First record of Solomons Nightjar Eurostopodus nigripennis for Malaita, with a description of its nest site

Solomons Nightjar Eurostopodus nigripennis, listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife International, has previously been recorded only from the north and central Solomon Islands. Even within the species' known range there are few records, limiting knowledge of its ecology. We provide photographic evidence of a Solomons Nightjar nest in a streambed on the island of Malaita at an altitude of c.270 m - the first record on this large island. This observation, combined with traditional local knowledge, suggests that the species may have a wider range of nesting habitat than previously documented, and that further surveys in collaboration with local tribespeople could be important for conservation efforts

Apparent absence of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in frogs in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands

A major driver of global biodiversity loss is disease. One of the most devastating wildlife diseases known is chytridiomycosis, which is caused by the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, and is implicated in population declines in over 500 frog species. Thought to originate in Asia, B. dendrobatidis now has a global distribution, likely due to human movement and trade. The pathogen has yet to be detected in Melanesia, but there have been few surveys for B. dendrobatidis in the region, and none in the Solomon Islands archipelago, a biogeographic region with a unique and culturally important frog fauna. We swabbed 200 frogs of eight species in three genera in lowland and highland sites in East Kwaio on the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. All frogs tested negative for the pathogen but it is possible that the pathogen is present despite non-detection, so further surveys for the pathogen are needed throughout the country. Despite this, it is safest to take a precautionary approach and assume that B. dendrobatidis has not yet been introduced to the Solomon Islands, and that naïve native amphibian populations may be at risk of decline if the pathogen is introduced. Protocols are needed to prevent the accidental import of infected frogs via tourism or in logging or mining equipment. Monitoring of frog populations near areas of high risk such as ports is also recommended. The frogs of the Solomon Islands archipelago are biologically unique and culturally significant, and protecting them from the potentially devastating impacts of B. dendrobatidis is vital

Rat and bat hunt helped heal rift from colonial cruelty

In the British Solomon Islands Protectorate in 1927, a warrior named Basiana led the Kwaio resistance against colonial rule of the island of Malaita, in which 15 people — including an Australian and a Briton — were killed with spears and a few rifles. The London Colonial Office asked Australia to quell the ‘uprising’. In the months that followed, Australians and Solomon Islanders killed at least 60 Kwaio, desecrating shrines and violating cultural taboos. Eventually, Basiana surrendered and was hanged with six conspirators. For almost a century, these events have held back the Kwaio people, shaping their relations with ‘Europeans’

A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands

We surveyed the birds of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands from 20 October to 2 November 2018. We conducted 66 point counts and recorded or observed 58 species of resident landbirds, including 23 of the 24 passerine species known from the island of Malaita and 15 waterbird species. We collected some form of samples (e.g., whole specimens and/or blood samples) from 61 individuals of 17 species, including representatives of the four species-level endemics: Malaita Fantail Rhipidura malaitae (Mayr, 1931), Malaita Dwarf-Kingfisher Ceyx malaitae (Mayr, 1935), Malaita White-eye Zosterops stresemanni (Mayr, 1931), and Red-bellied Myzomela Myzomela malaitae (Mayr, 1931). We demonstrate the considerable potential for conservation of the Malaitan avifauna on traditional lands in the mountains of East Kwaio. The extensive knowledge of the local people was a key factor in the success of the expedition. To facilitate ongoing conservation efforts, we documented the local Kwaio names of the birds we encountered

A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands

We surveyed the birds of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands from 20 October to 2 November 2018. We conducted 66 point counts and recorded or observed 58 species of resident landbirds, including 23 of the 24 passerine species known from the island of Malaita and 15 waterbird species. We collected some form of samples (e.g., whole specimens and/or blood samples) from 61 individuals of 17 species, including representatives of the four species-level endemics: Malaita Fantail Rhipidura malaitae (Mayr, 1931), Malaita Dwarf-Kingfisher Ceyx malaitae (Mayr, 1935), Malaita White-eye Zosterops stresemanni (Mayr, 1931), and Red-bellied Myzomela Myzomela malaitae (Mayr, 1931). We demonstrate the considerable potential for conservation of the Malaitan avifauna on traditional lands in the mountains of East Kwaio. The extensive knowledge of the local people was a key factor in the success of the expedition. To facilitate ongoing conservation efforts, we documented the local Kwaio names of the birds we encountered

Aerodramus vanikorensis

Aerodramus vanikorensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832). Uniform Swiftlet Common at all elevations. Often seen high above the canopy, and at one point observed an extremely large flock (~200 birds) of presumed Uniform Swiftlets along the coast. Potentially more common in lowland ecosystems than highland ecosystems. Identification: Overall darker and duller in color on dorsum than Glossy Swiftlet, with no apparent sheen observed, ruling out Glossy Swiftlet. Lacked any white rump, ruling out Whiterumped Swiftlet. Voucher registration number(s): O.78247 (skin).Published as part of Callaghan, Corey T., Kekeubata, Esau, Waneagea, Jackson, Alabai, Maasafi, Esau, Tommy, MacLaren, David & Major, Richard E., 2019, A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands, pp. 1119-1136 in Check List 15 (6) on page 1127, DOI: 10.15560/15.6.111

Cacomantis variolosus

Cacomantis variolosus (Vigors & Horsfield, 1827). Brush Cuckoo Uncommon. Heard calling once in lowlands (0–50 m) from scrubby/brushy habitat. Identification: Calls were referenced in the field; the bird was not observed.Published as part of Callaghan, Corey T., Kekeubata, Esau, Waneagea, Jackson, Alabai, Maasafi, Esau, Tommy, MacLaren, David & Major, Richard E., 2019, A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands, pp. 1119-1136 in Check List 15 (6) on page 1126, DOI: 10.15560/15.6.111

Aplonis metallica

Aplonis metallica (Temminck, 1824). Metallic Starling Common at all elevations, mixing with Singing Starling at times. Identification: Distinct. Aplonis grandis (Salvadori, 1881). Brown-winged Starling Uncommon at all elevations, usually associated with fruiting trees. Subspecies malaitae. Identification: Table 1. Voucher registration number(s): O.78235 (skin).Published as part of Callaghan, Corey T., Kekeubata, Esau, Waneagea, Jackson, Alabai, Maasafi, Esau, Tommy, MacLaren, David & Major, Richard E., 2019, A collaborative bird survey of East Kwaio, Malaita, Solomon Islands, pp. 1119-1136 in Check List 15 (6) on page 1132, DOI: 10.15560/15.6.111

Steps on a journey to TB control in Solomon Islands: a cross-sectional, mixed methods pre-post evaluation of a local language DVD

Background: In Solomon Islands many people with Tuberculosis (TB) have challenges in accessing services because of socio-cultural, geographic and health service reasons, resulting in delays in TB treatment and low detection rates. The purpose of this project was to (i) develop a local language audio-visual resource (DVD) about TB (ii) share this resource with people in remote villages and (iii) evaluate the process and outcomes.\ud \ud Methods: The project involved the development and evaluation of a DVD in local Kwaio language. The DVD included five short videos based on the Australian Respiratory Council TB Education Flipchart. The DVD also included short videos of: traditional music/chanting (ai'imae); drama that presented an allegory of TB; and a short documentary on the redevelopment of the local TB Ward. A mixed-methods approach evaluated changes in TB knowledge and investigated the impact of the DVD.\ud \ud Results: The DVD was recorded and produced in March – June 2013 and screened in 41 villages and hamlets. The pre-post DVD survey was completed by 64% (255/400) of people who viewed the DVD in the villages. Pre-DVD survey responses showed a moderate to high knowledge about TB signs, symptoms and treatment but 76/255 (30%) stated TB was caused by sorcery and 85/255 (33%) incorrectly stated that TB medication should be stopped when a patient feels better. The post-DVD survey showed a significant increase in people in coastal villages reporting (i) a 3-week cough would trigger a medical assessment and (ii) TB is mainly spread through the air. Statements that TB is not caused by sorcery increased post-DVD in both coastal and mountain villages, however belief in sorcery in mountain villages remained high at 20/70 (29%).\ud \ud Conclusions: The local DVD resource was developed within local cultural understandings and oral traditions of Kwaio people. Using modern but accessible DVD technology enerated a lot of interest about the disease and the stories. The project evaluation indicates that current delays in seeking treatment may be more due to socio-cultural and health service factors than awareness of the disease. Therefore the development of TB services, including TB education, which are culturally sensitive, remains important

Progress towards TB control in East Kwaio, Solomon Islands

[Extract] The recently published project report TB questions, East Kwaio answers: community-based participatory research in a remote area of Solomon Islands1, reported that tuberculosis (TB) remains an important issue to communities and health providers. The island of Malaita has the highest rate of TB in Solomon Islands. Many complex issues are contributors to this concerning level of disease. Factors such as remoteness, socioeconomic and sociocultural issues have been described. Massey et al particularly highlighted how cultural differences based on different worldviews had resulted in some TB patients being unable to access routine hospital based services.\ud \ud Since the development of a research-capacity strengthening approach with the Atoifi Adventist Hospital (AAH) in 20094, and the TB project of 20111, important initiatives and outcomes have been seen, including:\ud \ud * Building a new TB Ward that is culturally safer: a site for the new ward, that meets both socio-cultural and health requirements, has been agreed with mountain area Chiefs and AAH. The area has been cleared, plans drawn up and builders engaged.\ud \ud * Food for TB inpatients: AAH now purchases food each week for TB inpatients to enhance treatment. Currently other hospital inpatients provide their own food.\ud \ud * Active case finding and treatment: the AAH TB Team have conducted active case finding in distant TB ‘hotspots’ including the Kwaibaita Valley and remote mountain hamlets. Ten new cases were found during community visits and treated, including one person treated only in the community setting.\ud \ud * Funded Project to develop TB resources: AAH was successful in applying for a grant from the Australian Respiratory Council to develop local TB resources. This project will work with the traditional oral story-telling model of education and communication, but with modern technology. Locally made videos in local language and Pijin are being developed for community based TB education, including taking DVD players and video clips into remote hamlets and villages to stimulate discussion.\ud \ud * Stronger links with the National TB Program: the Provincial TB Coordinator is involved in the TB DVD project and has invited AAH to run research-training workshops in the provincial capital.\ud \ud * Reported TB case numbers increased: Since the commencement of the research capacity-strengthening approach and concentration on TB, annual reported cases of TB at AAH have increased from four cases in 2009 to 34 cases in 2012, increasing the case detection rate