Field trip reports

island resources F O U N D A T I O N Direct your reply to:

FIELD RECONNAISSANCE REPORT Cooper Island British Virgin Islands

1718 P Street NW, Suite T4 Washington, DC 20036 202/265-9712; fax 232-0748

15 August 2014

6292 Estate Nazareth #100 St. Thomas, VI 00802 340/775-6225; fax 779-2022

Prepared for the BVI Environmental Profile Programme

by Island Resources Foundation (IRF)

Post Office Box 4760 Road Town, Tortola VG1110 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Or via the Internet at: irf@ irf.org http://www.irf.org

IRF Profile Team Investigators: Kevel C. Lindsay and Jean-Pierre Bacle

Summary On 15 August 2014, Island Resources Foundation (IRF) biodiversity investigators, Jean-Pierre Bacle and Kevel Lindsay, undertook field reconnaissance investigation of Cooper Island as part of the BVI Environmental Profile Programme.

This Field Trip Report summarizes activities that took place, while also highlighting important findings and issues. A more detailed description of the island’s natural history will be made available in April 2015 as part of the publication of the Tortola Environmental Profile. The reconnaissance trip was made possible thanks to a number of generous contributions from donors who are listed at the end of this report.

The IRF field team arrived on Cooper Island, Manchioneel Bay in the early morning of 15 August. Transportation to and from the island was provided by the Cooper Island Beach Club ferry from Tortola. At the Beach Club on Cooper Island, researchers met with Meron Napier for an orientation and a quick overview of the island that included identification and locations of some key wildlife and plant species (Photo 1).

Following the orientation meeting, the IRF field team proceeded from the Beach Club up to the uplands above the beach and traveled north along the ridge line that marks the watershed boundary between Manchioneel Bay and Coral Bay. After a few hours hiking along the ridge, the team headed down to investigate the Coral Bay area, including a quick survey around the mangrove salt pond adjacent to Dustry Point (Photo 2). Following lunch the IRF field team headed to Dustry Point (Photo 3), then moving up to the hills immediately to the north and then heading west to the highest ridgeline of this northern part of the island, and finally looping back down to Manchioneel Bay for a late afternoon departure to Tortola.

Photo 1.

Meron Napier and Jean-Pierre Bacle going through an orientation strategy.

Photo 2.

A view of the lagoon at Coral Bay. In the foreground within the palm grove is a small farm.

Further east (in the background) is the salt pond and Dustry Point.

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Photo 3.

Looking towards Dustry Point with Ginger Island to the east and tiny Carval Rock to southeast.

Field Observations Cooper Island is about 342 acres (0.53 square miles) and is characterized as a steep, hilly island with a ham-bone shape. It has two major centers—the north half and the south half, each joined by a narrow isthmus at Hallovers Bay. The highest elevation, 155 meters (509 feet), is in the west of the southern half of the island. The highest elevation in the northern part of the island is 128 meters (420 feet) and lies between Cistern Point and Harry Bottom. The IRF team was only able to explore part of the northern half of this rugged sister island of Tortola.

Only the north of the island has permanent human presence, including the beach club, a handful of residences and a small farm at Coral Bay (see Photo 2). Much of the island consists of various private parcels so care was taken to avoid trespassing and any possible conflicts.

(1)

Flora

While Cooper Island has been severely impacted by feral goats, it nevertheless maintains interesting remnants of dry scrub and woodland vegetation and a number of rare species of native plants. The IRF team encountered rare species of cacti such as the columnar cactus Stenocereus fimbriatus (Photo 4). There are also small, but declining populations of the Turks Cap Cactus (Melocactus intortus) (Photo 5). Very few tree cactus (Opuntia rubescens) were encountered and all were seedlings, these being very vulnerable to goats (Photo 6). The tree cactus may soon go extinct on Cooper Island. GPS points were taken of all tree cactus encountered as well as other rare plants.

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Photo 4.

The rare Stenocereus cactus survives on Cooper Island.

Photo 5.

Turk’s Cap Cactus at Coral Bay.

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Photo 6.

Tree Cactus seedling about 1.5 metres in height.

Few of this cactus species were found and all were seedlings.

There is a rare species of the family Poaceae, perhaps a member of the grass species Muhlenbergia (Photo 7), although identification is inconclusive and only more careful study will determine its exact relationship.

Photo 7.

Muhlenbergia grass species.

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The IRF team found that despite the impacts of goats, there remains a patch of relatively tall forest in a small shallow valley along the upper west-facing slopes southeast of the Beach Club at Manchioneel Bay (Photo 8). This forest area does show signs of goat damage and human impacts, but overall it is intact and worthy of protection. Table 1 provides a preliminary list of plants that are of conservation concern.

Photo 8.

Tall forest above Manchioneel Bay.

Table 1.

Preliminary list of plants of conservation concern.

Species

Observations

Coccoloba krugii x uvifera

Tree / a hybrid form / West Indian Endemic

Coccoloba microstachya

Tree / West Indian Endemic

Flueggea acidoton

Tree / West Indian Endemic

Consolea rubescens

Cactus / West Indian Endemic

Melocactus intortus

Cactus / West Indian Endemic

Opuntia dillenii

Cactus

Opuntia rubescens

Cactus

Stenocereus fimbriatus

Cactus / Greater Antillean Endemic

Muhlenbergia sp.

Grass

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(2)

Fauna

Researchers encountered many species of birds, reptiles and invertebrates during the survey of the island. The team perhaps captured images of a rare visitor to the Virgin Islands, Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia). The identification is based on two individuals photographed at Coral Bay. Another possible sighting was of a Puerto Rican Flycatcher (Myiarchus antillarum), a Virgin Islands and Puerto Rican endemic. This species is now quite rare throughout the Virgin Islands.

Other wild animals include rare skipper butterflies (Photo 9) and the predatory Tarantula Wasp (Pepsis rubra) (Photo 10).

Photo 9.

Skipper butterfly of Cooper Island’s forest.

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Photo 10.

The Tarantula Wasp, skilled hunter of spiders.

The team also encountered many lizards, for example, the Anolis stratulus (Photo 11). A preliminary list of the birds observed during the visit is provided in Table 2.

Photo 11.

One of the common tree lizard species on the island is the Anolis stratulus.

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Table 2.

Preliminary bird List for Cooper Island, August 15, 2014.

Species

Status

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)

x

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

x

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

x

Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

x

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

x

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)

x

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

Farmed

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

x

Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

Tentative

Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)

x

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)

x

Least Tern (Sterna antillarum)

x

Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)

x

Scaly-naped Pigeon (Columba squamosa)

x

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

x

Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita)

x

Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina)

x

Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzuz minor)

x

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)

x

Green-throated Carib (Eulampis holosericeus)

x

Antillean Crested (Orthorhyncus cristatus)

x

Caribbean Elaenia (Elaenia martinica)

x

Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) Puerto Rican Flycatcher (Myiarchus antillarum)

x Tentative

Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus)

x

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

x

Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)

x

Lesser Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis)

x

Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor)

x

X = Observed.

A more complete review and analysis of Cooper Island’s flora, fauna, landscapes and issues will be provided in the natural history profile of Tortola’s sister islands, to be completed in April 2015.

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Acknowledgements The IRF research team acknowledges the contribution and generosity of the following persons and organizations: -

The Cooper Island Beach Club, Ltd.

-

Charlotte Fuller

-

Sail Caribbean Ltd.

-

James and Donna Weber

-

Fred and Candia Kruse

-

Susie and Richard Coles (Sheet Anchor Ltd.)

We also offer our gratitude to Andy Murrant and Meron Napier of the Cooper Island Beach Club for their support and making this field trip possible. Our appreciation to Edward Childs of Smiths Gore for his assistance, particularly with fund raising for the Sister Islands Natural History Project.

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island resources F O U N D A T I O N Direct your reply to:

FIELD TRIP RECONNAISSANCE REPORT Great Camanoe and Little Camanoe British Virgin Islands

1718 P Street NW, Suite T4 Washington, DC 20036 202/265-9712; fax 232-0748

October 24 to 27, 2014

6292 Estate Nazareth #100 St. Thomas, VI 00802 340/775-6225; fax 779-2022

Prepared for the BVI Environmental Profile Programme

by Island Resources Foundation (IRF)

Post Office Box 4760 Road Town, Tortola VG1110 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Or via the Internet at: irf@ irf.org http://www.irf.org

IRF Profile Team Investigators: Kevel C. Lindsay and Jean-Pierre Bacle

Summary On October 24 to 27, 2014, Island Resources Foundation (IRF) biodiversity researchers, Jean-Pierre Bacle and Kevel Lindsay, undertook a field reconnaissance investigation of Great Camanoe and Little Camanoe Islands as part of the British Virgin Islands Environmental Profile Programme. This Field Trip Report summarizes activities that took place, while also highlighting important findings and issues. The reconnaissance trip was made possible thanks to donations from residents, friends and organizations from or associated with Great Camanoe. We are very grateful for their contributions, as acknowledged at the end of this report.

Friday, October 24, 2014 – Great Camanoe Island The IRF team arrived on Great Camanoe from Trellis Bay, thanks to the assistance of our boat pilot, Trish Baily. For the duration of our stay, the team members resided at Sea Sight Cottage, located in Indigo Plantation, thanks to property owner Marillyn Suzuki.

Later that afternoon, the IRF team undertook a coastal reconnaissance of both Great and Little Camanoe. Sandra Grisham provided boat transportation for the circumnavigation trip assisted by Trish Baily.

Great Camanoe is the seventh largest island in the territory and covers about 833 acres (1.3 sq. miles). Unlike most other islands, its longest axis is oriented north-south for 4.3 km, while the average width along its east–west axis is about 1 km with the narrowest section at Cam Bay (about 200 m wide). Cam Bay, highlighted by a salt pond and barrier beach complex, is essentially an isthmus that connects the two main land areas of the island. At one point in geological history, these two formed separate islands.

Great Camanoe is rugged in topography that is dominated by coastal cliffs. It is steep with elevations easily reaching 150 m (500 ft) within 600 m (2,000 ft) from shoreline. This made it difficult and mostly inaccessible to the IRF team. Photo 1 depicts the rugged western coastline of Great Camanoe. Given the island’s relatively large size, the IRF team could only capture a fairly small snapshot of the island’s flora, fauna, geology, landscape, and natural features; therefore, the narrative provided herein has to be viewed in this context.

Photo 1.

The west coastline of Great Camanoe is dominated by rocky cliffs.

The circumnavigation provided excellent views of the island, exposing its diverse landscapes, vegetation, and geology, as well as many rare and enigmatic species. It also provided evidence of goat damage and the extent of this damage.

(1) Indigo Plantation: Flora After landing at the Indigo Plantation side of the island, the IRF team discovered a few wild trees of the very rare and critically endangered Lignum Vitae tree (Guaiacum officinale). The team also photographed at least one large and very old Lignum Vitae tree high on the slopes. This suggests that Great Camanoe may have the single largest population of this species remaining in all of the Virgin Islands. These were great finds and boded well for what was yet to be discovered during the remainder of our visit. Table 1 provides a preliminary list of rare plants of special concern for both Camanoe Islands.

Some of the more unusual and interesting species observed during the circumnavigation of the island include the possible occurrence of the rare endemic bromeliad, Pitcairnia jareckii (Photo 2), a species previously only recorded for Guana Island and endemic to the BVI. Also recorded are the West Indian endemic columnar cactus, Stenocereus fimbriatus, especially on the western

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and northern coasts, and the very rare globular cactus, Mammillaria nivosa, a species becoming increasingly rare in the Virgin Islands and the West Indies due to severe damage by goats, other feral livestock, and over-collecting by humans for the horticultural trade.

Other discoveries included the West Indian endemic cactus, the Turk’s Cap Cactus (Melocactus intortus), and possibly the West Indian Thatch Palm (Leucothrinax morrisii) (see Photo 3). The team would need to visit the site to be able to confirm its presence.

Photo 2.

The BVI endemic bromeliad, P. jareckii, on the north coast of Great Camanoe.

Photo 3.

A dwarf palm, possibly L. morrisii, on the north coast of Great Camanoe.

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That evening, the IRF team explored the coastline east of the Indigo Plantation marina, where researchers observed the nocturnal blooms of several species of cacti, including the rare S. fimbriatus. Cacti blooms are rarely observed given their habit of opening during the night. Photo 4 shows the bloom of the columnar cactus, Pilosocereus royenii, with a native roach supping on the rich pollen.

Photo 4.

The night-blooming flower of P. royenii with a native roach feasting on pollen.

(2) Indigo Plantation: Fauna The team observed signs that Red-billed Tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus) and possibly some species of Shearwater (Puffinus sp.) may be nesting on the north and northeastern coast of Great Camanoe. Further and closer observations are needed for confirmation. A preliminary list of bird species observed for both islands is provided in Table 2.

During the night reconnaissance, the IRF team confirmed that at least one species of frog is found on the island, this being the Red-eyed Frog (Eleutherodactylus antillensis). The species was identified by its calls on the slopes above the bay, although no specimens were observed.

Saturday, October 25, 2014 – Great Camanoe Island Most of the morning was spent exploring the Throw Way Wife Bay and North Bay areas. Trish Bailey, as boat pilot and photographer, accompanied the IRF team. We spent a few hours exploring this remote and intriguing northeastern side of the island, often used by BVIslanders including BVI families who own this part of the island for weekend camps, excursions, and family reunions.

The afternoon was spent exploring the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Privateers Estate side of Great Camanoe. Resident Karen Robinson was our guide and provided vehicle transportation.

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Her participation was extremely valuable as it allowed the IRF team to cover a great number of sites in a short time period.

That evening, the IRF team surveyed for bats and other night wildlife around Sea Sight Cottage.

(1) North Bay Area: Flora At North Bay, the team observed many of the island’s native and introduced species and habitats, including more colonies of the cactus S. fimbriatus and the endangered stinging cherry (Malpighia woodburyana), a small tree of dry coastal habitats.

(2) North Bay Area: Fauna Many species were observed, including birds such as the Scaly-naped Pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) and even a lone Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) perched high up on the ridge above the bay. The team also observed the Puerto Rican Racer snake (Borikenophis portoricensis) (Photo 5) on two occasions; many lizards, and numerous invertebrates were also observed.

Photo 5.

Puerto Rican Racer snake at North Bay.

(3) Privateer Estate: Flora The landscapes, habitats and plants of the Privateer side of Great Camanoe Island are in many respects similar to other areas of the island. Nevertheless, there are many interesting species that may be more common here or experience conditions more favorable. It is a bit moister in some areas, so woodlands are thicker and trees taller. Along with the cacti more commonly observed at Indigo, there is also the vine-like species, the Night-blooming Cereus (Selenicereus grandiflorus) and the Strawberry Pear Cactus (Hylocereus trigonus).

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A great discovery was the rare and endangered native tree, Yellow Satinwood (Zanthoxylum flavum), a species that has largely disappeared from much of the region due to overharvesting for its highly sought after yellow and very scented wood. The specimen observed was quite tall and fairly robust, suggesting that it could be at least 20 years old.

(4) Privateer Estate: Fauna The team observed many species of birds, lizards and invertebrates, but most exciting was the photo of a Virgin Islands Tree Boa (Chilabothrus grantii) shown to us by Karen Robinson. The specimen was found in her residence, and she reports she has seen them not infrequently over the years. She also reported seeing skinks (Spondylurus semitaeniatus), and, subsequently, after our visit, she was able to photograph a fine specimen sunning itself on her deck (Photo 6).

Photo 6.

Skink at Privateer Estate (photo courtesy of Karen Robinson).

(5) Sea Sight Cottage Area: Night Survey During the evening survey many invertebrates rarely seen because of their nocturnal habits were observed. Bat nets were set along the access road to the cottage, and the IRF team identified Jamaican Fruit Bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) flying but did not catch any. However, later that night researchers did catch one Antillean Cave Bat, the first ever bat record for the island (Photo 7).

The IRF team also observed a most unusual event, namely, the nocturnal movement of Puerto Rican Racer snakes, which has not been confirmed before this. Three snakes were caught, observed, and subsequently released. It was felt that they were attracted by the numerous house geckos or woodslaves (Hemidactylus mabouia) that were commonly seen in the gardens and the

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cottage. One of the snakes was badly bitten by a rat, which unfortunately is a frequently noted occurrence during other terrestrial surveys undertaken by the IRF team.

Photo 7.

The Antillean Cave Bat is the first bat recorded and photographed from Great Camanoe.

Sunday October 26, 2014 – Little Camanoe Island During the morning to early afternoon, the team visited nearby Little Camanoe (Photo 8). The team was accompanied on this excursion by Trish Baily, David Hildred, Sandra Grisham, Norman Clothier, and Mo Sallah. Most did some snorkeling, while David accompanied the IRF team for the terrestrial survey.

Photo 8.

The southern half of Little Camanoe showing East End Bay where the team landed.

Beyond is Little Mountain (Beef Island) and Tortola.

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Although the island is uninhabited, a small heard of goats persists, having devastated much of the island’s vegetation, severely increasing erosion, and degrading the habitats of many animals.

Great Camanoe residents report that rats are also on Little Camanoe, and their numbers are relatively high.

(1) Little Camanoe: Flora Despite habitat degradation and loss of many native plant species, some rare gems continue to hold on to existence. These include the globular cactus M. nivosa, the Woolly Nipple, which was one of the largest specimens ever encountered by the IRF team (Photo 9), and the jumping cactus, Opuntia triancantha (identification tentative here), which is extremely rare in the Virgin Islands (Photo 10).

Photo 9.

Woolly Nipple Cactus (M. nivosa) on Little Camanoe.

Photo 10.

The jumping cactus, possibly Opuntia triacantha.

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Also present are fairly large numbers and colonies of the stinging cherry, M. woodburyana, although few regenerations were observed and many of the trees were severely browsed by goats below 2 m. Many mature specimens have escaped the impact of goats (Photo 11).

Photo 11.

Stinging Cherry (Malphighia woodburyana) is quite common on Little Camanoe.

Another surprise was the delicate and small succulent (Portulaca sp.), a member of the genus Portulacaceae, which was observed growing in shallow dusty soils in the center of the island; it is so small that it is easily overlooked as just a discarded piece of twig.

(2) Little Camanoe: Fauna Much of Little Camanoe’s native fauna includes animals found on nearby Great Camanoe and Tortola, including dense populations of the Eyespot Dwarf Gecko (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis), Anolis lizards, invertebrates such as centipedes (Photo 12), roaches, and many other species.

Many species of seabirds frequent the island, especially along the rocky ledges such as a colony of Brown Bobbies at the southern tip (Photo 13).

The team also found the remains of what appeared to be a large Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) on the southern headland of the island. It is believed to have been butchered, perhaps 5 to 10 years ago, since the bones and scutes were embedded in soil with roots growing through and entangled in the remains. One large scute was taken back to Tortola and presented to the National Parks Trust for confirmation.

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Photo 12.

A small species of centipede (photo courtesy of Trish Baily).

Photo 13.

Brown Booby colony at the southern tip of the Little Camanoe (Pull and Be Damn Point).

In mid-afternoon, back on Great Camanoe, the team explored some of the woodlands on the southwestern end of the island. Many faunal species were recorded including birds, reptiles and invertebrates such as the giant native roach (Photo 14).

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Photo 14.

Giant native roach on Great Camanoe.

At dusk, the team completed bat survey work along the Dwight Smith Memorial Trail to near Potato Bay. Researchers caught two additional bat species, both new records for the island: one Velvety Free-tailed Bat (Molossus molossus) and four Fishing Bats (Noctilio leporinus). A total of three species of bats were captured and first-time recorded for Great Camanoe.

During preparations to set up the nets to capture bats, the team also confirmed the presence of the Bridled Quail Dove (Geotrygon mystacea), a rare West Indian endemic bird. One bird was clearly observed walking in the undergrowth of woodlands near the residence of Claire Rowe.

The team also encountered three Puerto Rican Racer snakes at night, thereby confirming that the species is moving about during the dark. This may indicate that nocturnal hunting is widespread amongst Great Camanoe’s population, something seemingly rare in this species. Why the Great Camanoe population is behaving this way is a mystery.

Monday October 27, 2014 The IRF survey team departed from Great Camanoe on this morning via boat transportation provided by Trish Baily, who had also afforded support and guidance every day of this reconnaissance survey.

During our visit to Great Camanoe’s Privateer Estate, the IRF team discussed with Karen Robinson some of the environmental needs of the island. She expressed a desire to learn more about the wild plants of the island, as well as many of its fauna. This sentiment was also expressed by many members of the Indigo Plantation community, in addition to the need for identifying an effective method to deal with rodent and goat issues.

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Table 1.

Some of the rare plant species and species of special concern for Great Camanoe (GC) and Little Camanoe (LC) Islands.

Species

GC

LC

Century Plant (Agave missionum)

x

x

Thatch Palm (Coccothrinax barbadensis)

x

Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale)

x

Night Blooming Cactus (Hylocereus trigonus)

x

Turk’s Cap (Melocactus c.f. intortus)

x

x

Woolly-Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria nivosa)

x

x

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia dillenii)

x

x

Tree Prickly Pear (Opuntia rubescens)

x

Pipe-organ Cactus (Pilosocereus royenii)

x

Island Silverback Fern (Pityrogramma chrysophylla)

x

Stinging Bush (Malpighia woodburyana)

x

Jarecki’s Pitcairnia (Pitcairnia jareckii)

x

Amansa guapo (Savia sessiliflora)

x

Spanish Stenocereus (Stenocereus fimbriatus)

x

x x

Table 2.

Bird list for Great Camanoe (GC) and Little Camanoe (LC) Islands.

Species

LC

Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)

?

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)

x

x

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

x

x

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

x

x

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

x

x

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

x

x

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

x

Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

x

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

x

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)

x

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

x

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

x

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

x

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

x

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

x

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)

x

Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)

x

Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)

?

Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)

?

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

x

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GC

x

x

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Species

GC

LC

Scaly-naped Pigeon (Columba squamosa)

x

x

Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina)

x

Bridled Quail Dove (Geotrygon mystacea) White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

?

Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita)

x

Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)

x

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)

x

Green-throated Carib (Eulampis holosericeus)

x

Antillean Crested (Orthorhyncus cristatus)

x

Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)

x

Caribbean Elaenia (Elaenia martinica)

x

Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)

x

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

x

x

x

x x

Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus)

x

x

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

x

x

Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)

x

x

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

x

Parula Warbler (Setophaga americana)

x

Prairie Warble (Setophaga discolor)

x

Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor)

x

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x x

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Acknowledgements The IRF research team acknowledges the financial contributions and generosity of the following individuals and organizations who supported this field investigation: -

Claire Rowe

-

Robby and Karen Robinson

-

Sandra Grisham and Norman Clothier

-

Paul and Susan Serini

-

James and Virginia Hoelter

-

John and Barbara Robertson

-

David and Candace Weir Foundation

-

James Perry Jr. and Mrs. Marianne Bernadette Croze-Perry

-

James and Barbara McGunn (The Villa Oasis, LLC)

-

Enrique Lavernia and Julie Schoenung

-

David and Jacquelyn Rummel

-

Stephen Swallow

-

Jeffrey and Patricia Taylor

-

Peter and Linda Reid

-

Catherine Smith

IRF would also like to thank the following persons for their organizational and logistical support as well as their contribution to field work activities and photo documentation: -

Claire and Ron Rowe

-

Trish Baily and David Hildred

-

Karen Robinson

-

Sandra Grisham

-

Marillyn Suzuki

A special thanks to Edward Childs of Smiths Gore Ltd. for providing background documentation.

The IRF team thoroughly enjoyed the dual-island visit, meeting with residents, and learning more about the biodiversity of the Camanoe Islands, as exemplified by Photo 15. Indeed the Camanoes were a delight to explore, and yet much remains to be discovered.

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Photo 15.

Pair of American Kestrels, Great Camanoe Island (photo courtesy of Trish Baily).

The biodiversity of the Camanoe Islands as preliminarily discussed in this reconnaissance report will be included in a forthcoming publication by Island Resources Foundation to include 17 of the sister islands surrounding Tortola . The Natural History of Tortola’s Sister Islands will be released by IRF in April 2015 and will serve as a companion document to the Tortola Environmental Profile, to be released at the same time.

Little Thatch, Great Thatch, Little Tobago, Great Tobago, Ginger Island, Carval Rock, Cooper Island, Salt Island, Dead Chest, Peter Island, Pelican Island, Norman Island, Guana Island, Little Camanoe Island, Great Camanoe Island, Scrub Island, and Marina Cay.

island resources F O U N D A T I O N

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