burrows are found under and around clumps of grass or under
‘beach magnolia bushes (Scaevola frutescens).
not
These rats do
inhabit areas containing no plants.
|
Rats were found on Engebi, Biijiri, and Rojoa prior to
Mike detonation.
After the shot they were taken on Blijirt
only and were ill] and lethargic.
that any rats survived
heat and shock wave,
on Engebi;
There is little probability
for it was denuded by the
then partly inundated by water waves from
the blast, and had a radiation reading of 11 r/hr two inches
from ground level for beta-gamma seven days after the detonation.
That there was little chance of animals surviving is
illustrated by the fact that the sole bird found on Engebi
post shot had been blown to pieces by the shock wave.
Birds were collected at two stations,
prior to Mike detonation.
Igurin and Rigill,
After the shot they were taken at
eight stations and, with the exception of two stations,
con-
sisted entirely of terns (fam. Laridae).. Within this group
the fairy tern (Gygis alba) and the common noddy tern (Anous
stolidus) were taken when available.
These two species usually
remain close to the nesting grounds, although they may forage
over a range of several islands in search of food.
taken included the sooty tern (Sterna fuscata),
Other terns
the crested tern
(Sterna bergii) and the arctic tern (Sterna paradissea). All
birds were collected with a shotgun.
The food of the terns inhabiting Eniwetok Atoll consists
almost entirely of small live fish caught near the surface
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