Suivi à long terme de la dynamique de la végétation avant et après l’éradication des rats sur l’atoll de Tetiaroa

Sampling is conducted along twenty 25 m long transects representing 1,000 one square meter quadrats.

This work has revealed:

1. a slow decrease of Pisonia grandis seedlings with time in both motus;
2. an increase of Cocos nucifera seedlings in Reiono but not in Ahuroa ;
3. a strong increase of Pandanus tectorius and Guettarda speciosa seedlings, especially in Ahuroa ;
4. an increase of the cover of herbaceous plant ( Boerhavia tetrandra in Reiono, Portulaca oleracea in Ahuroa), and native ferns ( Asplenius nidus and Microsorum grossum );
5. the role and importance of natural disturbances (high swells, tree fall gaps caused by strong winds) in seed germination and seedlings survival during several years of monitoring.