August 30,
1964 (cont.)
pregnancies.
The development of the embryos is consistent with
the full moon hypothesia.
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 found on other islands?
think the sampling was adequate,
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,
important in re-establishment
land.
wave deposition has been
of vegetation on this narrow is-
Mesgerschmidia is predominant but very scattered,
Scaevola,
at least 1 Morinda and 1 Pandanus plant.
a few
A number of
coconut trees in the old camp site and also near the tower.
Fimbristylis and Triumfetta are very abundant,
as are species of
Euphorbia.
Qt