak) Numerius tahitiensis common winter resident, known by local name to residents and informants considered to be Vulnerable by the IUCN largely as a result of predation on the wintering grounds listed among species of concern for the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot by CEPF MJ said that the numbers have reduced in recent years

67

Ruddy Turnstone (ktkt) Arenaria interpres common winter resident, known by local name to residents and informants commonly observed by N & B along beaches residents capture individuals for traditional bird fights photographed captured individuals Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos regular migrant in the region one individual observed and photographed by N & B October 24 other migratory shorebirds, families Charadriidae and Scolopacidae other species likely pass through as migrants and/or vagrants Great Crested Tern (ker) Sterna bergii individual likely of this species observed when returning across the lagoon October 26 by MJ and N & B based on the range of this species in nearby atolls, this would be the species to expect Black-naped Tern (mnnimuuj) Sterna sumatrana individual likely of this species observed on separate occasions by N and B flying over the lagoon based on the range of this species in nearby atolls, this species would be expected to be resident Brown Noddy (pejwak) Anous stolidus common resident known by informants and frequently observed by N & B observed over the lagoon and along most, if not all, beaches often flocking with the following species Black Noddy (jekad) Anous minutus common resident known by informants and frequently observed by N & B observed over the lagoon and along most, if not all, beaches often flocking with the above species White (Common Fairy) Tern (mejo) Gygis alba common resident known by informants and frequently observed by N & B observed around breadfruit and other trees around residental areas, over the lagoon and along most, if not all, beaches Rock Dove (mule in belle) Columba livia CL and MJ told of this species previously being resident but no longer present. Biodiversity Workshop named mule evidently in reference to this species. not observed by N & B native to Eurasia but has been spread worldwide a pest in many areas of the world

68

known to spread disease would seem to be advantageous not to reintroduce this species

Micronesian Pigeon (mule) Ducula oceanica CL said this species is not found on Namdrik MJ said that some individuals were brought from Jaluit but did not persist Long-tailed Cuckoo (wdej) Eudynamis taitensis common migrant, known by local name to residents and informants breeds in New Zealand and nearby islands single individual observed by CL and N & B near ocean beach of Madmad October 26 Short-eared Owl (lijemao) Asio flammeus MJ had heard of reports decades ago but had never personally seen this species potentially the subspecies ponapensis, a proposed endangered species and a hotspot species by CEPF REPTILES: Green Sea Turtle (wn) Chelonia mydas CL said that one of Namdriks navigational signs is a turtle between the atoll and Kosrae (although not necessarily this species). CL said that previously this species was a relatively common sight in the lagoon but now they are rarely observed. IUCN Endangered. CEPF hotspot species. Hawksbill Turtle (jebake) Eretochelys imbricata CL said that previously this species was occasionally seen in the lagoon but now quite rare IUCN Critically Endangered CEPF hotspot species Leatherback Turtle (wn in lometo according to CL) Eretmochelys coriacea IUCN Critically Endangered CL told of a dead individual of this species washing ashore some years back; older people knew it as a turtle but younger ones had never seen such an animal before according to the migratory pattern of this species, it should regularly pass by Namdrik CEPF hotspot species Oceanic Gecko (korab) Gehyra oceanica not definitely observed but because this species has been recorded on Ebon and Jaluit, it likely occurs also on Namdrik unspecified gecko(s) were listed during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998

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Indo-Pacific House Gecko (korab) Hemidactylus frenatus gecko seemingly of this species observed and heard in the buildings of the Community Center by N & B photograph of one individual unspecified gecko(s) were listed during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 recently introduced into the area, potentially can displace native species Mourning Gecko (korab) Lepidodactylus lugubris juvenile of this probably observed and photographed by N inside room at Community Center this species has been recorded on Ebon and Jaluit unspecified gecko(s) were listed during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 apparently originated on Arno Atoll as a hybrid between two other species, then spread throughout the Pacific Pacific Slender-toed Gecko (korab) Nactus pelagicus not definitely observed but because this species has been recorded on Jaluit, it likely occurs also on Namdrik unspecified gecko(s) were listed during Biodiversity Workshop of 1998 Arno Skink (aob) Emoia arnoensis common in forests, including near beaches and wetland areas, N photographed several individuals almost solid black coloration endemic to the Marshalls and some of the eastern Caroline Islands CEPF hotspot species Coastal Blue-tailed Skink/Copper Striped Skink, Emoia cyanura common in most environments, including wetland areas, N photographed several individuals previously recorded for Ebon and Jaluit Tree Skink (kilij; aob) Lamprolepis smaragdina common in most environments, including wetlands, usually climbing trees yellow variety frequently observed photographed by N previously recorded for Ebon and Jaluit White-striped Sand Skink, (kutiltil?) Eugongylus albofasciolatus potentially present as previously recorded for Ebon and Jaluit informants told of a large, slow moving lizard called kutiltil which came out at night, even frequently coming into houses if local name is correct for this species, it was recorded correctly for the Biodiversity Workshop of 1998

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the local name is defined as ugly looking lizard in the Marshallese-English Dictionary if local name is correct for this species, it was incorrectly listed as a name for the Mangrove Monitor Lizard which is not present on Namdrik B observed a lizard which may have been this species along pathway of Ajelto

Brahminy Blind Snake (?majlol) Ramphotyphlops braminus not observed by N & B informant told of it being present, accurately describing its habitat and habits if the local name is correct, this species was recorded at the Biodiversity Workshop in 1998 as being used in medicine

FISHES: During the Biodiversity Workshop of 1998, the participants from Namdrik provided a long list of fishes by their local names. These were later correlated to scientific names as best as could be done. It is beyond the scope of this report to list again all of these fishes but for further information, please see pages 199 to 272 of the RMI National Biodiversity Report.

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