Report to the Republic of Palau on Invasive plant species of Environmental concern

Abstract

The Republic of Palau requested assistance from the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, to conduct a survey of invasive plant species of environmental concern. A less comprehensive survey was conducted as part of a general survey of the major Micronesian islands in 19982. Similar surveys have been conducted in American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. The survey was carried out in December 2002 and January 2003. The entire team surveyed the islands of Koror, Ngerkebesang, Malakal, Babeldaob, Angaur, Peleliu and the Rock Islands while Miles and Tiobech surveyed Sonsorol and Hatohobei States. Tiobech, Rengulbai and Terebkul Tellei surveyed Kayangel. Places of present and former habitation and those used by visitors were surveyed in the Rock Islands (Bablomekang, Betikel, Bkul a Chesemiich, Dwight Beach, Ngchelobel, Ngchus, Ngeanges (Neco), Ngercheu (Carp Resort), Ngerchong, Ngeremdiu, Ngermeyaus, Ngidech and Ulong).