Notes on Nests and Behavior of the Hawaiian Crow

Among the scanty writings on the Hawaiian crow (Corvus tropicus Gmelin), there is no detailed record of its nest and eggs or of its habits associated with the breeding cycle. Berger (in press) lists and reviews the literature and reports that the current total population of this species may be as small as 25 birds. This present paper describes the final example of use by crows of a traditional nesting ground on the lower northeast flank of the Hualalai volcano, Hawaii County, Hawaii, in 1964. A nest discovered under construction on March 26 was observed at intervals of 6 to 9 days, through April 26, when it failed; a single infertile egg remained from the original clutch of five and the crows were then in the process of abandoning the nest

Weight Variation in Adrenal Glands of the Mongoose in Hawaii

Gross morphology and weight characteristics are described for adrenal glands in a population of the small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson). Mongoose adrenals are anatomically similar to those in the cat and dog, and may be typical of those in the Order Carnivora. The right gland is about 80% as large as the left. Relative adrenal weight decreases in all age and sex classes as body weight increases . Adrenals are only slightly larger in young females . than in young males, but at sexual maturity they enlarge greatly in females and remain much larger than those in males. In lactating females the adrenals are significantly larger than those in all other classes of adult females. There seems to be no major effect of sexual maturity on adrenal size in males. Over a three-year period the population demonstrated a remarkable stability of adrenal gland weight in the face of increasing drought and decreasing numbers. Minor adrenal response to seasonal fecundity, environmental stress, and variations in population density may be a character of carnivores quite in contrast to that observed in the highly sensitive rodents

Ecological Factors on Manana Island, Hawaii

A 25-ha islet occupied by seasonally nesting sea birds, feral rabbits, and house mice is considered. Rabbits presumably modified the unknown original vegetation in their 70 or more years on the island and reached an equilibrium with a plant cover composed largely of a few hard y introduced grasses. A total of 28 species of higher plants has been recorded from the island, only 6 of which are native to Hawaii. Rabbits occur in low to moderate numbers, sustained by a food source that is enriched by bird guano and subject to annual drought. Average body weight of the mouse is remarkably heavy at 19.5 g. Data on biological and food habits are presented for both mammals. Among 13 species of ectoparasites of birds and mammals are two unusual host adaptations : of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis, to Oryctolagns cuniculus, and of the Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, to Mus musculus. Rabbits appear not to be detrimental to the nesting of bird s, and their control or extermination is discouraged at present. The scientific importance of the island's unique ecosystem is stressed, and proposals for its intensive study are outlined