| Popis: |
Changes in the vegetation and populations of introduced mammals on two Mauritian Islands, Round Island and Gunner's Quoin, are described using the results from expeditions in 1975 and 1982. Particular emphasis was placed on monitoring populations of the endemic palms (Palmae) and an endemic screwpine ( Pandanus ) which constitute the last remnant of native palm savanna in Mauritius. The vegetation of Gunner's Quoin has been greatly modified by introduced plants, rats and hares, and, possibly, also by fire with the result that this island no longer supports a viable palm savanna ecosystem. Round Island has been degraded by introduced rabbits and goats, erosion and, possibly, the burrowing activities of shearwaters. Recent reductions in the populations of rabbits and goats have allowed recovery of the ground vegetation and regeneration of palms but some important species are now very rare, and require artificial propagation and reintroduction. For this to be successful, continual reduction, or preferably eradication, of rabbits is essential. |
