August 12, 1964 (cont.)
numbers were noddy and fairy terns.
Reef herons,
golden plovers
and ruddy turnstones were also on the island.
The rat colony has almost disappeared.
The rats appear to
be scattered over the island rather than being concentrated in
small areas.
In the water,
I
the most outstanding observation is the one
noticed everywhere in the north end of the atoll.
smothering the sedentary organisms.
Silt is
The silt is much worse than.
in 1961."
Jackson:
"Rat traps were set overnight in several habitat
areas but were concentrated in the areas of the test building.
Evidence of rat sign was limited, but 1l rats were captured.
were the roof rat
Polynesian rat
error.
(Rattus rattus).
(Rattus exulans)
All
The previous reporting of the
from the area may have been in
All rats were autopsied, and two were made into study
skins.
No reproduction was indicated, but 3 of the 6 mature females
had been bred previously.
No tumors or other pathology was evi-
dent on general examination.
Ascaris,
An exceptionally heavy load of
like worms was present in the stomachs.
Additional trapping needs to be done in areas of dense
morning glory, what areas of dense grass and sedge remain,
and in