During December 2024, a team of nine researchers undertook a 2-week expedition to survey Elephant and South Jason Island. The aims of the survey were to undertake a systematic survey burrowing seabirds, aided by a bird detection dog. We also undertook a plant survey, and will create high-resolution 3D maps of the islands – all providing baseline data in support of management and conservation. During hundreds of km of survey, the team uncovered some significant ecological findings.
Both Elephant and South Jason were confirmed to host small breeding populations of burrowing seabirds, including Wilson’s Storm-petrels and Thin-billed Prions. However, the team also suspects breeding populations of Fairy Prions and the threatened White-chinned Petrel (based on burrow size), a species of conservation concern – but they were not able to confirm the presence of these species. In addition, both islands were identified as nationally important sites for endemic plant species, with exceptionally rich plant biodiversity. In particular, South Jason Island was found to support a high density of the threatened endemic Hairy Daisy (Erigeron incertus), further underscoring the island’s ecological value. The inclusion of a trained bird-detecting dog, significantly enhanced the team’s ability to locate and verify seabird burrows.
This successful trial sets a precedent for future use of detection dogs in remote island biodiversity surveys, offering a powerful tool for conservation work in similarly challenging environments. This was a rare and privileged opportunity to camp and conduct in-depth fieldwork on these remote islands. The data gathered during the expedition is an important baseline, and aid in in protection the unique biodiversity of the Jasons Islands Group.
This research was funded by the UK Government through Darwin Plus Local. (DPL00098 – Survey of Elephant and South Jason Islands for burrowing seabirds and plants) We are indebted to Aiden and Kim from Seaquest, and to Adam Smyth, Daniel Biggs, Rachael Orben and Megan Tierney who volunteered their time. The expedition team was Simon Browning, Naomi Cordeiro, Rachael Orben, Steve Brown, Megan Tierney, Adam Smyth, Daniel Biggs, Odin Rumianowski. Alastair Baylis, and Missy. Sorry Pongo.
