ATF- March 14-19, 1964 Jarvis Island Progress Report We landed on Jarvis on the morning of March 14 and left the island on March 19. Banding operations were partially hampered by a few hours of moonlight every night. Surf conditions were often very rough, capsizing the boat on one occasion, and knocking off the motor cover on another. Thirteen species were recorded of which four were breeding. Terns and frigates are prevented from nesting on this island by the predatory activities of cats. 6810 individuals of 5 species were banded. 37 returns were obtained of birds banded in the Phoenix Islands. Totals are summarized below. Species Banded Returns Pot. Population Banded Red-tailed Tropic Bird 38 — 35 Blue-faced Booby 5227 35 75 Brown Booby 165 — 20 Red-footed Booby 1379 2 75 Hawaiian Noddy 1 — 100 Mammals: The island was overrun with cats which were feeding on all small birds as well as frigates and a few Red-footed Boobies. We killed 211 or about 80 percent of the population. Mummified mice were found in the building but evidently the cats have eliminated the mice or at least reduced the population to a very few individuals . Reptiles: A few geckos were collected. These are uncommon, probably because of cat predation. Turtles were seen off shore on days of arrival and departure. Insects : Approximately 250 specimens of 19 insects species were collected, as well as a number of other Arthropods. 6 Berlizi samples were run. Usual complete coverage of all habitats. 300 plus live ticks were collected in order to so that we might try some new shipping techniques. Plants : Specimens of most of the 9 species present were pressed. Distribution on the island was recorded.