Physical Method of control on common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Sigatoka - Fiji Islands

The invasive common myna is becoming a biggest threat on the indigenous biodiversity in Sigatoka. The study focused on three areas: urban (Sigatoka town), semi-urban (Malevu) and rural (Navola and Namatakula villages). A combination of two different methods was used to control myna in Sigatoka-1) The use of Pee Gee (PG) trap which was less effective due to the distractions caused by villagers, dogs and humans (thieves) and it removed 30% of the common myna. 2) The removal of the myna nests was quite successful as a total of 16 (44%) nests were removed but did not show a significant decrease in the common myna population. Data was collected through questionnaires which focused on myna population, roosting sites, threats and control measures used by framers. The most prominent standing crops and fruits damaged by myna in Sigatoka were eggplant, cabbage, chili, banana and pawpaw. A total of 530 common mynas were seen in Sigatoka with 11 roosting sites, more on trees (77%) and 36 nests on roofs (89%). However, 38% people in Sigatoka regarded myna as a beneficial bird of which 28.5% people were not using any form of control against myna

Evaluation of antioxidant properties in thirteen Fijian medicinal plants used in Alzheimer’s disease and related illness

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate antioxidant properties of decoction and ethanol extracts of Fijian medicinal plants using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Method: Thirteen plant species belonging to Melastomataceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rutaceae, Goodeniaceae, Loganiaceae, Araliaceae, Solanaceae, Polygonaceae, Zingiberaceae and Anacardiaceae families were tested at 0.2 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL, 0.6 mg/mL, 0.8 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL and 2.0 mg/mL concentrations for antioxidant properties. The antioxidant capabilities were compared with ascorbic acid standard. Results and Discussions: Among the decoction and ethanol extracts tested, all plants showed DPPH scavenging activity. The most potent antioxidant activity was seen in C. hirta with an IC50 value of 0.64 mg/mL. The activity of C. hirta was twofold more potent than the standard ascorbic acid (IC50 = 1.33 mg/mL) indicating that polar extracts of C. hirta contains compounds with relatively better antioxidant properties than ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The plant extracts used in this study were crude extracts, as it is envisaged that if the phytochemicals were isolated and purified from these plants, more prominent results could be expected. These plants could prove leads to safer and better candidates for the future selection of antioxidant. Key words: DPPH, Reactive Oxygen Species, Radical scavenging activity, Antioxidants, C. hirta, Ethanolic extracts, Decoction. Key Message: Polar extracts from medicinal plants have antioxidant properties apart from its traditional use. These plants can be investigated to understand the full potential of these plants

Food habits and nutritional status of Fiji rugby players

The 15-a-side Fiji rugby team trains well in preparations for any rugby competition but rarely performs to expectations. In order to help the Fiji local based rugby players to identify some key basic areas in improving their performance, a series of workshops were conducted to assess their nutritional status and dietary habits in relation to energy demand during rugby matches. The nutrition workshop included the administration of questionnaires to 19 local based rugby players, requesting the following information: usual food intakes, training camp food intakes, carbohydrate loading, pre-game meals and post-game meals. The study revealed that poor eating habits of the players resulted inthe low carbohydrate intake, which may have contributed to increaselevels of fatigue leading to loss of stamina even before the second half of the game. It appears that the diet of most 15-a-side players does not provide enough energy to enable them to last the full eighty minutes of the game

Ross River virus antibody prevalence in the Fiji Islands, 2013-2015

A unique outbreak of Ross River virus (RRV) infection was reported in Fiji in 1979. In 2013, 29 RRV seroprevalence among residents was 46.5%. Of those born after 1982, 37.4% had anti-RRV 30 antibodies. Between 2013-2015, 10.9% of residents had seroconverted to RRV suggesting 31 ongoing endemic circulation of RRV in Fiji

Ross River virus antibody prevalence in the Fiji Islands, 2013-2015

A unique outbreak of Ross River virus (RRV) infection was reported in Fiji in 1979. In 2013, 29 RRV seroprevalence among residents was 46.5%. Of those born after 1982, 37.4% had anti-RRV 30 antibodies. Between 2013-2015, 10.9% of residents had seroconverted to RRV suggesting 31 ongoing endemic circulation of RRV in Fiji

Laxative potency of Methanolic extract of Sea Cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota): Avian Model (pigeons, Columbia livia)

Marine organisms produce many secondary metabolites, which are commonly referred to as natural products. These organisms often exhibit unique chemical responses when they are under stress. Many of these chemicals may have medicinal applications. In this research work methanolic extract from the body wall of holothurian (Holothuria leucospilota) was studied in vivo to test its effect on passage rate of digesta using avian model. The effect of sea cucumber solvent extract (SCSE) was compared with a known laxative drug (bisacodyl) in 36 feral pigeons fed with various doses (5mg, 20mg, and 40mg) of the extract. Cloaca excretions were collected after administration of the treatments on hourly intervals for initial 6hrs, six hourly intervals for 42hrs and 12hrly interval for 102hrs. Observations on moisture content (%) and chromic oxide recovery (mg) were recorded from these samples. These parameters were used to determine the passage rate (mg/hr) of digesta along the gut for 102 hrs. Mean moisture content for birds fed with 40mg and known drug was relatively higher to other treatments. Results revealed a stimulatory effect of extract on the passage rate of digesta dry matter (mg/hr) and chromic oxide recovery rate (99% and 96%). SCSE of 40mg dose was comparable to the laxative drug. The results indicated that the holothurian extract has a laxative potency

Captive propagation of endangered native Fijian frog: implications for ex-situ conservation and management

We present research and management implications for captive propagation of the endangered Fijian Ground Frog Platymantis vitiana to develop methods for supplementing populations in the wild. In 2004, a captive propagation program was instituted at Kula Ecopark, Sigatoka, Fiji. However, there was little success with only a single froglet reared after three years. In 2006, a more intensive programme was undertaken between the University of the South Pacific (USP), Kula Ecopark and the community on Viwa Island. The aim of this programme was to create an outdoor enclosure to mimic natural habitat conditions so the frogs could exhibit natural breeding behaviour. A total of 39 froglets was reared after one year of this programme. We provide information on the methods of captive management, reproductive biology, captive diet varieties, and on problems of rearing froglets in captivity. This research is useful baseline information in guiding captive propagation techniques in zoological parks like the Kula Ecopark and for organizations such as the National Trust of Fiji

Improvement in ex-situ egg hatchability of Fijian ground frog Platymantis vitianus by laboratory incubation of egg masses, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji

Breeding of the endangered Fijian ground frog Platymantis vitianus coincided with the Fijian wet season (December/January) during captive management in a purpose-built outdoor enclosure at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji. Two fertile egg masses (around 40 eggs in each) were laid. A low hatchability of 10.8% (n = 40) was recorded for the first egg mass found, which was left in the outdoor enclosure to develop. The second egg mass was taken into the laboratory for incubation where hatching success was very much higher at 87.5% (n = 42). The hatchability difference was attributed to appropriate incubation techniques in the laboratory which reduced infection and hence mortality, of the eggs

Captive management of newly hatched Fijian ground frog Platymantis vitianus froglets: lessons learnt from an unanticipated invertebrate predator invasion, Suva, Fiji

Five newly hatched froglets of the endangered Fijian ground frog Platymantis vitianus were transferred into a glass laboratory aquarium upon hatching, following egg-laying by adult frogs during the wet season in a purpose-built outdoor enclosure at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji. During captive management of the froglets, their body weight and food supply in the aquarium were closely monitored. All five froglets were successfully raised to 37 days old, at which time the aquarium was invaded by brown house ants Pheidole megacephala. This event was probably caused by excess ripe fruit, placed within the glass aquarium to attract small flies as food for the froglets, attracting the ants. The ants predated all five froglets. Future ex-situ designs for rearing P.vitianus froglets may consider incorporating measures such as aquatic protective barriers to prevent ants and other unwanted terrestrial invertebrates from entering captive-rearing aquaria and other enclosures