1. 1 Introduction

*NB* Since completing inventory, it has been noted that the meta-population in the northern Boven peak is much larger than documented likely having more than 80 individuals.

Habitat:

mean elevation for this species is 214m with a maximum of 156 m and

minimum of 331m.
Possible pollinator: It is likely that a moth is a pollinator for this species

due to the white color and its nightly fragrance. A likely candidate

found here on the island is the Pseudosphynx tetrio. This moth is known to

pollinate this species.

Found throughout the Boven Sub-sector and the Quill.

Table 2: E. ciliare field data

3 St. Eustatius Orchid Conservation Project: sampling methods for distribution and dispersion of orchid species

Those species that are most suited for this sort of study are; Tetramicra elegans, Brassavola cucullata, Epidendrum ciliare and Epidendrum difforme due to factors such as population size, ease of locating individuals and flowering times (see appendix 7 for example study).

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3.2 Sampling Methods
3.2.1 Transects
A transect is defined as a line or narrow belt to survey the distribution of organisms across the given area. Longer transects allow a greater ability to detect patterns. The location of the individual is recorded as the location along the transect line. The area surveyed will be the transect line multiplied by the transect width.


Transect diagram


Helpful points:

• 
  Can use the trail as a transect or can do a transect through the forest.
  
• 
  Transect width depends on environment. In the Quill, it is recommended to use 5-6 metres on each side (less for Mazinga recommended 1m on each side )
  
• 
  Discount actual trail because there are no trees therefore no phorophytes
  
• 
  Length will be length of trail OR when there are no more plants found
  
• 
  Have a “map” and denote location along transect
  
• 
  For longterm studies tag individuals
  
• 
  Good for Brassavola cuculatta and Epidendrum ciliare
  

• 
  Create a grid made of 1meter squares, tag each individual and map the grid, look for absence and presence in grid.
  
• 
  Size should be up to 10m X 10 m but can be much smaller. Size of grid is more dependent on size of organism than total area examined.
  
• 
  Can count clumps of individuals rather than individuals due to commonly having difficulties determining what is a single individuals.
  
• 
  For long-term studies tag individuals using labels/metal tags.
  
• 
  Use rebar stakes as permanent placements for the grid corners and add the line for each survey done.
  

Nearest neighbour sampling methods are the most appropriate for single time surveys.

• 
  Find individual and determine distance to 3 nearest neighbours
  
• 
  Best to use in lower density populations
  
• 
  Every individual sampled must be at least 4 m ( 2m +2m ) from other sampled individuals
  
• 
  Do not need to tag plants
  
• 
  This is not for long term surveys, only need do it once.
  

• 
  Must find a population and then examine that population with one of the above mentioned methods. We do not randomly look for individuals/populations due to the manner in which orchid species grow (sub populations with high density and areas with no individuals). The St. Eustatius Orchid Inventory maps and data can be used to determine appropriate sample sites.
  
• 
  Should aim for 50 data points, if does not exist that is alright.
  
• 
  If looking at the scale of the island, 50 data points/island.
  
• 
  It is fine to use a combination of these techniques for the same species.
  
• 
  If looking at meta-population, 50 points/ subpopulation
  
• 
  Reproductive success correlates with both longest leaf and number of leaf. Represents potential photosynthetic capacity and therefore potential for reproduction
  
• 
  Tremblay Dispersion Patterns In Orchids (1997), does not consider 2 trees less than .5m apart to be the same tree. He has since shown that a close proximity of phorophyte does not suggest that the individuals are from the same genetic population (ie. ‘Related’)
  

• 
  Is there evidence of herbivory?
  
• 
  Are there seed pods? How many?
  
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  Are there many seedlings/juveniles?
  
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  Are the plants with flowers older (determined by the amount of leaves present)?
  
• 
  Are there habitat limitations/preferations?
  
• 
  Any pollinators seen? (Moths, birds, bees)
  

4. St. Eustatius Orchid Conservation Project: population structure and reproductive success of b.cucullata

It has been shown for many plants (including orchids) that, plant size distribution directly influences floral display which directly influences survivorship and reproductive success. In order to gain knowledge about the evolutionary history and create appropriate conservation measures for the Brassavola cucullata orchid population of St. Eustatius, the plant size distribution (number of leaves sand floral display) has been examined.

When an individual was located, the number of leaves were counted, the number of flowers were counted (when present), fruit sets were noted and the flower was examined for the removal of the pollinaria. A total of 124 individuals were examined from the Boven site and 90 individuals from the Quill site. This data was collected by Raymond Tremblay and Jim Ackerman of the University of Puerto Rico and Hannah Madden and Lindsay Galway of STENAPA.

It is noteworthy that tourists/hikers seem to have no effect on the orchid population as both the Quill (which is frequented by tourists and locals) and the Boven (which is rarely visited, if at all) appear to be behaving similarly, having the same age structure and the same reproductive success.

In addition to protecting the bigger individuals that are producing flowers, the smaller (and therefore younger) individuals must also be protected to maximize genetic diversity. It is very important to get as many of the young individuals as possible to attain maturity. Otherwise, you only have the older ones leaving progeny and this could result in inbreeding. (It should be noted that this is an assumption as genetic testing as not been done as of yet).

Greater examination of the age of individuals as well as further examination of genetic evolution of the Brassavola cucullata on St. Eustatius is needed. Many more questions will be answered and significant knowledge gained with the completion of our long-term study of this orchid.

5. St. Eustatius Orchid Conservation Project: longterm survey of B.cucullata

2. What is the relationship between morphology (flower size) and reproduction?

Note if you finished with individual Q8136 this year, next year the first individual will be Q9137. This is a system so all individuals have a unique number and the probability of getting them confused is reduced.

4. Floral data: If flowers are open measure (and accessible):

• 
  the length of the nectar tube
  
• 
  the width of the labellum
  
• 
  the length of the labellum
  
• 
  the length of the column
  

For every flower you do this put a small tag at the base of the leaf, with a unique number (001 –xxx) and on the next visit observe if that flower was pollinated and produced a fruit

Appendix

ISLAND RESOLUTION arranging the fauna and flora specimens falling under the Ordinance Protection Fauna and Flora.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY ST. EUSTATIUS;

Considering:

That it is desirable to protect the flora and fauna as well as the unique nature landschapes and to conserve the natural heritage;

That it is necessary to establish the following on the basis of Article 2, sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) and Article 5 of the Ordinance Protection Fauna and Flora 1997 St. Eustatius;

Has decided:

To establish the following General Island Resolution.