August 30,
1964
pregnancies.
(cont.)
The development of the embryos
is
consistent with
the full moon hypothesis.
One roof rat was caught by hand the day traps were set on the
south end of the island.
Seven of the total of 11 rats caught on Runit were of the
block phase,
(Rattus rattus rattus).
parts of the world.
This phase occurs in many
We found it rarely at Panope.
[In my opinion,
(Jackson's)--if memory is correct--this is the first time it has
been recorded in the Marshalls.
This block phase could have re-
sulted from the introduction of an individual from a ship.
ceivably,
Con-
it might be a mutant form induced by radiation.
either case,
why has
it not been
think the sampling was adequate,
found on other
islands?
[In
[I
and I see no basis for believing
that the Polynesian rat exists on this island.
Gessel's notes on trip to Runit Island on EMBL boat:
"Island has obviously been devastated and is in various
stages of redevelopment.
Apparently, wave deposition has been
important in re-establishment
land.
of vegetation on this narrow is-
Messerschmidia is predominant but very scattered, a few
Scaevola,
at least 1 Morinda and 1 Pandanus plant.
A number of
coconut trees in the old camp site and also near the tower.
Fimbristylis and Triumfetta are very abundant,
Euphorbia.
as are species of