Forty-fifth Progress Report - - - Kura Atoll page 2 
6. The Berlese funnels are run continuously with samples being taken 
of litter and all nesting species. Ectoparasite collections continue from 
available species with a goal of 50 samples from each species using the 
island* Wings and heads are being coHected and frozen for more detailed 
ectoparasite analysis in Washington* 
?• Red-tailed Tropicbird breeding biology - Study area is checked 
daily for nesting activity and identification of pairs; there are presently 
27 nests in the study area, 21 with chicks; 1 new nest, 22 nests destroyed, 
18 chicks hatched, and 17 chicks died* 
8. Sooty Tern breeding biology - The central roost, northeast colony, 
and east colony are checked at biweekly intervals to determine population 
density. Chicks were banded in all colonies during the period* An estimated 
76 per cent of the chick population is now banded. 
9* Ten vegetation plots surveyed and photographed during the period. 
B* Collections ; 
1. Blood; Wedge-tailed Shearwater 20 
Red-tailed Tropicbird 24 
Sooty Tern 58 
102 
2. Ectoparasites; Noddy Tern 2 
3# Berlese; Laysan Albatross nest 6 
Wedge-tailed Shearwater nest 3 
Red-tailed Tropicbird nest 3 
3luo-faced Booby nest 3 
Brown Booby nest 3 
Red-footed Booby nest 3 
Sooty Tern nest * 6 
Noddy Tern nest 3 
30 
4. Invertebrate; Snail species 1 
