By Dr Shelley James
Backed by Denny Luan, Tracie Mackenzie, Amy Collette, Nikki & Friends, Elise & Tiffy, Bo Sprotte Kofod, John B. Hall, David Esopi, Donna Robbins, Pureum Kim, Robert Whitton, and Perth Friends
About This Project
The Solomon Islands archipelago in the Pacific Ocean has an estimated plant diversity of 4500 species, the same diversity as Texas, but on only 4% of the land area. Intensive biodiversity surveys are urgently needed in this remote location as many new species await discovery. This project will rapidly assess the flora of the highest peaks of Guadalcanal and develop conservation plans to protect against deforestation and invasion of non-native species threatening this unique floral biodiversity.
What is the context of this research?
Few botanical specimens have been collected from the upper elevations of Guadalcanal. For example, Bishop Museum has only about 800 botanical specimens from the island, and none are from the high, biologically diverse mountain tops. Intensive surveys are expected to result in the discovery of many new species and the documentation of new populations of rare species.
Collecting new specimens will enable scientists and Solomon Islanders to better understand the floral biodiversity and distribution of plants on Guadalcanal in order to develop conservation plans for the region. I have been developing an up-to-date species list of the flora of the Solomon Islands, and new botanical surveys will help validate this already gathered data.
What is the significance of this project?
The rainforests of the Solomon Islands are listed on the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Terrestrial Ecoregions of conservation priority. The flora and fauna of the archipelago are considered to be vulnerable due to the clearing of forest for tropical timber, large-scale agricultural plantations and subsistence gardening, largely as a result of population growth. The native forest is also increasingly threatened by non-native species that invade the diverse native forests.
Climate change is expected to influence the diversity of the region, but a baseline measure of the flora in the mountains is needed to gauge these effects into the future. Collections made will also provide needed specimens for other botanical researchers around the world unable to travel to this remote region.
What are the goals of the project?
Working with a team of scientists from around the globe, and with your support, I will survey the intact forest of the high-elevation interior of Guadalcanal for ca. 20 days in September, 2015. Each flowering and fruiting plant specimen will be photographed and collected to document the diversity of species in each area surveyed. Pieces of tissue will also be sampled and preserved for molecular research projects. Specimens resulting from this expedition (>1,000 specimens) will significantly enhance the understanding of the floral biodiversity of Guadalcanal. The distribution and density of endangered, rare and threatened species, and invasive species will be documented. The project will also involve the training of at least one Solomon Islander in biodiversity assessments.
To help fund this exciting expedition go to the original announcement!
