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10th New Guinea Biological Conference

Theme: Biological and Conservation Studies addressing Environmental and Social Challenges in New Guinea

28 – 29th June 2012

Conference Program &

Abstracts

Forest Research Institute, Lae, Morobe Province

Papua New Guinea

June 2012

10th New Guinea Biological Conference - 2012 2

Program for the 10th New Guinea Biological Conference

Day 1 – Thursday 28th June 2012 08:00 – 09:00 Participants registers at the Conference Desk Session 1 – Key Note Papers in Research and Development in New Guinea Chairperson: Dr. Kulala Mulung 09:00 – 09:30 Official Opening of the 10th New Guinea Biological Conference 2012 - Mr.

Goodwill Amos, Acting Managing Director, PNG Forest Authority 09:30 – 10:00 Vulnerability of plantations and natural forests to the impact of climate

change. – Professor Simon Saulei 10:00 – 10:30 Challenges for adopting environmental and biological management

strategies in resource development in Papua New Guinea. – Associate Professor Benedict Yaru

10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break 11:00 – 11:30 Botanical Research in PNG since the end of the Second World War. –

Associate Professor Osia G. Gideon Session 2 – Flora and Ecological Research in New Guinea 11:30 – 11:55 Diversity of leaf productivity functional from hyperdiversity New Guinea

mangrove ecosystem. – Lawong Balun 11:55 – 12:20 Niche differentiation in lowland rainforest trees of Papua New Guinea:

Evidence from habitat associations and morphological, functional, and genetic variation in closely related taxa. – John Vincent and George D. Weiblen

12:20 – 13:20 Lunch Chairperson: Associate Professor Osia G. Gideon 13:20 – 13:45 A review of the classification of forests in New Guinea. Unanswered

problems. – R. J. Johns 13:45 – 14:10 Forest dynamics after selective timber harvesting in Papua New Guinea. –

Cossey Yossi, Rodney J. Keenan and Julian C. Fox 14:10 – 14:35 Tree species composition and population structure at three elevational sites

at YUS Conservation Area in Papua New Guinea. – Bega Inaho 14:40 – 15:05 Tree species richness in Papua New Guinea’s first large-scale permanent

forest plot. – Billy Bau and George Weiblen


Chairperson: Mr. Nalish Sam

15:05 – 15:30 Tree diversity and species composition in two one hectare plots of the tidal

forest in Kikori, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. – Olo Gebia 15:30 – 15:55 You can't see the forest for the trees. – Barry J. Conn and Kipiro Q. Damas 16:00 – 16:25 The genus Begonia L (Begoniaceae) in New Guinea. – Janet Gagul 16:25 – 16:50 Comparing standard germination test with tetrazolium viability test. – Alex

Agiwa 16:50 – 17:20 Deep-Sea biodiversity of PNG as revealed by the Bio Papua Cruise 2010. –

Ralph R. Mana Day 2 – Friday 29th June 2012 Session 3 – Zoology and Entomological Research in New Guinea Chairperson: Associate Professor Benedict Yaru 08:30 – 08:55 Myrtle Rust, Puccinia psidii sens. lat. – a new threat to biodiversity in the

Indo-Pacific region – R.O. Makinsona and Barry J. Conn 08:55 – 09:20 Preliminary soil maping of Bulolo Forest Plantation using PNGRIS/ GIS and

Remote Sensing. – Yanda Sila, Mondo Karmar, Simon Kolema and Anton Teiva

09:20 – 09:45 Behavioral and ecological characteristics of endemic frog species on Manus

Island, Papua New Guinea, in relation to threats from climate change. – Heather Taitibe

09:50 – 10:15 How to survey a large plant plot: experiences from 50ha permanent forest

dynamics plot in lowland Wanang forest. – Joseph Valeba, Kenneth Molem, Hans Hungito, Maling Rimandai, John Auga, Salape Tulai and Mevis Jmbudo

10:15 – 10: 20 Participatory Ethnobotanical studies as part of Ok Tedi Mining Limited

Rehabilitation Planning. – Clara Nanuk - Chairperson: John B. Vincent 10:45 – 11:10 Comparison of moth diversity in Papua New Guinea mid montane remnant

natural forest habitats. – Tombo Warra

11:10 – 11:35 Artificial Nest Box study at Mt. Gahavisuka Provincial Park, Eastern

Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. – Daniel S. Okena. 11:35 – 12:00 Experimental manipulation of bark beetle communities along altitudinal

transect on Mt. Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea – Martin Mogia, Joseph Kua and Katerina Novakova

12:00– 13.00 Lunch


Chairperson: Dr. Ralph Mana 13:00 – 13:25 Passive and active revegetation in the rehabilitation of disturbed tropical

forest systems as a result of mining in Papua New Guinea. – Benedict Yaru, Robert Kiapranis and Lawong Balun

13:25 – 13:50 Mitigation of termites using Termido in Bulolo Wau forest plantation, Morobe

Province, Papua New Guinea. – Mondo Karma, Wake Yalu, Simon Kolema & Anton Teiva

13:50 – 14:15 Ethnomycological survey and fungal research and development initiatives at

the University of Goroka. – Stewart W. Wossa, Russell A Barrow and Pooranalingam Jeyarathan

14:20 – 14:45 Heart Rot formation assessment in 2nd rotation Araucaria cunninghamii tree

crop. – Steven Keki Anakime, Mondo Karmar, Simon Kolema and Anton Teiva

14:45 – 15:10 The aetiology of diarrhoeal disease in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province,

Papua New Guinea. – Guwada, C., Horwood P. F, Siba V, Michael A, Yoannes M, Sehuko R, Solomon A, Siba P. M, and Greenhill A. R.

Session 4 – Conservation and Rehabilitation Research in New Guinea Chairperson: Dr. Lawong Balun 15:10 – 15:35 Information infrastructure for advancing conservation in New Guinea. –

Shelley A. James & Allen Alison 15:40 – 16:05 Engaging local people for conservation and research in Papua New Guinea

– Elvis Tamtiai 16:05 – 16:30 Community led conservation of Carettochelys insculpta in Kikori, Gulf

Province, Papua New Guinea. – Yolarnie Amepou, Carla Eisemberg, and Arthur Georges

16:30 – 16:55 Marine tenure system management effectiveness and current status of

commercial sea cucumbers in Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea. – Alfred Yohang Ko’ou

17:00 – 17:25 Synthesis and Closing Remarks – Nalish Sam/ Robert Kiapranis


Session 1: Abstracts of Key Note Papers in Research and

Development in New Guinea.


Challenges for adopting environmental and biological management strategies in resource development

in Papua New Guinea.

Associate Professor Benedict Yaru PhD (UTS), BSc, MAppSc (PNGUT) MRACI CChem, MASANZ

A/Professor (adj), Institute of Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia

9 Pereira Street Newington NSW 2127 Australia Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Abstract Conservation and biodiversity strategies and programs are becoming an integral part of resource development because of laws and regulations, investor and stakeholder concerns, compliance with financiers’ conditions, international standards and guidelines, corporate social responsibility and more importantly, community and landowner concerns. Most large resource developers are incorporating specific environmental, social and sustainability strategies into their development plans during the various stages (planning, construction, operation and closure) of the development of these resources. Adopting environmental and biological strategies in the development of resources provides its own challenges because of varied and specific requirements of these companies and the concerns from various stakeholders such as landowners, community based and non-government organizations. This presentation focuses on how the specific requirements above are being incorporated into the normal business operations of these companies, the challenges encountered, outcomes and recommendations. The presentation will draw on several examples from the mineral and hydrocarbon industry in Papua New Guinea, ranging from biophysical, closure programs, iconic species and food security.


Session 2 – Flora and Ecological Research in New Guinea

Abstracts


Diversity of leaf productivity functional from hyperdiverse New Guinea mangrove ecosystem.

Lawong Balun, Bulolo University College,

P.O.Box 92, Bulolo, Morobe Province, PNG. Abstract Mangroves despite being immersed in water, experience a physiological drought (low water potentials) at the leaf level due to the high salinity of the water. Because of being exposed to chronic drought, mangroves are viewed as highly conservative plants, functioning with high water use efficiency and low photosynthetic assimilation rates. Together, these features are thought to constrain mangroves to a narrow range of functional performances. However, the ecophysiological diversity of mangrove forest trees remains ill-defined. The present study tests the hypothesis that mangroves exhibit a narrow leaf productivity functional performance by examining variation in plant functional traits and physiological performances of mangrove plants representing a wide range of phylogenetic affinities from Papua New Guinea. Investigation of photosynthetic gas exchange capacity of 31 co-existing mangrove species in six hyperdiverse mangrove communities in New Guinea revealed that different zonation bands in mangrove forests showed significant differences in photosynthetic carbon assimilation rate(Amax; F2,12 = 3.89, P < 0.05) and maximum stomatal conductance rate (gsmax; F2,10 = 4.69, P <0.04). Maximum Amax (19.20±0.88 µmol CO2 m-2s-1) and gsmax (0.24±0.03 mmol m-2s-1) were reported in mean low tide (MLT) zone that is the most exposed to the salt water. Photosynthetic gas exchange capacity among the three growth forms (shrub, small medium tree, and large tree) differed significantly (Amax; F2,15 = 4.20, P < 0.04; gsmax; F2,9 = 5.75,P < 0.03).Vein density (DV) differed significantly among the zones (F2,17 = 3.83, < 0.04) and growth forms (F2,18 = 7.55, P < 0.004). Highest DV was measured in Avicennia marina (15.24±0.42 mm mm-2) and the lowest was measured in Acanthus ilicifolius (4.84±0.23 mm mm-2). DV correlated positively to the photosynthetic traits Amax (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.001) and gsmax (R2= 0.68, P < 0.001). The resource-use strategy trait, leaf mass per area (LMA, g m-2), which is a good predictor of growth rate differed significantly among zones (F2,10 = 9.89, P < 0.004) but not growth forms. Highest LMA (209.52±7.89 g m-2) was observed in the mean low tide (MLT) zone and decreased in landward direction. The highest LMA was observed in shrub growth form, followed by small-medium trees and large trees, respectively. LMA differed significantly among different salt excretion modes (F2,20 = 8.81, P < 0.002). The significant differences in means of Amax, gsmax, DV, and LMA among zones and growth forms in mangal systems indicate that mangroves are highly partitioned in their ecophysiological niche across biogeochemical environmental gradients. An important implication on mangrove restoration is that mangroves are not just a "plug and play" plant assemblage that can be used randomly to revegetate degraded coastlines. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the functional traits of mangrove species is critical for any successful vegetation restoration efforts.


Niche differentiation in lowland rainforest trees of Papua New Guinea: evidence from habitat associations and morphological,

functional, and genetic variation in closely related taxa.

John B. Vincent and George D. Weiblen Department of Plant Biology and Bell Museum of Natural History,

University of Minnesota

Abstract Diversity displayed in tropical forests worldwide requires the coexistence of a tremendous number of tree species. One mechanism to explain coexistence in tropical forests is that of niche differentiation, or the partitioning of space or resources to limit competition. The proposed research seeks to explore niche differentiation in tropical rainforest trees. Analyses of species distributions will establish habitat associations in the realized niche of adult trees. Common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments will show the extent to which distinct distributions are the result of functional differences. Lastly, genetic analyses will measure neutral variation between sister species and species varieties, providing further insight on the extent to which functional and morphological differences are genetically based. As well, the results of these investigations will clarify the taxonomic problems of P. pinnata and C. latifolia, an important step in further data collection and future analyses of diversity in the Wanang FDP.


A Review of the Classification of Forests in New Guinea: Unanswered problems.

Robert Johns C/- Biological Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea

P.O.Box 320, NCD Email: [email protected]

Abstract: Much confusion has arisen in the classification of New Guinea forests. There is little consistency in application of the major terminolgy – particularly along altitudinal gradients. This has resulted largely from the widespread adoption of remote sensing for ‘vegetation classification’, driven largely by financial considerations. The adoption of the 1000 m contour as the ‘major’ division between the lowland and montane vegetation has no biological reality. Indeed adoption of an altitude as the major dividing line brings into question the validity of the use of remote sensing for forest classification at the broad level (Hammermaster and Saunders 1996). In the present paper the forests will be assessed based on three inherently important characters: forest structure, forest physiognomy and vegetation floristics. Each will be independently discussed and the important changes over altitudinal gradients outlined. Each character has its own inherent problems - an attempt has been made to outline these. Most problematical is plant identification. There are few adequately trained dendrologists – probably none who could confidently identify the ‘more than’ 2400 tree species. This places in question much of the published data and information on assessment surveys and permanent plots. The drive to reduce the costs of forest surveys by not collecting specimens has serious ecological and economic consequences and puts into doubt the results of much so called research.


Forest dynamics after selective timber harvesting in Papua New Guinea

Cossey K. Yosi 1,*, Rodney J. Keenan2, Julian C. Fox 2 1Papua New Guinea Forest Research Institute, Box 314, Lae 411.

2Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne

Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Forest dynamics after timber harvesting is a major issue for tropical forest managers and communities. Timber harvesting provides income to communities and governments and resources to industry but it has also been identified as a potential contributor to deforestation and degradation of tropical forests. In Papua New Guinea (PNG) harvesting is primarily occurring in accessible primary forests however, the fate of these forests under current harvesting practices is poorly understood. In this study the impacts of selective harvesting on stand structure, growth and dynamics, recovery and degradation, and species diversity were investigated. The impacts of forest fire after the 1997-98 El Nino on basal area (BA) growth and mortality rates of natural tropical forests in PNG were also assessed. For this study data was from 118 (105 in selectively harvested and 13 in un-harvested forest), one-hectare permanent sample plots distributed across the country and measured for over 15 years by the PNG Forest Research Institute (PNGFRI). Data was analyzed from 84 of these plots in harvested forest to examine temporal trends in stand condition following harvesting. Mortality rates were investigated in 10 of the 21 plots in harvested forest that were burned during the 1997-98 El Nino drought with sufficient data for analyses. A model developed in Queensland tropical forests was tested to determine whether or not a critical threshold residual BA existed for the recovery of harvested tropical forests in PNG. Results from a logarithmic regression analysis of the relationship between starting BA (BA at first census) and stand BA increment after selective harvesting showed a positive increase in BA growth (r2 = 0.74, p<0.05.) However, there was no critical threshold in residual BA that determined whether a harvested forest was likely to degrade or recover BA growth after harvesting. Analyses suggested that the response to harvesting was variable, with the majority of un-burned plots (75%) showing an increase in BA and remainder a decrease. Average BA of selectively-harvested tropical forests was about 17 m2 ha-1 ± 4.17 (SD). Average annual increment in BA across the 84 un-burned plots was 0.17 m2 ha -1 year-1 ± 0.62 (SD). Thus these forests generally show capacity to recover after selective harvesting even when the residual BA is low. A proportion of the BA increment is made up of non-commercial pioneer species that originate in significant gaps after harvesting. On burned plots, BA is affected by high mortality rates. The fate of these forests will depend on the degree of future harvesting, potential conversion to agriculture and the impact of fire and other disturbances. Key words: Basal area, El Nino, mortality, permanent sample plot, species diversity, Shannon-Wiener Index.


Tree species composition and population structure at three elevational sites at YUS conservation area in Papua New Guinea.

Bega Inaho Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research

Po Box 1550 Goroka Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea Abstract Forest structure and composition were investigated at three different elevations in YUS Conservation Area in the Huon Peninsula of Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. One hectare plots were established in primary forest at 1800, 2100 and 2400 m.a.s.l. A total of 1,691 live stems with DBH ≥ 10 cm were enumerated. There is a significant difference in the mean stand density, DBH, height, basal area, and volume. A total of 165 morpho-species from 36 families were identified from the three elevations. Species richness was highest at 2100 m.a.s.l. Icacinaceae was the most important family at 2400 and 2100 m.a.s.l, but totally absent and replaced by Euporbiaceae at 1800 m.a.s.l.


Tree species richness in Papua New Guinea’s first large-scale permanent forest plot.

Billy Bau1 and George Weiblen2

1Papua New Guinea Forest Research Institute P.O. Box 314, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.

and 2Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota,

250 Biological Sciences Center, 1445 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA.

Abstract Papua New Guinea has been poorly surveyed in its floristic species diversity so far and biodiversity research should now be properly coordinated by government and non-government organizations to bridge the gap in our present scientific knowledge. Some areas have been surveyed in different vegetation zones of Papua New Guinea and now a 50 ha permanent forest sampling plot is being established in a lowland rain forest area at Wanang, Madang Province. The aim is to study many aspects of tropical forest diversity and forest dynamics over the long term. One of the many questions to address is: How does tree species richness of lowland New Guinea compare to other forests across the region and the world. Enumeration and botanical identification activities are in progress. Preliminary data from 1 ha of the 50 ha is available and 75 % complete in species identification. Results obtained from 1 ha include 6,111 individual stems ≥ 1 cm in diameter representing 299 species. The lowland forest of Wanang is rich in its plant species diversity. New species discovered as a result of botanical work include Ficus rubrivestimenta, Ficus sangumae, Licuala sp. nov., Maniltoa sp. nov. and Goniothalamus sp. nov. Wanang Forest is available as a permanent study site for biodiversity research in Papua New Guinea and Oceania in general.


Tree diversity and species composition in two one hectare plots of the tidal forest in Kikori, Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.

By Olo Gebia Bulolo University College, University of Technology,

P.O. Box 92, Bulolo, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea Abstract Diversity of trees, species composition and forest structure is described for two one-hectare plots near Kikori, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. The enumeration of two one-hectare plots in the tidal swamp forest revealed a total of 1,390 live trees ≥ 10 cm DBH. 816 and 574 stems were recorded at Keboi Kerowa and Iviri (plots 1 and 2) respectively. Mean number of trees per subplot differed significantly (t = 5.52, df = 48, p = 0.05) between the two one-hectare plots. The highest species richness (S = 51) and diversity (H' = 3.087) was recorded in plot 1. Stand basal area was higher in Plot 1 (30.5 m2 ha-1) than Plot 2 (27.4 m2 ha-1) and the distribution of stem size classes differed (KS = 0.116, KScrit = 0.074, n1 = 816, n2 = 574, P < 0.05) between the two one-hectare plots. Calophyllum suberosum was the most dominant species overall in the two one-hectare plots with 116 and 222 individuals per hectare in plots 1 and 2 respectively. Clusiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Anacardiaceae were the most important families in the two hectares of tidal swamp forest. Over 39% species overlap was found between the plots. At least 66 tree species ≥10 cm DBH belonging to 51 genera and 31 families were recorded which reflects overall tree diversity of the area. Of the observed 66 woody species ≥10 cm DBH, it is estimated that total richness at Kikori tidal forests is at least 78 (± 49) woody species.


“You can't see the forest for the trees!”

Barry J. Conn1 and Kipiro Q. Damas2

1National Herbarium of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

2Papua New Guinea National Herbarium, Forest Research Institute,

PO Box 314, Lae, Papua New Guinea

Abstract One of the major concerns facing the people of Papua New Guinea is their capacity to document the rich biodiversity of this country. The documentation of PNG still relies heavily on the efforts of scientists who are working outside of the country. The Guide to the trees of Papua New Guinea project (PNGtrees) is a long-term collaborative endeavour to develop plant descriptions and interactive identification tools for the common trees of PNG so that government and non-government agencies, environmentalists, researchers, students and local communities have access to current information on the tree flora of Papua New Guinea. Field observations and measurements are digitally captured and managed in the PNGtrees database that automatically generates descriptions and an interactive key. These data link with the collection-based PNGplants database to provide web pages with information that includes the scientist name and publication information, diagnostic features, distributional information and images (http://www.pngplants.org/PNGtrees/ ).


The genus Begonia L (Begoniaceae) in New Guinea.

Janet Gagul Biological Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, P. O. Box 320, University NCD, Papua New Guinea.

Email: [email protected] Abstract An overview of New Guinea Begonia is presented. Begonia being the largest genus in the family Begoniaceae is diverse and 95% of the species in New Guinea are endemic. However, the genus has never been revised for New Guinea, and many species remain to be described. A total of 79 species distributed in three sections are currently known for New Guinea. The arrangement of species into the sections is based only on limited study of the species and their relationships are still poorly understood.


Comparing standard germination test with tetrazolium viability test.

Alex Agiwa PNG Forest Research Institute, National seed Center,

P.O. Box 314, Lae, Morobe Province, PNG

Abstract Estimating the germination potential of a seed lot by actually germinating a sample is not often the method most relevant to practical plant industry as this would take time in getting the germination results of the seed lot. For this reason much research has been conducted to find suitable methods by which seed viability can be estimated accurately and more rapidly than germination testing. Tetrazolium (TZ) has been identified as one of the best methods for obtaining fast viability test results. In this experiment, six seed lots of one seed lot each of different species used for both the germination and the tetrazolium tests. The species included Lolium species, Hordeum vulgare, Pisum sativum, Raphanus sativus, Zea mays and Triticum aestivum. The main objective of this experimental research project was to compare the TZ Seed Viability Test results with the Standard Germination Test results and comparing their similarities and differences. The results obtained from both tests show similarities in the sense that the germination and viability results were very close to each other. There were reductions in the germination of pea seeds because of fungal attacks on the seed lot. This indicated that TZ seed viability test results provide predictions on how much seeds will germinate from that same seed lot in a germination test. It also indicated that abnormal and dormant seeds are not detected in TZ tests while germination tests detect such seeds during the germination evaluation and end of the final count.


Deep-Sea biodiversity of PNG as revealed by

the BioPapua Cruise 2010.

Ralph R. Mana Biological Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea P O Box 320, University P O. National Capital District

Email: [email protected] Abstract: Papua New Guinea is located in a region of the highest marine and halieutic biodiversity of the world. However, the biological data of its deep-sea region are still largely unknown. The BIOPAPUA cruise, a collaborative partnership by the University of Papua New Guinea and National Museum of Natural History in Paris was aimed to fill this gap of biodiversity knowledge from 100 to 1500 m deep in all the waters of PNG. A 40-day sampling onboard research vessel Alis was accomplished. A beam trawl net and Waren dredge were used depending on the topography of the seabed. Geomorphological structures such as sea mounts, canyons, cold seeps and hydrothermal vents were encountered. Sieving trays were used to sort out the samples and the smallest organisms with diameter less than 4mm were collected and stored in formalin. Sunken wood associated organisms were sampled to delineate energy source for organisms dwelling in harsh conditions where there is no light, crushing pressure and extreme temperatures. The results proved that the deep-sea of PNG has a high biodiversity of mega faunal communities including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, cold water corals and other marine animals. Fishes and crustaceans are two of the main groups of marine animals and generally have a high economic importance. A total of 200+ teleost species, 5 elasmobranches and 300+ crustacean species were collected. Other animal groups were sampled by respective specialists. The first-time revelation of deep-water biodiversity will be discussed in view of mining activity, bio-prospecting and carbon storage


Session 3 – Zoological and Entomological Research in New

Guinea

Abstracts


Myrtle Rust, Puccinia psidii sens. lat. – a new threat to biodiversity in the Indo-Pacific region.

R.O. Makinson,b and Barry J. Conna

a National Herbarium of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia;


b Australian Network for Plant Conservation Inc., GPO Box 1777, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.

Email: [email protected];

Abstract A biotype of the exotic fungal rust disease, Puccinia psidii sens. lat. (Eucalyptus Rust, Guava Rust, Myrtle Rust), pathogenic on a very wide range of native plants of the family Myrtaceae, has become widely naturalised along the east coast of Australia since early 2010, reaching North Queensland in 2012. This pathogen constitutes a major threat to myrtaceous plants in the wild and in production systems in moister areas of Australia, and potentially on a wide scale in New Guinea and elsewhere in the Malesian region. The risk of spread to the Malesian region, from Australia or other sources, is high, and once naturalised in Myrtaceae-rich biomes, eradication is unlikely to be possible. This paper briefly reviews the biology, ecology and global spread of this pathogen, its host range, field recognition and symptoms, effects on individual hosts, implications for conservation, and the available management guidelines and information and training resources.


Preliminary soil mapping of Bulolo Forest Plantation using PNGRIS and Remote Sensing.

Yanda Sila, Mondo Karmar, Simon Kolema and Anton Teiva Bulolo/Wau National Forest Plantation,

P.O. Box 87, Bulolo, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

Abstract. Soil map knowledge is an important component in the functions of Bulolo Forest Plantation. Annual work programs and operations in plantation establishment, management, and harvesting and roads maintenance required soil map information to guide what type of activity or program is appropriate to apply. Papua New Guinea Resource Information Systems (PNGRIS) data, Morobe Soils, topography and, updated digital base map, remote sensing data (image), provides Bulolo Forest Plantation an effective and efficient method to develop soil map.A soil map shows the distribution of soils on the earth’s surface and their characteristics and properties. (http://en Wikipedia.org/wiki/ soil mapping). We use MapInfo/GIS for spatial data analysis, to demonstrate simple techniques deployed in soil mapping. Bulolo 5 year Management Plan 2009 - 2013 has provided a framework observing Soil Mapping as one of the component toward sustainable Management of the plantation and achieving its objectives in producing super crops. It was observed that from USDA classification system used, only 10 soil types from 4 orders of the 8 /12orders are in PNG. Great Subgroups identified in this analysis are, argiustolls, dystropepts, eutropepts, haplustalfs, haplustolls, humitropepts, troporthents, tropudalfs, ustrothents, ustropepts area available within the defined boundaries.. (PNGRIS2009) The soil information gathered through PNGGRIS / GIS will be confirmed through actual soil sampling. The conciliated soil information will be recommended for use by the Bulolo Plantation managers and officers in their management decisions and plans. Key Words: Soil mapping, Soil sampling, GIS, PNGRIS, Bulolo, Digital base map Remote Sensing Image, MapInfo,


Behavioral and ecological characteristics of endemic frog species on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, in relation to threats from climate change.

Heather Taitibe, BSc Honors Candidate

Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research PO Box 1550, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province


Abstract In recent years populations of many amphibian species around the world have declined and disappeared. Climate change is one of the major causes suspected of contributing to these declines. Changes in rainfall, temperature and sea level rise are likely to pose serious threats to endemic frog species on low-lying islands and to those with narrow distributional ranges such as single mountain summits. In Papua New Guinea studies to assess the potential impacts of climate change on long-term survival of frogs are lacking. My study aims to address this lack of information by examining the ecology and behavior of endemic frog species on an island in relation to climate change. The study is located on Mt Dremsel, the highest mountain in Manus Province (2.08°S 147.00°E). Seven endemic species are known from Manus Island; Discodeles vogti, Platymantis admiraltiensis, Platymantis latro andPlatymantis manus, and threeundescribed species. This study aimed to document the distribution and abundance of each frog species at three different elevations on Mt Dremsel and to assess the extent to which different environmental factors contribute to the observed patterns. Study sites were established at three different elevations; 135 m, 350 m and 720 m a.s.l. Three 100 m transects were established at each site and all transects sampled once per night for three nights but never in the same order. Each animal encountered during visual and audio searches of the transects was identified, weighed, marked (if not previously marked) and released. Additional field methods include automated recording of frog calls using Song Meters. Environmental factors recorded include temperature and humidity. These were measured using three automatic recording devices located at three different heights on and above the ground. To date I have conducted 18 nights of nocturnal surveys and recorded 279 nights of acoustic, temperature and humidity data. Five species of frogs have been encountered and the total number of frogs on transects was 431 at 135 m, 435 at 350 m and 178 at 720 m a.s.l. Between sites, P. latrohad the highest density at 350 m a.s.l (204 x 10-

3frogs per 1500m2) while higher densities occurred at 720 m for P. manus (14 x 10-3 frogs per 1500 m2),Platymantis species 1, 2 and 3(8.66 x 10-3, 9.33 x 10-3 and 3.33 x 10-3 frogs per 1500m2 respectively). P. admiraltiensis had a high density of 87.33 x 10-3 frogs per 1500m2 at 135 m a.s.l. Calls, temperature and humidity records have not yet been analyzed due to the large amount of data to be sorted. However, results to date indicate that the abundance of each species decreases as elevation increases and that one species (P. admiraltiensis) does not occur above 350 m and so may be at greatest risk from climate change if lowland forests are inundated by rising sea levels.


How to survey a very large plant plot: experiences from 50-ha permanent forest dynamics plot in lowland Wanang forest

Joseph Valeba, Kenneth Molem, Hans Hungito, Maling Rimandai, John Auga and Salape Tulai and Mevis Jimbuda,

New Guinea Binatang Research Centre,

P.O. Box 604 Madang, Madang Province Abstract Most of botanical studies in tropical forests include trees with diameter (DBH) above 10 cm (or 5 cm) surveyed from 1 ha area. However, there is an international network of extra large plots surveyed for all stems above 1 cm from the area of 50 ha. We report on the challenges of surveying first such large plot not only in PNG but the entire Melanesian – Australian region, situated in the lowland Wanang Conservation Area (Madang Province). The survey is an example of collaboration between researchers, paraecologists and local land owners.


Comparison of moth diversity in Papua New Guinea mid-montane remnant natural forest habitats.

Tombo Warra P.O. Box 4512, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea


Abstract In July 2011, as part of an overall investigation of the potential use of moths as indicators of primary consumer biodiversity, three remnant forest patches between 1000-1500 metres elevation where surveyed within the Bulolo Pine Plantation in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Biodiversity indices were generated from 17,532 specimens representing 1027 morpho-species. Highest Alpha Diversity indices occurred at 1000m, decreasing with increasing elevation. Highest Shannon Index value (5.9) occurred at 1000m, followed by 5.5 at 1226m and 4.9 at 1470m. Species accumulation curves indicated that the great bulk of moth diversity at any of these sites could be sampled with 32 collecting hours during low moonlight conditions. Comparing against alpha diversity values from other mainland New Guinea sites, those of this study were slightly less than expected, suggesting an impact of habitat fragmentation on these island-like forest remnants.


Artificial nest box study at Mt. Gahavisuka Provincial Park, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.

Daniel Solomon Okena PNG Institute of Biological Research,

P. O. Box 1550, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea Abstract Loss of breeding habitats through environment degradation is one of the limiting factors to animal population and reduces reproductive successes. For cavity dwelling fauna, removal of cavity trees through logging and agriculture can devastate their wild populations. However, the usage of artificial nest boxes could provide an alternative home to them. In this study we erected thirty artificial nest boxes on different trees at different heights in Mt. Gahavisuka Provincial Park. We wanted to learn what cavity using vertebrates would occupy the nest boxes and to test the utility of nest boxes as supplements or alternatives to natural tree cavities. We monitored the nest boxes regularly from 2008 to 2010. From the nest box checks, we observed >36% occupancy by mammals. Silky Cuscus (Phalanger sericeus) occurred once in at least eight boxes (26.6%) and Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) occurred at least once in three boxes (10%). This may suggest that these are the only cavity using vertebrates in the park, or the nest boxes were not suitable to other taxa for some reason.


Survival rates of Rattus verecundus and Paramelomys platyops in

a murid rich tropical rainforest of Papua New Guinea.

Enock Kale1 Nathan Whitmore2 Andrew l. Mack3 and Debra d. Wright3 1Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research, P. O. Box 1550, GOROKA, EHP, Papua New Guinea.

Email: [email protected] ;

2Wildlife Conservation Society – Papua New Guinea, P. O. Box 277, GOROKA, EHP, Papua New Guinea.

Email: [email protected] ;

3Green Capacity, 340 Love Hollow Road, New Florence PA 15944 US Emails: [email protected] and [email protected]

Abstract Estimations of survival rates of small mammal populations that occur on the island of New Guinea are crucial for conservation and management strategies. Here, we used mark-recapture data in program MARK to estimate apparent survival and detection of two murid species in a tropical rainforest in Papua New Guinea. The most parsimonious model allowed survival and recapture probability to vary by species. Across the two species, Rattus verecundus generally had lower survival rates, but higher recapture probabilities, whereas Paramelomys platyops had higher survival rates but lower recapture probabilities. Since many small mammal species that occur in New Guinea are already listed under the IUCN red list for Threatened Species, similar studies can be replicated targeting the threatened species to provide information to wildlife managers for management and conservation decision. Key words: apparent survival, recapture probabilities, Paramelomys platyops, Rattus verecundus, New Guinea, small mammals


Experimental manipulation of bark beetle communities along altitudinal transect on Mt Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea.

Martin Mogia, Joseph Kua and Katerina Novakova New Guinea Binatang Research Center, PO Box 604, Madang


Abstract PNG is one of the few tropical countries with complete rainforest gradient from lowlands to alpine zone. We studied bark beetles feeding on Ficus trees along this transect at Mt. Wilhelm and found changes in species composition of both fig trees and their bark beetles with altitude. In order to understand these changes, we conducted an experiment where we exposed timber baits of highland Ficus trees at low elevations where they do not normally occur and studied bark beetle species attacking them in this situation. Similar movements of plant and insect species to different altitudes may happen in the future as a result of global warming and our study examines the response of forest ecosystems to these changes.


Mitigation of termites using Termido in Bulolo Wau forest plantation, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

Mondo Karmar, Simon Kolema, Anton Teiva Bulolo/Wau National Forest Plantation,

P.O. Box 87, Bulolo, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

Abstract The termite attack of Araucaria tree species (Hoop and Klinkii) in Bulolo Wau Forest Plantation is an on going dilemma for well over 45 years. It is one of the persistent major causes of high mortality besides fire, shade-induced suppression, technical fault, and attack by other insect predators. The plantation is loosing nearly five hundred thousand kina (K500,000.00) annually through termite destruction. The common termite discovered in Bulolo Wau plantations is one of the subterranean termites Coptotermes elisae (white termites) is capable of infesting and destroying both species of Araucaria in the plantation. The termite in most cases nests under ground. Most subterranean termites including Coptotermes species nest underground (John, et al, 2003). From the list of insect predators, the white termites invasion in the forest plantation is distressing and is indisputably a great threat to the Araucaria plantation. To address this termite issue one of the termite subdue measures under taken was application of pesticides. The pesticide used was Termidor and it produced a very impressive and promising result. Hence, this paper is focused on application of the pesticide Termidor. The trial size was 0.25 hectare and it was established in Crooket six compartment one of the compartments with very high pestilence of termites. The Termido application was done periodically. Every stem in the trial was treated with Termido. All termites attacking the stems in the trial were exterminated and 99 percent of the stems recovered from the termite attack. This is surely a curative measure for termite mitigation and is recommended for large scale application in the plantation. Key Words: Pest, Termites, Nest, Pesticide, Termido, pestilence, Curative measure, Bulolo Wau forest plantation, Coptotermes elisae, Araucaria.


Ethnomycological survey and fungal research and development initiatives at the University of Goroka.

Stewart W Wossa1, 2*, Russell A Barrow2 and Pooranalingam Jeyarathan1 1Faculty of Sciences, University of Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, PNG;

2Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia (*Presenting author)

Abstract Macrofungi constitutes a major component of the biodiversity on the island of New Guinea, which the indigenous tribes have appreciated as food and medicine since antiquity. The ethnomycological knowledge that has been accumulated and transmitted through verbal and oral history represents an undocumented wealth of knowledge. As part of an ongoing research to document such knowledge, it is envisioned that these traditional practices could provide useful leads to bioactive myco-chemicals as well as sources of food and nutraceuticals. When these resources are developed further, they could also provide a useful sustainable source of food and revenue to the rural forest dwelling communities. Furthermore, an evaluation of the ethno-taxonomic classification system of macrofungi has revealed unique hierarchical and lexemic categories of classification compared to the well defined Linnaean system of classification. The chemical compounds identified through ongoing structure elucidative studies for three mushroom species will also be presented to show comparative chemical variability and diversity for fungal genus and species from PNG as compared to those of the same distributed across the globe.


Heart Rot formation assessment in 2nd rotation Araucaria cunninghamii tree crop.

Steven Keki Anakime , Mondo Karmar , Simon Kolema, Anton Teiva Bulolo/Wau National Forest Plantation,

P.O. Box 87, Bulolo, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea Email: [email protected]

Abstract. The Bulolo plantation management needs to know the heart rot information about its plantation tree species in order to make sound management decision and planning. Currently this information is not is available. Hence, the research on Heart rot was executed in the plantation. Heart rot is a fungal tree disease that causes decay in wood pit or branches of a tree stem. Heart rot fungi enter the living tree through open wound and bare wood. Heart rot development is encourage when exposed bare wood is under attack by insects (beetles and termites) disturbing the natural immune of the living tree. However, this paper will be looking at assessing the heart wood composition at different age class to identify the crop age where heartwood composition seem to be constant over a period of time. It’s of vital importance to know the initial heart rot formation age to confirm Mondo Karmar’s ( 2006) growth model used to prescribe the current rotation age of 25 years hence formulating the five year forest management plan. Randomly selected 3 stems per compartment from aged 17 and 21 were used to collect samples. Three segments (butt, Centre and merchantable section) per log samples were measured to give the average composition per age class. The tentative data results indicate Age 21 with 53% heart wood composition more than Age 17 and Age 17 with 51% sapwood more than Age 21. The results show that Age 21 is undergoing heart wood hardening while Age 17 is at heartwood development stage. Coniferous trunks after attaining age 40 or more, the fungus enters the stubs of tiny shade killed twigs only about 1mm in diameter along the main stem (Wayne. A. Sinclair etal, 1989). Key words: Heartwood, Heartwood composition, log portion, growth model, Initial heart rot age, Rotation age, Heartwood hardening.


The aetiology of diarrhoeal disease in Goroka, Eastern Highlands

Province, Papua New Guinea.

Guwada C1, Horwood P. F1, Siba V.1, Michael A.1, Yoannes M1, Sehuko R.1, Solomon A.1, Siba P.M,1 and Greenhill A.R1,2.

1Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, PNG 2MonashUniversity, Victoria, Australia

Abstract Diarrhoea is a leading cause of both inpatient and outpatient admission to health facilities in the country, and affect both adults and children. Typhoid fever and dysentery are endemic throughout the country; and with the recent outbreak of cholera, the disease has attracted little attention from policy makers. Currently we know very little about the main causes of diarrhoea in PNG, thus targeted interventions are not possible. As such a routine surveillance was conducted in Eastern Highlands Province to gain an insight into the aetiology of diarrhoea in PNG. Adults presenting to Lopi Urban Clinic and Goroka General Hospital with self-reported diarrhoea were invited to participate in the study. Following informed consent participants were interviewed and samples (stool sample or duplicate rectal swabs) were collected. Samples were transported to the laboratory and processed within 2 hours of collection. Stool macroscopy was noted and microscopy conducted for parasitolgy. Culture was conducted for important bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Campylobacter spp. Biochemical tests were conducted on suspected colonies and then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for confirmation. Shigella subspecies were confirmed by serology and Salmonella typhi was confirmed by PCR. A total of 211 samples were collected from October 2010 to August 2011. Shigella sp. was the most common pathogen isolated, being present in 47 (22%) of samples. Of the 47 Shigella isolates, 30 were speciated by serology, the vast majority of which were Shigellaflexneri(28/30) and the remainderShigelladysenteriae(2/30). Salmonella typhiwas isolated from 2% (5/211) of samples tested. Entamoeba histolityca was observed in 7 % (15/211) of samples, Giardia lamblia in 5% (10/211), Trichomonas hominisin 1% (2/211) and Ascarius lambricoidesin 1% (2/211). Shigella spp appears to be an important pathogen in adult diarrhoeal cases in the highlands of PNG, with S. flexneri the predominant species. Gastrointestinal parasite infection also remains common. Further work is required to better understand the epidemiology of shigellosis in PNG.


Session 4 – Conservation and Ecological Restoration Research in

New Guinea

Abstracts


Passive and active revegetation in the rehabilitation of disturbed tropical forest systems as a result of mining in Papua New Guinea.

Benedict Yaru1, Robert Kiapranis2 and Lawong Balun3 1Consultant, 9 Pereira Street Newington NSW 2127 Australia.

2PNG Forestry Research Institute, Lae Papua New Guinea. 3Bulolo Forestry College, PNG University of Technology, Lae, MP, Papua New Guinea

Abstract We discuss data from two projects that practice passive and active rehabilitation. The first example is that of active intervention in imposing the analogue forest composition during mine closure on the disturbed site. A total of 5.2 hectares of analogue forest surrounding the closed Misima Mines were assessed for its floristic composition. Seeds of fruiting trees were actively collected the germinated in a nursery and then planted in the disturbed sites (466 ha) according to the analogue forest composition. Performance of the trees species planted and those recruited naturally at the closed Misima Mines area was measured in 2005 and then again in 2008. Performance indicators for growth of planted and recruited trees demonstrate that the rehabilitated areas are performing exceptionally well. Species density is high compared to the analogue forest as expected because of the growth opportunities for species to establish their presence. The rehabilitation process for the Misima Mines site can be classified as one that fit both the “passive restoration approach” and “active rehabilitation approach”. The rehabilitation effort is concluded to be in the late stages of establishment and approaching active competition, with up to 60 % of tree species recorded having traits that fit “continuum concept of strategy with respect to succession” i.e. most species recruited and present in the pioneer stage have the ability to persist into the mid- and late secondary succession state. Rehabilitation (active and passive) at the Misima Mines site is active and progressing towards a system similar to the analogue forest. Over time the 0.36 and 0.38 similarity will improve to similarity indices above 0.60. The second example is of monitoring data from an existing operation that plans and encourages passive rehabilitation and recovery. Here we present data from long term (~12 years) monitoring of natural revegetation of disturbed sites at the Oil Search Ltd operations in the Southern Highlands. Passive revegetation and recovery assessment of varying types of substrates and altitude show that, while the regrowth forest has reached multi-canopy architecture resembling that of the pristine forest types, there is high dissimilarity (similarity index of 0.1 and 0.34 for pipeline right of way and well pads respectively) in species composition between the disturbed sites and the analogue forest. Current practices adopted to install oilfield infrastructure include manual installation of pipeline, management of topsoil and minimisation of cleared areas to minimise forest gaps. Recovery of vegetation on sites with the above practices has been demonstrated as successful with over 60% of primary forest species established within 3-5 years.


Information Infrastructure for Advancing Conservation in New Guinea

Shelley A. James and Allen Allison Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu HI 96817, USA

Email: [email protected] Abstract: New Guinea, the world’s largest (~890,000 km2) and highest (4,980 m) tropical island, is considered one of the most species rich areas, hosting an estimated 6% of the world’s flora and fauna, and high levels of species endemism.. Biodiversity of the area greatly exceeds that of North America and rivals that of the Amazon Basin. Along with well documented anthropogenic affects, the region is expected to be heavily impacted by global climate change, including temperature and precipitation changes, ocean acidification, and sea level rise. Although these impacts are well understood at the global level, they remain poorly understood at the regional level and impossible to accurately predict at finer scales. In addition, ~40% of the biota has yet to be scientifically named and the geographic ranges of most species remain unknown, making the region one of the most poorly documented biodiversity hotspots on planet Earth. Although it will take many decades to fully document the biodiversity of New Guinea, data from scientific literature, museum collections, and internet archives are being incorporated into state-of-the-art information infrastructure, making it available to conservation and spatial planners in New Guinea, and enabling effective on-the-ground conservation action. A downscaled regional climate model is being developed that is linked to locally-generated climate data and projections of change to coupled human-natural systems. The elements of our project are integrated in a way that will help support larger climate change mitigation and conservation efforts in PNG.


Mangrove Conservation: A Teacher’s Resource Book

Ted Mamu and Kafuri Yaro WWF Western Melanesia Programme

Port Moresby

Abstract Papua New Guinea’s mangroves are part of the mangrove ecoregion that is referred to as the New Guinea mangroves and covers an extensive area of the coastline New Guinea. These mangroves occupy an area of 26,800 square kilometers (10,300 square miles), particularly among the river mouths of the island's south coast. This ecoregion contains the greatest diversity of mangrove species in the world and forms an important habitat for fauna and flora, especially marine and estuarine species. Areas of mangroves on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea can be found at the mouths of the Markham, Sepik and Ramu rivers. The largest areas are found on the south coast in the mouths of the Purari, Kikori and Fly Rivers. Some areas such as the Kikori delta have larger and thicker mangroves than others. Mangroves are a group of marine plants occurring at the inter-tidal (high and low tide) zone between the terrestrial and marine environments, or along the river banks that is often reached by the incoming tide. Inter-tidal zones experience unstable chemical and physical soil composition, anaerobic soil, continuous forest floor flooding preventing seed establishment and lack of much needed fresh water for plant survival. Being at the sea front, mangroves are exposed to strong winds and wave action that can erode them. The harsh environmental conditions in which mangroves grow means they have to develop specialized features to overcome and survive the extreme inter-tidal conditions. Over generations, people have benefited from the mangroves by obtaining fish, crustaceans and mollusks for meat, fuel wood, timber for posts and other building materials. With the influx of human population and the increased demand for space and other resources, mangroves are greatly threatened. Deforestation through various activities including clearing for construction and firewood have also destroyed or damaged many of these ecosystems. Waste disposal and pollution have also harmed many mangroves. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in collaboration with University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) through its Motupore Island Research Centre (MIRC) have recognized these issues and have taken the initiative to encourage mangrove rehabilitation within Bootless Bay, Central Province. The purpose of this project is to encourage research into mangroves as well as to make people recognize and appreciate the importance of mangroves so that they can take responsibility towards conserving them. This resource book is intended for use by Upper Primary School teachers in coastal communities throughout PNG. The book is divided into six (6) units consisting of topics on mangrove adaptation, mangrove ecosystems, animal life in mangrove, threats to mangrove ecosystems, protecting mangroves, and mangroves used to address climate change in coastal communities. Each unit has a number of lessons that teachers can use with their classes.


Engaging local people for conservation and research in Papua New Guinea

Elvis Tamtiai

Binatang Research Centre, P.O. Box Madang

Papua New Guinea

Email: Abstract In Papua New Guinea (PNG) 80% of population live in villages, often within tropical rainforests which are used for subsistence agriculture, hunting and as a source of building materials or medicines. Further, PNG villagers are in exceptional position as they own their traditional lands and decide about their future use, including conservation, research or logging. I am a member of a team of paraecologists working with village communities; some of them invited biologists and conservationists to work on their lands, others opted for logging. My talk will examine attitudes of villagers, as well as benefits and problems of their choices between conservation and logging, using our long-term experience from Middle Ramu 100,000 ha logging concession, where different villages and clans opted either for conservation or logging. These choices has resulted in present logging by Rimbunan Hijau company on some tribal lands, and a conservation project supporting also a biological research station in another part of the customarily owned lands. The social dynamics of this development and lessons for rainforest conservation are discussed.


Community led conservation of Carettochelys insculpta in Kikori, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea.

Yolarnie Amepoua, Carla Eisembergb, Arthur Georgesb, a The Papua New Guinea Institute of Biological Research,

PO BOX 1550, Goroka, EHP, Papua New Guinea

b Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra. ACT 2601, Australia.

Abstract Carettochelys insculpta, commonly known as the pig-nosed turtle, is the sole survivor of a once widespread family Carettochelyidae. Today it only occurs in southern New Guinea and the major rivers of Northern Australia. In Papua New Guinea it is an iconic species featured on the five toea coin. A study conducted by Eisemberg et al. (2011)estimated that the population of C. insculpta in the Kikori delta had declined by 57.2% since 1981, mainly driven by unsustainable human harvest where the C. insculpta is an important source of protein and income for the local people. This paper reports on the efforts taken in January and February 2012 to create a long-term community led conservation in Kikori, Gulf Province. The aims and objectives included the creation of a long term monitoring program for markets and target villages and the protection of a major pig-nosed turtle nesting area (Wau Creek, Kikori) for 30 days. This area will be used as an example to bring interest to other sand bank landowners. The paper also discusses the measures taken to bring conservation awareness to the local communities and capacity building of local students through workshops, a children’s book entitled “The Adventures of Piggy on the Kikori River” and radio plays from the Piku-on-radio program. Village and market surveys for egg and pig-nosed turtle consumption were carried out. Weekly trips were made to Wau Creek, nest characteristics determined and nests monitored. Nest characteristics recorded are important for C. insculpta management as they will help identify parameters for artificial sandbanks and nest relocation. The number of eggs consumed in Kopi and Waira villages in the 2011-2012 nesting season in comparison with data from Eisemberg et al. (2011) indicated that the decline trend was still present during this season. No eggs were recorded during market monitoring although there were anecdotal reports of eggs being sold earlier in the season. Three pig-nosed turtles were recorded being sold in the Kikori market. The Wau Creek sandbanks were successfully protected for 30 days. Outside the protected area harvested nests could not be counted as it was late in the nesting season. Twenty nine nests were found, 16 within the protected area of which eight successfully hatched. No evidence of nests surviving and hatching were found outside the protected area. Eighteen pig-nosed turtle hatchlings were released in Wau Creek, all incubated by the beach guard, who had relocated and artificially incubated one nest in December 2011. Lessons of conservation at community level can be drawn from this paper considering that conservation and resource sustainability have a higher chance of success when led by local communities, who depend and have an everyday impact on their natural resources.


Marine tenure system management effectiveness and current status of commercial sea cucumbers in Bootless Bay,

Papua New Guinea

Alfred Yohang Ko'ou Biological Sciences Division, University of Papua New Guinea, PO Box 320, University Post Office, NCD,Papua New Guinea

Email: [email protected] Abstract: This paper assessed the effectiveness of a traditional marine tenure system in managing commercial sea cucumbers in Bootless Bay by assessing the abundance of commercial species on sites within and outside the influence of the marine tenure system. Visual census techniques and statistical software Minitab 15 were utilized to collect and analyzed the data. The analysis indicated no significant difference in the mean abundance (P<0.05) of commercial species within and between the study sites. While this demonstrates that traditional marine tenure system can be as effective as restricted areas in managing the sea cucumbers stocks, it remains unclear due to the current moratorium in place and stocks recovering. However, current stocks are well below 20% of the 1981 stocks level - indicating over exploitation and providing support for the National Fisheries Authority imposed 3-year moratorium in Papua New Guinea. Consequently, traditional reef owners should review their marine tenure system management strategies to ensure the stocks recover to a healthy status as in 1981 and use an ecosystem-base fishery resource management approach to maintain optimum stocks level and sustainability of the fishery. High market demand for sea cucumber products, weak traditional marine tenure system and lack of capacity may drive the current stocks to below 1% of the 1981 level as in the case of Holothuria scabra (0.4%).

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