Publications
Breeding and feeding habitat selection by an island endemic bird may increase its vulnerability to climate change
Endangered Micronesian Scrubfowl (Megapodius laperouse senex) in Palau's Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Conservation Area (RISL) exhibit highly specific breeding habitat preferences that render them vulnerable to climate change. Research reveals these birds preferentially select incubation sites near the shore, characterized by large trees and taller canopies than surrounding forests, particularly favoring ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia) bases while incorporating breadfruit (Artocarpus mariannensis) trees more frequently than random. Despite non-preferential foraging across littoral strand forests, their breeding grounds face significant threat from sea level rise, overshadowing immediate risks of anthropogenic habitat loss or invasive species. This study underscores the critical need to address climate-driven vulnerabilities in conservation planning for such island-endemic species.
Impacts of invasive rats and tourism on a threatened island bird: the Palau Micronesian Scrubfowl
Tourism negatively impacts the Palau Micronesian Scrubfowl, a threatened island bird, by increasing invasive rat populations and reducing scrubfowl detection rates. A study comparing five tourist-visited and five tourist-free islands in Palau's Rock Island Southern Lagoon found that rat detection probability and occupancy were significantly higher on tourist-visited islands (89% and 99%, respectively) compared to tourist-free ones (52% and 73%). Scrubfowl were detected at more stations on tourist-free islands (93%) than tourist-visited ones (47%), with a non-significant trend toward lower abundance in the latter. While rat occupancy did not significantly affect scrubfowl numbers, the study suggests that tourism may indirectly harm scrubfowl populations by facilitating rat proliferation, which could have broader implications for other threatened island landbirds.
Selecting cultural sites for the UNESCO World Heritage List: Recent work in the Rock Islands–Southern Lagoon area, Republic of Palau
A collaborative approach combining archaeological expertise with traditional knowledge and local community involvement has emerged as a key strategy for identifying cultural properties of outstanding universal value (OUV) in the Pacific Islands, particularly in the Rock Islands–Southern Lagoon area of Palau. This research highlights how such partnerships can address the under-representation of the Pacific region on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while also navigating challenges related to governance and resource accumulation. The study underscores the importance of integrating indigenous perspectives with scientific methods to strengthen heritage nominations and management in the region.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Rock Islands Southern Lagoon