Experimental Design

Within each island 100×100 m geo-referenced plots were selected. Transects of 100m were established at each plot, consisting of 15 traps/sampling method (60 samples per transect). Plant landcover was recorded. Two replicates per habitat type and island were made (i.e., 2 replicates  x 8 habitat types x 5 islands) for a total of 80 sampling sites,  and 4 collecting methods.  Species accumulation curves were calculated to determine if sampling  reached a plateau, hence if sampling was representative of the overall diversity at a given locality.  Overall diversity(α) and unique diversity (ß) was determined per trap, habitat and  island.

All specimens were subsequently identified and added to the voucher 95% ethanol specimen collections of the project. Conservation in 95% ethanol will ensure viability of specimens for long term storage and genetic work.

SAMPLING

Eight habitat types depicting increasing levels of anthropogenic influence in arborescent and herbaceous gradients of anthropogenic influence were monitored at each of the probe islands. All strata was surveyed within a given habitat type using Pitfall trapping (epigean fauna); Berlese-Tullgren trapping (micro epigean fauna); Vaccum (fauna with aerial vagility) and sweeping (canopy fauna). In addition, the genetic profiling of key bioindicators was made, since retaining genetic variation may be of critical importance for the maintenance of the adaptive response potential to environmental changes or anthropogenic impacts. The flora of each habitat, at each locality, was also recorded.

All specimens were subsequently identified and added to the voucher 95% ethanol specimen collections of the project. Conservation in 95% ethanol will ensure viability of specimens for long term storage and genetic work.