FROM "Saving Our Micronesia" Community Blog
Kosrae: Andy George, KCSO, reports
On March, 05, 2012, a team from University of Missouri
arrived on Kosrae to survey forests birds and coastal birds as well. Two months
earlier the same research was conducted in Pohnpei and Ant Atoll. Kosrae
Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO), Terrestrial Program, was assigned
to assist and coordinate guides to escort the team to transacts surveyed on the
island by US Fish and Wildlife conducted in 1983-84 on Kosrae. Regarding the
survey protocol, each site starts at sunrise (6:15) until 11:00 am, which is
the best time to watch the birds. It also requires sunny weather or at least
light rain in the morning. The actual survey is 8 minutes aural/visual survey,
recording species, time, distance, detection type and number of birds. Each
transect point-count station are separated by 200 meters. 
The data collected during the survey will be analyzed
and used to update the status of birds in Kosrae compared to surveys done in
the past and will also be shared among natural resource agencies for public awareness and most
importantly as baseline information to modify resource management regulations in Kosrae. With
a lot of cuts, bruises, rashes, blisters and wet weather, the project finally
accomplish its mission with 21 transects and a total of 630 stations.
On behalf of the team, KCSO is very happy to extend
its utmost appreciation to the team and to each and everyone who assisted the
implementation of the project. Special acknowledgement to the following trail
guides who put a lot of effort to the accomplishment of the project: Salik
Wakuk, Larry Alokoa, Stoney Alokoa, Hamilson Phillip, Weston Palik, Kuken
Taulung,Kanbu Taulung and YELA organizaiton Mr. William William; Mr.Rickson
Jonathan and Robert Tulensru. With all your collaborative efforts the mission
is successfully accomplished as planned. Additionally, we believe that
throughout the survey, we’ve all learned the importance of the birds and how
tragic they can be in the future if we do not comply to the regulations set in
place to protect them.
Posted by
Andy George
8:10 am
Tuesday, May 16, 2011
Location: Kosrae