Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew UK Overseas ...

British Virgin Islands February 2018

Fieldwork report and photographic supplement - Overseas Fieldwork Committee (OFC) registration number 559-16

Dr Martin A. Hamilton and Dr Colin Clubbe, UK & Islands Programme, Conservation Science Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16

Acknowledgements The Kew UKOTs team wishes to thank our BVI partners for their continued support and assistance in the field and for providing necessary letters to other government departments to facilitate the visit. The resilience and determination shown by the BVIslanders following Hurricane Irma and their desire to move forward and embrace the challenges ahead of them is inspiring. The efforts of local conservationists to continue the important species conservation efforts despite the many challenges faced is commended and an example for us all. The strong partnerships and close working relationships that have been developed amongst the partners represented during the activities presented here are the result of many years of hard work by many dedicated individuals. The project team wish to thank our funder, HSBC. HSBC through the 150th Anniversary Fund

Suggested citation Hamilton, M.A. and Clubbe, C. (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report. Overseas Fieldwork Committee registration number 559-16. Richmond, Surrey, U.K.: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please direct queries and feedback to: Dr Martin A. Hamilton Research Leader (UKOTs) Conservation Science Department The Herbarium, Kew Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE United Kingdom +44 (0)2083325020 +44 (0)2083325278 [fax] [email protected]

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Contents Title page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………i Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................. ii Suggested citation................................................................................................................................... ii Contents ................................................................................................................................................. iii Figures .................................................................................................................................................... iv List of participants.................................................................................................................................. vi Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................. vii Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1 Daily log ................................................................................................................................................... 4 30/01/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 4 31/01/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 4 01/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 4 02/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 4 03/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 5 04/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 6 05/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 7 06/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 8 07/02/2018 ......................................................................................................................................... 9 08/02/2018 ....................................................................................................................................... 10 09/02/2018 ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Findings and Notes................................................................................................................................ 12 Collecting and survey work ............................................................................................................... 12 Appendix 1: BVI February 2018 field visit itinerary .............................................................................. 33 Appendix 2: NPTVI, Government of BVI and Kew joint planning meeting ........................................... 34 Assisted vegetation recovery discussion .......................................................................................... 34 EU Best planning discussion.............................................................................................................. 35 Vegetation plots ............................................................................................................................ 35 Compost bin .................................................................................................................................. 36 JRONBG recovery discussion............................................................................................................. 36 Main considerations for garden redevelopment discussed ......................................................... 36 Next steps for JRONBG redevelopment ........................................................................................ 37

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Figures Unless otherwise noted, all figures are © Dr M.A. Hamilton Cover photos Top left: Dr Colin Clubbe and Kelly Bradley collecting Varronia rupicola seed on Anegada Top right: Dr Martin Hamilton and Natasha Harrigan with mature Maytenus cymosa in Gorda Peak National Park © Dr Colin Clubbe Bottom left: Dr Colin Clubbe surveying vegetation at Gorda Peak National Park Bottom right: Keith Grant, Creightanya Brewley and Natasha Harrigan surveying vegetation at Shark Bay National Park In-text photos Figure 1: Map of the Puerto Rican Bank ................................................................................................. 1 Figure 2. Hurricane Irma moving across the Lesser Antilles toward the British Virgin Islands in September 2017. ©NASA ....................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 3. GOES satellite image of the Caribbean showing Hurricane Irma approaching BVI after hitting Anguilla. ©NOAA .................................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 4. Survey areas around Anegada 02 February 2018. ................................................................... 5 Figure 5. Survey area from The Settlement to East End, Anegada 03 February 2018............................ 6 Figure 6. Survey area around Middle and Low Cays, Anegada 04 February 2018. ................................ 7 Figure 7. Lynda Varlack, Dr Colin Clubbe, Dr Martin Hamilton and Dr Kedrick Pickering meet to discuss post-hurricane recovery efforts at the Government of the Virgin Islands office complex, Tortola. ...... 8 Figure 8. Survey areas in Shark Bay National Park and Sage Mountain National Park, 05 February 2018. ................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Figure 9. Survey areas in Gorda Peak National Park and around Virgin Gorda, 06 February 2018........ 9 Figure 10. Dr Martin Hamilton, Lynda Varlack, Dr Colin Clubbe, His Excellency Governor Augustus ‘Gus’ Jaspert and Millie Jaspert meet to discuss post-hurricane recovery efforts at Government House, Tortola. .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Figure 11. Dr Colin Clubbe examines plants damaged during Hurricane Irma in the Queen Elizabeth II Park, Tortola. ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Figure 12. Kew and NPTVI staff worked together in the field to assess threatened species and habitats: assessing Malpighia woodburyana (Left); assessing Agave missionum (Right). .................................. 12 Figure 13. Data logger deployed in Vachellia anegadensis tree at Warner, Anegada. ........................ 13 Figure 14. Camera trap image from Gorda Peak National Park showing defoliation of vegetation immediately following the passage of Hurricane Irma. ........................................................................ 14 Figure 15.Kelly Bradley collecting Agave missionum seed from a fallen infructescence. .................... 15 Figure 16. Vachellia anegadensis downed by strong winds in an area impacted by feral livestock grazing. .................................................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 17. Varronia rupicola with developing fruit looking very healthy following heavy rains. ......... 16 Figure 18. Metastelma anegadense in flower in the Warner area of eastern Anegada. ..................... 16 Figure 19. Leptocereus quadricostatus at Middle Cay (Left) and Warner (Right) showed no signs of reproduction. ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Figure 20. Mitracarpus polycladus in flower along the north coast of Anegada. ................................. 17

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Figure 21. Dr Colin Clubbe examines coastal vegetation along the north coast where herbaceous species are colonising areas cleared of plants by storm surge and left exposed roots across the surface. .............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Figure 22. Invasive Casuarina equisetifolia along the south-western coast was heavily impacted with many trees appearing to have died or been set-back (Left and Middle) and no seedlings of the invasive tree were observed (Middle). Invasive Scaevola taccada also appears to have been heavily impacted with many shrubs appearing to have died or been set-back; unfortunately many seedlings were observed, particularly along the south-western coast, and removed (Right). ..................................... 19 Figure 23. Mangroves were heavily impacted with little to no regrowth observed (Left). NPTVI staff have started collecting drone imagery of the mangroves to monitor recovery (Right). ...................... 20 Figure 24. Mangroves were almost completely killed by Hurricane Irma in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola. .. 21 Figure 25. Forest damage caused by Hurricane Irma at Sage Mountain National Park (Left); initial trail clearance has enabled access, but potentially hazardous deadwood is still present above trails (Right). .............................................................................................................................................................. 21 Figure 26. The Calyptranthes populations amongst relatively less disturbed forest have shown great resilience. .............................................................................................................................................. 22 Figure 27. Hurricane damaged vegetation and infrastructure at SBNP. .............................................. 23 Figure 28. Sabal causiarum appear to have weathered the storm well at Shark Bay National Park. .. 23 Figure 29. Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the JR O’Neal Botanic Garden resulting in the loss or damage of most of the structures and plants throughout the garden: Fishlock Hall and many of the Royal palms were destroyed (Left); the boundary fence was damaged or destroyed (Right). . 24 Figure 30. Most trees in the JR O’Neal Botanic Garden were seriously damaged: remaining trees have few lateral branches and are forming copious amounts of epicormic growth (Left); many trees were uprooted like the large fig in the rainforest section (Right). ................................................................ 25 Figure 31. Severely damaged trees on the grounds of Government House and Old Government House Gardens. ................................................................................................................................................ 26 Figure 32. QEII Park was impacted by Hurricane Irma with many plant collections lost and structures damaged: Natasha Harrigan examines uprooted Bastardiopsis eggersii (Left); Natasha Harrigan and Dr Martin Hamilton discuss propagation of damaged collections (Right). ............................................... 26 Figure 33. Landslide along unimproved road above Leverick Bay impacting threatened species and high quality intact dry forest. ................................................................................................................ 27 Figure 34. The Gorda Peak National Park forests were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma with significant canopy damage (Left) and downed trees and limbs (Right). .............................................. 28 Figure 35. Kew and NPTVI staff discussing trail clearance/reopening and threatened plant species identification on Virgin Gorda following Hurricane Irma. .................................................................... 29 Figure 36. Large clump of Epidendrum ciliare stripped from the rock it was growing over by Hurricane Irma. ...................................................................................................................................................... 29 Figure 37. Galactia eggersii in flower at Leverick Bay, North Sound, Virgin Gorda. ............................ 30 Figure 38. Calyptranthes thomasiana plants uprooted by Hurricane Irma (Left) with seedlings emerging in areas with canopy loss (Right). ......................................................................................... 31 Figure 39. Calyptranthes kiaerskovii re-sprouting from the base following extensive canopy damage by Hurricane Irma. ................................................................................................................................ 31 Figure 40. Mature specimen of Maytenus cymosa growing in Gorda Peak National Park, Virgin Gorda. .............................................................................................................................................................. 32

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List of participants Initials AS BF CC CB DH DL DP FP GJ IB MJ KB KG KP KV LS LV MAH NH NWP RT SZ TS

Name Athley Stevens Bienvenido Friday Colin Clubbe Creightanya Brewley Denville Hodge Desima Lambert Diehdra Potter Finfun Peters His Excellency, Governor Augustus ‘Gus’ Jaspert Israel Bahador Millie Jaspert Kelly Bradley Keith Grant Dr Kedrick Pickering Kemahl Vanterpool Lionel Smith Lynda Varlack Dr Martin Hamilton Natasha Harrigan Nancy Woodfield-Pascoe Ronnie Thomas Susan Zaluski Tessa Smith

Organisational affiliation Senior Terrestrial Warden, NPTVI Gardener, NPTVI Head of Conservation Science, Kew Intern, NPTVI Terrestrial Warden, NPTVI Garden labourer (on secondment), NPTVI Deputy Director, NPTVI Senior Marine Warden, NPTVI Her Majesty’s Governor to the Virgin Islands Marine Warden, NPTVI Teacher and wife of the Governor Fort Worth Zoo, USA Senior Terrestrial Warden, NPTVI Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour Terrestrial Warden, NPTVI Terrestrial Warden, NPTVI Director, NPTVI Research Leader (UKOTs), Kew Nursery & Botanical Centre Manager, NPTVI Deputy Director, NPTVI Gardener, NPTVI Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society BVI Ministry of Environment

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Acronyms Acronym

Definition

ANU

Antigua International Airport

BA

British Airways

BVI

British Virgin Islands

Dfid

Department for International Development, UK

DoA

Department of Agriculture

EIS

Beef Island International Airport

FCO GIS GPNP GPS

Foreign & Commonwealth Office, UK Geographic information system Gorda Peak National Park Global positioning system

IUCN JRONBG Kew LGW MSB MSBP

The International Union for Conservation of Nature J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens, Tortola Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew London Gatwick Airport, UK Millennium Seed Bank Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, RBG, Kew

NoT

Notification of Transfer

NPTVI OFC QEII Park SBNP SMNP TIPAs UK UKOTs

National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands Overseas Fieldwork Committee Queen Elizabeth II Park Shark Bay National Park Sage Mountain National Park Tropical Important Plant Areas United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United Kingdom Overseas Territories

VG

Virgin Gorda

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Introduction This report is an account of the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) Programme of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew) expedition to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), undertaken from 30 January to 09 February 2018. The visit was undertaken to 1 collect monitoring data for threatened plant species and their habitats; 2 assist the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) staff with post-hurricane assessments in selected national parks, 3 undertake meetings with local partners to discuss recovery efforts and begin to develop a plan of action, 4 continue a collaborative project to identify Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs) in the BVI and 5 continue developing collaborative projects with FWZ and NPTVI to conserve threatened species. The expedition was undertaken with the consent of the BVI Government through the authority of the NPTVI. The Kew field team consisted of Dr Martin Hamilton and Dr Colin Clubbe who visited to undertake the aforementioned activities.

Figure 1: Map of the Puerto Rican Bank

The expedition was part of on-going regional collaborations with NPTVI and several Puerto Rican collaborators, namely the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office, University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Mayagüez Department of Biology Herbarium (MAPR) and DNER. Besides assisting with the monitoring, documenting and collecting of native, threatened and invasive plant species, the Kew team were specifically in the BVI to undertake project activities for 1 the HSBC funded project “Identifying and conserving Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs) in the British Virgin Islands”. Discussions with BVI partners were held to further develop work plans for the EU BEST funded project [1059] “Securing Pockets of paradise in the Caribbean; embedding capacity for invasive alien species management in UKOT based organisations” and the Garfield-Weston funded project to collect and bank seeds of Caribbean tree species.

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Daily entries are provided to record general activities with a focus on the areas visited, participants, and number of specimens collected. Maps are provided, where appropriate, to show general survey areas visited. The track logs shown in maps only reflect the route taken by one or more of the Kew team (unless otherwise noted) and do not necessarily reflect the entire survey area as colleagues often visited other areas in the field to cover more ground. Other data collected by BVI partners will be processed following the field visit and shared within the group. This report has two Appendices listing details of the itinerary (Appendix 1: BVI February 2018 field visit itinerary) and meetings undertaken (Appendix 2: NPTVI, Government of BVI and Kew joint planning meeting). A compilation of tweets can be viewed as a Twitter Moment online and a Facebook post showing images from the trip is available here. The Kew UKOTs team’s closest BVI partners have been severely impacted by Hurricane Irma. The field visit was undertaken to provide an overview of the situation in BVI. This will allow the UKOTs team to recommend steps that Kew can take to provide support for our partners’ recovery efforts. A coalition of UK organisations working for the environment in the Caribbean UKOTs has been in communication about the situation faced by our collective partners and exploring potential funding streams and fund-raising initiatives that may be able to assist recovery efforts. Kew is represented on the coalition by Dr Colin Clubbe and Dr Martin Hamilton. The coalition is comprised of the following organisations: Botanic Gardens Conservation International Fera Science Limited Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Fauna & Flora International Marine Conservation Society Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Royal Society for the Protection of Birds UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum University of Liverpool University of Roehampton Hurricane Irma has had a major impact on Kew’s activities in BVI causing significant delays to several externally funded projects. Kew are contracted by RSPB through an EU BEST project to deliver vegetation monitoring plots with NPTVI and protocols for NPTVI to monitor the plots and invasive species in the Great Tobago National Park. The plots and equipment purchased for use during the project have most likely been lost. Other activities that have been directly impacted are: • • •

Postponed October workshop in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to identify Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs). This a major element of the HSBC 150th funding that Kew will be unable to progress for many months; Postponed Garfield-Weston funded fieldwork in BVI to collect seed toward annual target; Cancelled plans for submitting a Darwin Plus funding proposal with our BVI partners for the 2017 Darwin Initiative funding round.

The Kew UKOTs team have maintained direct communication with the NPTVI since Hurricane Irma struck the island. To aid Kew’s assessment of the situation and help make more informed recommendations, NPTVI staff provided images immediately following the disaster of the NPTVI main office and several of the national parks, including the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Garden (JRONBG). The images showed near complete destruction of the NPTVI infrastructure and loss of most of their digital and printed resources, equipment and tools 2

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 necessary for day-to-day operations. Kew established cloud storage sites for sharing images and making data lost by NPTVI available from Kew copies.

Figure 2. Hurricane Irma moving across the Lesser Antilles toward the British Virgin Islands in September 2017. ©NASA

NPTVI have lost almost everything on Tortola to the hurricane damage and post-hurricane looting. Many buildings are completely gone or have major damage such that NPTVI are working from temporary spaces in other local government offices. The field visit reported herein is the next step in our collaborations toward recovery.

Figure 3. GOES satellite image of the Caribbean showing Hurricane Irma approaching BVI after hitting Anguilla. ©NOAA

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Daily log 30/01/2018 MAH & CC depart LGW for EIS via ANU. MAH works on data and report formatting during travel.

31/01/2018 MAH and CC work on papers and Red List Assessments before going to botanise around Carlisle Bay.

01/02/2018 On arrival at EIS, clear immigration and customs. Collect hire car from Avis and JRONBG. MAH & CC drive to JRONBG to observe hurricane damage, discuss issues with staff and meet with LV, NWP, NH and KG. MAH & CC drive to Nanny Cay Hotel stopping for supplies at grocery stores along route. Check in to Nanny Cay Hotel and unload luggage. MAH and CC walk to local restaurant for dinner. MAH cleans equipment rescued from JRONBG before sorting and preparing field gear and supplies.

02/02/2018 MAH and CC load luggage and equipment and drive to Road Town ferry dock to meet KB, NWP, NH, CB FP and KG. Take ferry to Anegada via Virgin Gorda. Group discussions about hurricane impact and recovery efforts during ferry crossing. Collect hire cars and drive to Neptune’s Treasure. Check-in to hotel and stow luggage. NPTVI team drive to Fisherman’s Dock to capture drone imagery of mangroves. MAH, CC and KB prepare field equipment. MAH drives CC and KB to Headstart Facility to meet NPTVI team including KV and LS. Tour facility which sustained only limited damage during hurricane Irma and discuss potential areas for native plant interpretation and iguana food production. All team members drive north of The Settlement surveying threatened plants, particularly Malpighia woodburyana population, and hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Visit area between Loblolly Bay and Cooper Rock to assess Mitracarpus population and hurricane damage to costal vegetation. Drive to Loblolly Bay for lunch and to assess hurricane damage to costal vegetation. Drive to Windlass Bight to assess Mitracarpus population and hurricane damage to costal vegetation. Drive around the west road to the ferry dock surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Tortola-based NPTVI staff depart on ferry. Anegada-based NPTVI staff return to The Settlement. MAH, CC and KB return to Neptune’s Treasure. MAH and CC hike west along coast surveying invasive plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Manually remove seedlings of the invasive species, Scaevola taccada. Hike back to Neptune’s Treasure and clean field gear. MAH starts processing data and images. Dinner and discussions at Neptune’s Treasure with KB. MAH continues processing data and images.

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Figure 4. Survey areas around Anegada 02 February 2018.

03/02/2018 MAH, CC and KB drive to east side of The Settlement. Hike toward East End stopping to process data logger KEWBVI04 and start collecting Varronia rupicola seed. Continue hiking toward East End stopping to survey eastern population of Leptocereus quadricostatus (no flower buds, no fruit, grazing and hurricane impacting species and habitat; this site is showing signs of stress and its future health is of concern) and process data logger KEWBVI08. MAH changes battery in data logger and collects climate data from logger before redeploying the unit. Cross salt pond to East End and hike to data logger KEWBVI07 and camera trap BVIAM01. MAH collects camera trap as Agave missionum plant is dead. MAH changes battery in data logger and collects climate data from logger before redeploying the unit. Collect small sample of seeds remaining on the fallen Agave infructescence. Hike back to eastern coast surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Hike along coast to break in the salt ponds and cross back to Warner. Hike back to the The Settlement surveying threatened plants, collecting seed and assessing hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Drive to Neptune’s Treasure. MAH & CC clean field gear. CC assists KB with dinner preparations. MAH processes data, images and specimens. Dinner and discussions at KB apartment.

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Figure 5. Survey area from The Settlement to East End, Anegada 03 February 2018.

04/02/2018 Drive to Bones Bight. MAH, KB and CC hike to data logger KEWBVI01 behind the Round House to change battery in data logger and collect climate data from logger before redeploying the unit. Hike to Middle Cay surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Survey population of Leptocereus quadricostatus (no flower buds, no fruit, grazing and hurricane impacting species and habitat) and observe iguanas (2 large males) in the area. MAH changes battery in data logger KEWBVI06 and collects climate data from logger before redeploying the unit. MAH collects damaged camera trap BVICAM10. KB offers to deploy replacement unit from her stock after MAH and CC depart. Hike back to vehicle surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Drive to Anegada Beach Club to make dinner reservations and observe newly reopened facilities following post-hurricane repairs (works still on-going along coast). Drive to flats and hike to Low Cay surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Collect three of KB camera traps deployed in December 2017 for processing and redeployment at a later date. Hike back to vehicle surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Drive to Neptune’s Treasure. MAH & CC clean field gear. MAH processes data, images and specimens. CC works on field visit notes and emails. Drive to Anegada Beach Club for dinner and discussions (Super Bowl viewing party at hotel). Drive to Neptune’s Treasure.

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Figure 6. Survey area around Middle and Low Cays, Anegada 04 February 2018.

05/02/2018 Team finishes packing and loads luggage and equipment. Check-out of Neptune’s Treasure and drive to Setting Point for ferry to Tortola. Unload load luggage and equipment and KB takes over hire car rental. Ferry to Tortola. MAH and CC meet Damon Wheatley and Jim White (colleagues from previous Darwin project) and discuss potential plans for conservation projects on Anegada. MAH updates report along route. Load luggage and equipment into rental car and drive to Nanny Cay. Check-in to one available hotel room and unload luggage and equipment. CC reviews and comments on UKOTs team publication for submission to peerreviewed journal and sends to Kew colleagues via email. MAH purchases groceries and lunch from local shop. MAH and CC have discussions over lunch in hotel. Drive to Government of the Virgin Islands office complex in Road Town to meet LV and await arrival of KP. Meet with KP to discuss post-hurricane recovery efforts, plant/habitat survey, biosecurity and continued collaborations. LV departs for office. MAH and CC drive to JRONBG to meet NPTVI staff and change into field clothing. Drive to Shark Bay National Park. MAH, CC, NH, KG, DL, CB, NWP and local reporter hike along road to main park trail surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation and providing interview along route. Search for and locate data logger KEWBVI03 dislodged during hurricane. MAH changes battery and collects climate data from logger before redeploying the unit. Hike along main trail toward tip of peninsula surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Hike back to vehicles. NPTVI team return to Road Town. MAH and CC drive to Sage Mountain National Park. Hike to Calyptranthes spp. populations surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Collect climate data from logger before redeploying unit. MAH collects hurricane damaged camera trap set to monitor Calyptranthes kiaerskovii. Hike back to vehicle by torch light. Drive to Nanny Cay. Order takeaway from local restaurant for dinner and discussions in hotel. MAH sorts field equipment and Anegada collections for deposition at JRONBG.

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Figure 7. Lynda Varlack, Dr Colin Clubbe, Dr Martin Hamilton and Dr Kedrick Pickering meet to discuss post-hurricane recovery efforts at the Government of the Virgin Islands office complex, Tortola.

Figure 8. Survey areas in Shark Bay National Park and Sage Mountain National Park, 05 February 2018.

06/02/2018 MAH and CC drive to Road Town ferry dock to meet NWP, NH, KG, DH and CB for 9am Speedy’s ferry to Virgin Gorda. Meet AS at dock parking lot and drive area above Leverick Bay with high proportion of threatened species. Survey threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation. Drive to area near Fanny Hill surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Drive to upper entrance of GPNP. Hike along trail and meet with Virgin Gorda NPTVI team to discuss trail clearance and threatened species identification. AS and Virgin Gorda NPTVI team depart. Hike to Calyptranthes spp. populations surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. MAH processes data logger (download data and redeploy) and collects hurricane damaged camera trap while team assess 8

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Calyptranthes spp. Hike to hurricane demolished viewing platform surveying threatened plants and hurricane impacts on the vegetation along route. Stop for lunch and discussions. Hike back to picnic area and begin to flag new route for trail that will bypass Calyptranthes spp. populations to offer greater protection to this fragile population. Unable to complete full trail due to time constraints. Hike back to park entrance to meet AS and drive to ferry dock. Ferry to Tortola. NPTVI team depart. MAH and CC drive to Nanny Cay. MAH processes data and images. CC works on field visit notes and emails. MAH and CC drive to NWP rental house for dinner. MAH and CC drive to Nanny Cay.

Figure 9. Survey areas in Gorda Peak National Park and around Virgin Gorda, 06 February 2018.

07/02/2018 MAH and CC drive to Road Town for morning meeting at Conservation and Fisheries Offices (see Appendix 2: NPTVI, Government of BVI and Kew joint planning meeting for more information about participants and topics). Break for lunch. CC and LV go for takeaway and drive to Tropical Aisle Building for meeting with NWP and DP at the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association office. President of the Chamber of Commerce and NPTVI Board Member, Louis Potter, joins discussion for short period. MAH drives to Clarence Thomas Hardware to purchase storage box for Kew collecting supplies. MAH drives to JRONBG to meet NH and drop off Kew collecting supplies for storage. MAH drives to Tropical Aisle Building to join meeting with CC, NWP, LV and DP. MAH, CC, NWP and LV drive to BVI Governor’s office. GJ unavailable on arrival. MAH, CC, NWP and LV walk to Government House to meet MJ and observe hurricane damage and recovery efforts, including new vegetable garden. GJ joins group in garden for discussions before tea is served on the veranda. GJ departs and MJ leads MAH, CC, NWP and LV around grounds of Old Government House Museum to observe hurricane damage and discuss recovery efforts. NWP and LV depart. MAH and CC drive to Nanny Cay. Walk to local restaurant for dinner and discussions. Walk back to hotel. MAH processes data and images. CC works on field visit notes and emails. Start packing for departure.

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Figure 10. Dr Martin Hamilton, Lynda Varlack, Dr Colin Clubbe, His Excellency Governor Augustus ‘Gus’ Jaspert and Millie Jaspert meet to discuss post-hurricane recovery efforts at Government House, Tortola.

08/02/2018 MAH and CC finish packing and load luggage and equipment. Check-out of Nanny Cay and drive to QEII Park to meet NH, DL, KG, DH and CB. Observe hurricane damage and discuss recovery efforts. Walk to NPTVI storage area to meet with marine staff and discuss hurricane recovery efforts. MAH and CC drive to Conservation and Fisheries Offices to meet NWP and FP for final wrap-up. MAH and CC drive to EIS. Return hire car and check-in for LIAT flight to ANU. Lunch in airport before clearing security. Depart EIS on direct flight to ANU. On arrival, clear immigration and customs. MAH and CC work on data and report in airport during 7-hour layover. MAH and CC check-in for BA flight to LGW and clear security. Depart ANU on direct flight to LGW.

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Figure 11. Dr Colin Clubbe examines plants damaged during Hurricane Irma in the Queen Elizabeth II Park, Tortola.

09/02/2018 MAH and CC arrive LGW. CC takes train to Surbiton. MAH takes taxi to Brentford to unpack, sort field equipment and organise supplies to return to Kew. End of field visit related activities and reporting.

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Findings and Notes The BVI visit was very successful and continued building collaborations between Kew and BVI colleagues. Of particular significance were post-hurricane surveys in several national parks and observations made of threatened species populations. Several members of staff from the hurricane damaged Government Fishing Complex have been on secondment to NPTVI to assist in post-hurricane recovery and clean-up efforts. At the time of the visit, the seconded staff were Desima Lambert, Diana Gregg, Janet Richardson, Peter David and Denzil Matthew. Their involvement appears to have had a very positive impact in the JRONBG, particularly. It is hoped that some of these individuals may be able to remain with NPTVI going forward and continue to contribute to the redevelopment of JRONBG. Discussions were held with NPTVI and KB about resurrecting the Darwin Plus funding proposal that was shelved following Hurricane Irma. The vision for a slightly revamped proposal considering the impacts of hurricane was well received and notes will be circulated following the field visit. Anegada residents and former Darwin project staff, Damon Wheatley and Jim White, were consulted and showed great interest in a new project involving the Anegada community.

Collecting and survey work Time was very limited, so our approach was to visit several of the main monitoring sites for rare and threatened species (e.g. Varronia rupicola, Croton fishlockii, Zanthoxylum thomasianum, Maytenus cymosa, Vachellia anegadensis, Calyptranthes kiaerskovii, Calyptranthes thomasiana and Agave missionum) and undertake a rapid assessment of the habitat and an assessment of the health of key species following Hurricane Irma. Data gathered will be used for assessing TIPAs and species for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Figure 12. Kew and NPTVI staff worked together in the field to assess threatened species and habitats: assessing Malpighia woodburyana (Left); assessing Agave missionum (Right).

To collect complementary data across the Puerto Rican Bank in threatened species habitats, particularly for Vachellia anegadensis (BVI only), Calyptranthes spp. (BVI only), Leptocereus quadricostatus (PRVI), Varronia rupicola (PRVI) and V. bellonis (Puerto Rico only), EL-USB-2+ data loggers have been deployed and all units are set to record hourly at 1 second past the hour. The data loggers deployed in BVI are: KEWBVI01, 12

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 KEWBVI04; KEWBVI06 & KEWBVI07 – Anegada; KEWBVI05 – Virgin Gorda; KEWBVI02 & KEWBVI03 – Tortola; KEWFJ01 – Fallen Jerusalem. The data loggers (except KEWFJ01) were processed during the field visit using an EL-DataPad Handheld Programmer and Data Collector. The data loggers were first stopped, and the log file was downloaded to the EL-DataPad. Once download was complete, the summary was reviewed to ensure that the data logger had been correctly programmed to record every hour at one second after the hour (e.g. 12:00:01). The data loggers were then redeployed with a new battery installed using the same settings to ensure that all readings across the devices were recorded at the same time. Data loggers deployed on Great Tobago and Prickly Pear to assist vegetation monitoring were not visited due to time and logistical constraints.

Figure 13. Data logger deployed in Vachellia anegadensis tree at Warner, Anegada.

Acorn Camera Ltl-6310M traps have also been deployed to monitor phenology and faunal associations, particularly. To prolong battery life, each camera was connected to an Acorn Camera Ltl-SUN series solar charger via the supplied USB power cable. On Virgin Gorda and Tortola, camera traps KEWVGCAMERA01 and KEWTOLACAMERA01 were deployed, respectively, to monitor Calyptranthes spp. On Anegada, BVICAM10 was deployed to monitor Leptocereus quadricostatus and BVIAM01 was deployed to monitor Agave missionum. These cameras were collected during the field visit as all were damaged during the hurricane. The camera on Fallen Jerusalem, camera trap KEWFJCAMERA01, deployed to monitor Vachellia anegadensis was not visited during the field visit. No functioning camera traps are currently stored in BVI for deployment later as all units were looted following the hurricane along with most of the botanical collecting supplies and equipment. Camera traps deployed on Great Tobago and Prickly Pear to assist vegetation monitoring were not visited due to time and logistical constraints. 13


Figure 14. Camera trap image from Gorda Peak National Park showing defoliation of vegetation immediately following the passage of Hurricane Irma.

Due to the focus of the short visit being on rapid assessment, the field team only collected 30 new botanical records comprised of 27 observation and 3 voucher records. Of the latter, these included 1 herbarium voucher (with three specimens) with and associated DNA sample and two seed collections. All collections made by the field team remained at the JRONBG for further processing and shipping to Kew at a later date. Anegada We visited many of the most important sites for rare and threatened plants on Anegada. Although these areas have been battered by the hurricane winds and salt spray, initial observations suggest that these sites - which can be considered refugia for high-quality, intact habitat - have fared well, showing the resilience of plants well adapted to their environment. Some trees have been pushed over by the very high winds, but many have sprouted leaves and are starting to regrow despite this uprooting. Most others had started coming into leaf and in many cases started to reproduce. The overall health of the plants is likely to be strongly linked to the heavy rains that the region has experienced over the previous 4-5 months. Plants have responded very positively to this increased rainfall. Key species observed • Agave missionum: Several immature plants were observed, and most did not show signs of Agave snout weevil attack. The camera trap deployed in February 2017 at East End facing a large plant was revisited, processed and removed. The plant had formed fruit, dispersed seed and died before the hurricane. A small seed collection was made from the fallen infructescence. Recommendations: continue monitoring the species across BVI; collect seed when available. 14


Figure 15.Kelly Bradley collecting Agave missionum seed from a fallen infructescence.

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Vachellia anegadensis: some older trees were blown over/broken (some with evidence of preweakening by heart rot fungi); back in full leaf and looking healthy; no flower or fruit observed; Few seedlings/saplings observed. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed when available.

Figure 16. Vachellia anegadensis downed by strong winds in an area impacted by feral livestock grazing.

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 •

Varronia rupicola: a few shrubs blown over, but mostly looking very healthy; back in full leaf, abundant flowers and setting fruit. Many seedlings and saplings observed. A small seed collection was made from the Anegada East subpopulation. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect further seed from both subpopulations.

Figure 17. Varronia rupicola with developing fruit looking very healthy following heavy rains.

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Metastelma anegadense: not many dune sites visited, but sites we observed indicated healthy plants with flowers and some fruit. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed when available.

Figure 18. Metastelma anegadense in flower in the Warner area of eastern Anegada.

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Leptocereus quadricostatus: Site 1 (Middle Cay) – vegetation around the peninsula has taken a beating with exposed areas of vegetation more impacted. Large trees have been blown over and generally opening the site adjacent to the cactus subpopulation. Part of this opening has been facilitated by the negative impacts of grazing animals, particularly goats, which have seriously degraded the site. The cactus subpopulation looks okay, although no flowers or fruits were evident. Little evidence of pests at this site. Site 2 (Warner/East End) – site very open with cactus exposed; population looks stressed and somewhat unhealthy; no flowers or fruits; evidence of heavy goat grazing impacting the site; evidence of pest attacking terminal growth and causing dieback. There is a serious concern about the long-term health and survival of this subpopulation. Recommendations: continue monitoring; ideally fencing needs to be erected to exclude goats and deter other herbivores (cattle and donkeys). Fencing these sites is the only realistic way of recovery these sites and conserve this vulnerable threatened species.

Figure 19. Leptocereus quadricostatus at Middle Cay (Left) and Warner (Right) showed no signs of reproduction.

•

Mitracarpus polycladus: population looking healthy, some reduction in total area due to flooding/sea surge; in full flower and setting fruit. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed.

Figure 20. Mitracarpus polycladus in flower along the north coast of Anegada.

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Coastal vegetation In many areas the coastal vegetation has been pealed back, up to 10m in places along the north coast, exposing a network of woody roots across the surface. Significant amounts of debris (e.g. wood, metal, plastic) have been deposited along the coast following recent storms. There is a flush of herbaceous growth (e.g. Cakile maritima) along the original shore line which now appears to be in the middle of the beach to the untrained eye. The invasive tree, Casuarina equisetifolia, predominantly found along the south-western coast was heavily impacted with many trees appearing to have died or been set-back. No seedlings of the invasive tree were observed. Scaevola taccada also appears to have been heavily impacted with many shrubs appearing to have died or been set-back. Unfortunately, many seedlings were observed, particularly along the south-western coast. Approximately 200 were removed along a 500m transect. The uprooted seedlings were thrown into the sea to kill them and prevent them re-establishing along the beach. Recommendations: continue monitoring for invasive species and remove seedlings when observed. Start control programme for existing mature invasive plants while they are stressed and more susceptible to control. Organise beach clean-ups to remove debris along coast to facilitate native vegetation recovery.

Figure 21. Dr Colin Clubbe examines coastal vegetation along the north coast where herbaceous species are colonising areas cleared of plants by storm surge and left exposed roots across the surface.

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Figure 22. Invasive Casuarina equisetifolia along the south-western coast was heavily impacted with many trees appearing to have died or been set-back (Left and Middle) and no seedlings of the invasive tree were observed (Middle). Invasive Scaevola taccada also appears to have been heavily impacted with many shrubs appearing to have died or been set-back; unfortunately many seedlings were observed, particularly along the south-western coast, and removed (Right).

Mangroves This habitat looks to have fared the worst of all the habitats inspected. Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove) has been hit the hardest with almost total death of this species in the areas observed. We saw little evidence of any regrowth and where there was regrowth this was highly reduced. The other three mangrove species (Laguncularia racemosa, white; Avicennia germinans, black and Conocarpus erectus, buttonwood) all look much healthier and are back in full leaf and in fruit in the case of buttonwood. NPTVI staff have started collecting drone imagery of the mangroves to monitor recovery. Recommendations: continue monitoring, encourage natural regeneration e.g. by removing accumulated debris. A comprehensive investigation is required to assess likelihood of successful natural regeneration and to develop a restoration strategy.

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Figure 23. Mangroves were heavily impacted with little to no regrowth observed (Left). NPTVI staff have started collecting drone imagery of the mangroves to monitor recovery (Right).

Longer-term recommendations Feral livestock needs to be controlled. There is increasing evidence of over-grazing and soil compaction causing erosion and drying out of sites and negatively impacting native vegetation. Erosion exposes roots which then also get damaged by trampling - again negatively impacting plant species. Both these lead to a degraded habitat and plants under stress which are less resilient to withstand hurricanes and longer-term climate change impacts. Tortola Generally, the hillsides have taken a real battering with fallen trees everywhere and standing trees having been stripped of many side branches. Total defoliation was reported. Most trees are now showing signs of re-sprouting at various heights from the base through to the tips depending on the severity of impact. Some trees, although still standing, appear dead. These are a concern where they are found near infrastructure and access routes. Areas that are relatively intact, non-fragmented forest look to have fared better than forest that was previously degraded and invaded with invasive species such as Leucaena leucocephala (wild tamarind) and non-native grasses. Where the canopy has been thinned out and in response to the heavy rain there has been germination from the soil seed bank and there are many native seedlings emerging. We saw no real evidence of a spread of invasive species to areas where they were not already present. Taller trees have been pruned to the average height of the canopy or blown over. Visual inspection points towards the good quality native forest being resilient and better able to bounce back from the impacts of the hurricanes, even of the intensity of Irma and Maria. Stem diameter and wood density appear to be import factors in the ability of the plant to withstand hurricane force winds. As on Anegada, mangroves, and especially red mangroves, appear to have been the hardest hit by the hurricanes.

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Figure 24. Mangroves were almost completely killed by Hurricane Irma in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola.

Sage Mountain National Park The NPTVI staff have worked valiantly to clear the trails and allow access again to the park. Although the trails have had initial clearance and more work is planned, there is an urgent need to make any potential visitors aware of the risks in walking the trails as there are still many overhanging trees and dead branches which could fall, especially in windy conditions, and cause serious injuries. Recommendation: if closing all or parts of the park is not an option, consider erecting some positive and informative signage to make visitors aware of the potential risks and suggesting that they enter at their own risk whilst the trails are being repaired and the park recovers from the extreme battering it received during the hurricanes.

Figure 25. Forest damage caused by Hurricane Irma at Sage Mountain National Park (Left); initial trail clearance has enabled access, but potentially hazardous deadwood is still present above trails (Right).

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Key species observed • Calyptranthes thomasiana and C. kiaerskovii on Mount Sage within the Sage Mountain National Park were visited. The hillside showed relatively little wind damage, again pointing towards the resilience of intact forest when compared to fragmented forest or forest invaded by non-native invasive species. No seedling recruitment was observed; however, daylight was waning and a relatively small area was surveyed. The camera trap deployed in the area was collected and the data logger processed and redeployed. Recommendations: continue monitoring, especially for recruitment; collect seed when available. A complete assessment and tagging of individual trees is required to determine the size of the population and if it extends outside the park boundaries.

Figure 26. The Calyptranthes populations amongst relatively less disturbed forest have shown great resilience.

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Shark Bay National Park The trail has been well cleared by NPTVI staff and is now open throughout most of its length allowing access almost to the point. Further work is needed to repair/replace the wooden structures throughout the park. General points made above about the general look of the Tortola forests equally apply to SBNP. Recommendation: consider erecting some positive and informative signage to make visitors aware of the potential risks and suggesting that they enter at their own risk whilst the trails are being repaired and the park recovers from the extreme battering it received during the hurricanes.

Figure 27. Hurricane damaged vegetation and infrastructure at SBNP.

Key species observed • Sabal causiarum: the few individuals previously recorded all look to have survived the hurricanes well and from the trail look to be in good shape. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed when available.

Figure 28. Sabal causiarum appear to have weathered the storm well at Shark Bay National Park.

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Pilea sanctae-crucis: the abundant rainfall has allowed this species to explode along the hillsides, particularly the north facing hillside and it is evident in much greater numbers than previously recorded, indicating a good natural soil seed bank which has responded rapidly to the wet conditions. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed when available.

JR O’Neal Botanic Garden The impact of Hurricane Irma on the JR O’Neal Botanic Garden (JRONBG) has been catastrophic. The infrastructure has been significantly impacted with buildings destroyed (Fishlock Hall; Nursery; Orchid House, Fern House); damaged (Entry Booth; Gazebo) and only a couple relatively undamaged (Gift Shop; Toilet Block). The boundary wall/fencing has been significantly damaged.

Figure 29. Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the JR O’Neal Botanic Garden resulting in the loss or damage of most of the structures and plants throughout the garden: Fishlock Hall and many of the Royal palms were destroyed (Left); the boundary fence was damaged or destroyed (Right).

The impact on the plants in the garden has also been catastrophic. Many trees were blown over including most of the entry avenue of royal palms (Roystonea oleracea); the large Ficus tree and many of the trees in the rainforest section. Most trees in the garden have been either blown over, suffered significant limb loss and/or damage and root loosening caused by wind throw. The smaller shrubs were similarly impacted but to a lesser extent. All plants suffered almost total defoliation.

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Figure 30. Most trees in the JR O’Neal Botanic Garden were seriously damaged: remaining trees have few lateral branches and are forming copious amounts of epicormic growth (Left); many trees were uprooted like the large fig in the rainforest section (Right).

Short-term recommendations: The NPTVI staff have done an excellent job in securing the site and clearing most of the fallen debris and debris blown in from surrounding areas. Work has started on enhancing the beds with many now looking presentable for visitors and many plants responding well to both the attention and to the rainfall. A full assessment of the remaining trees needs to be undertaken with a view to redevelopment of the garden. On first inspection, most trees have been damaged to such an extent that it is in the best interest of safety and for the future redevelopment of the garden to take them down, propagating as appropriate beforehand. Longer-term recommendations: Discussions to determine the future redevelopment of the garden with a view to developing a new masterplan which will realise the long-held idea for the JRONBG to be the ‘Gateway to the National Parks of the British Virgin Islands’ and a site to celebrate the importance of plants for everyone and for our collective long-term survival. These discussions have been started and a separate account of these discussions is recorded in Appendix 2: NPTVI, Government of BVI and Kew joint planning meeting. Government House and Old Government House Gardens Many of the big trees have been severely damaged and some remain dangerous. Recommendation: given these are both areas that the visiting public can/will access there is a health and safety risk and all trees should be assessed by a qualified arborist with the recommended actions carried out before reopening to the general public.

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Figure 31. Severely damaged trees on the grounds of Government House and Old Government House Gardens.

QEII Park The NPTVI staff have done a great job clearing the site and making it accessible again to visitors. Locals and international tourists, especially from cruise ships, want to visit and use this green space. Fire ants, brought in with landscape plants from abroad, remain a problem and are spreading throughout the park. Restoration of the bedding is underway. Recommendation: consider producing signage that explains that the park is being restored following Hurricane Irma and will be fully functional as soon as possible. Also consider including a donations suggestion (e.g. if you would like to help with the restoration of QEII and other National Parks in the BVI please contact NPTVI on…). In addition, it would be valuable to erect the TIPAs interpretation panels which were saved from the hurricane at the JRONBG as a new piece of interpretation to demonstrate that the NPTVI is getting back on its feet.

Figure 32. QEII Park was impacted by Hurricane Irma with many plant collections lost and structures damaged: Natasha Harrigan examines uprooted Bastardiopsis eggersii (Left); Natasha Harrigan and Dr Martin Hamilton discuss propagation of damaged collections (Right).

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Virgin Gorda The island of Virgin Gorda was severely impacted by Hurricane Irma. Many buildings were totally destroyed, and many remain uninhabitable/unusable. Similar to the observations on Tortola, the forests have taken a real battering with many fallen trees and standing trees having been stripped of lateral branches. Many trees are now showing signs of re-sprouting at various heights from the base through to the apex depending on the severity of impact which appears to increase with elevation. Some trees, although still standing appear dead. Areas that are relatively intact, non-fragmented forest look to have fared better than forest that was previously degraded and invaded with invasive species such as Leucaena leucocephala (wild tamarind) and non-native grasses. Where the canopy has been thinned out and in response to the heavy rain there has been germination from the soil seed bank and there are many native seedlings emerging. Visual inspection indicates that good quality native forest is resilient and better able to recover from the impacts of the hurricanes. Surveys focused on Gorda Peak National Park, Fanny Hill and the area above Leverick Bay. Leverick Bay The forest above Leverick Bay has been previously identified as high quality intact dry forest containing many rare and threatened species. The structure of the forest remains sound with relatively few trees completely felled. The forest suffered severe defoliation and thinning of side branches such that the forest has a more open structure now and as such is more accessible. Many trees have leafed out again at various points along the trunks, depending on the severity of impact. This is clearly a resilient forest, most likely the result of being relatively intact and offering a structure of even height and spacing of trees forming a uniform canopy that enabled it to withstand the very strong winds. The more open nature of the canopy is permitting greater penetration of light resulting in many young seedlings appearing, presumably from the natural soil seed bank. These comprise herbs, vines and young trees seedlings. All species of special interest were relocated, and all looked in good, healthy condition.

Figure 33. Landslide along unimproved road above Leverick Bay impacting threatened species and high quality intact dry forest.

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Gorda Peak National Park The NPTVI staff are still clearing the trails at Gorda Peak National Park and they are not all passable yet. We took the short trail from the road up to the picnic site and across to the Calyptranthes populations, as well as up to the lookout point. Much like Leverick Bay, the forest has been beaten about by the heavy winds and salt spray and many trees have been felled, but it remains intact structurally indicating good resilience in the best areas of intact forest. In areas with evidence of historical clearance (e.g. charcoal pits, watering holes and many grasses) damage is significant and are now very open and tattered. The lookout platform has completely collapsed. All the supports snapped, although the platform itself remained relatively intact. In sheltered areas the large stands of epiphytic orchids, notably Epidendrum ciliare, and bromeliads survived well, whereas in less sheltered areas these plants have been stripped away from their rocky base and lost. Recommendation: The opportunity should be taken to redirect the trail around the Calyptranthes populations removing the chances of damage and accidental trampling of seedlings, of which there were a large number. We flagged out the beginning of a suggested route to redirect the trail. It would also be helpful to erect a positive sign indicating that this part of the forest is a research area which is why the trail has been rerouted.

Figure 34. The Gorda Peak National Park forests were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma with significant canopy damage (Left) and downed trees and limbs (Right).

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Figure 35. Kew and NPTVI staff discussing trail clearance/reopening and threatened plant species identification on Virgin Gorda following Hurricane Irma.

Figure 36. Large clump of Epidendrum ciliare stripped from the rock it was growing over by Hurricane Irma.

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Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Key species observed All target species were relocated and had weathered the storms fairly well. The location of the main mixed stand of C. thomasiana and C. kiaerskovii was much like other areas of good forest: battered and opened up with some trees snapped, but generally healthy. •

Zanthoxylum thomasianum: A couple of the adult Z. thomasianum were relocated along the GPNP trail and seemed in good health. The sapling near the trail was also relocated and the trail around it more clearly demarcated to protect it from accidental trampling. Recommendation: continue to monitor and collect seed when mature. Clearly demarcate trail to avoid the sapling.

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Croton fishlockii: Several plants were observed along the main road and in the Leverick Bay area in flower. Recommendation: continue to monitor and collect seed when mature.

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Machaonia woodburyana: Several plants were observed along the road to Fanny Hill and in the Leverick Bay area in flower and with old fruit. Recommendation: continue to monitor and collect seed when mature.

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Galactia eggersii: was abundant at Leverick Bay, growing very well and was in full flower and with young fruits on some plants. Recommendation: continue to monitor and collect seed when mature.

Figure 37. Galactia eggersii in flower at Leverick Bay, North Sound, Virgin Gorda.

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Calyptranthes thomasiana: Many of the larger plants were impacted by heavy winds showing limb loss and/or uprooting. Several individuals showed extensive canopy damage and were only resprouting from the base, whereas most were re-sprouting across the plant. Flowers were observed on several individuals. Hundreds of seedlings were observed in areas with canopy loss. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed when available. A complete assessment and tagging of individual trees is required to determine the size of the population.

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Figure 38. Calyptranthes thomasiana plants uprooted by Hurricane Irma (Left) with seedlings emerging in areas with canopy loss (Right).

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Calyptranthes kiaerskovii: Many of the larger plants were impacted by heavy winds showing limb loss. Several individuals showed extensive canopy damage and were only re-sprouting from the base, whereas most were re-sprouting across the plant. Flowers were observed on a single individual. No confirmed seedlings of the species were observed. Recommendations: continue monitoring; collect seed when available. A complete assessment and tagging of individual trees is required to determine the size of the population.

Figure 39. Calyptranthes kiaerskovii re-sprouting from the base following extensive canopy damage by Hurricane Irma.

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Maytenus cymosa: Several trees were observed during the visit to Virgin Gorda, within and outside GPNP. They seemed not to have suffered damage, apart from the loss of some smaller branches and leaves. New leaf growth was evident. Unfortunately, a large seed collection of M. cymosa was lost from the JRONBG during Hurricane Irma. Recommendation: continue to monitor and collect seeds when possible.

Figure 40. Mature specimen of Maytenus cymosa growing in Gorda Peak National Park, Virgin Gorda.

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Appendix 1: BVI February 2018 field visit itinerary Date Activity 30/01/2018 Travel (delayed in London) 31/01/2018 Antigua (due to London departure delay)

Notes BA2157 to ANU

Overnight Location Antigua Antigua

01/02/2018 Travel; Visit JRONBG 02/02/2018 Ferry to Anegada (8:30 AM) 03/02/2018 Fieldwork on Anegada

LIAT 11:30 to EIS; Discuss pruning and maintenance of JRONBG Meet KB and NPTVI staff Camera trap and data loggers East End

Tortola Anegada Anegada

04/02/2018 Fieldwork on Anegada

Camera trap and data loggers Bones Bight & Middle Cay

Anegada

Ferry to Tortola (10:00 AM); Meet Dr Pickering; 05/02/2018 Fieldwork on Tortola 06/02/2018 Fieldwork on Virgin Gorda

Camera trap and data loggers - SMNP; SBNP Camera traps & data loggers - GPNP

Tortola Tortola

Meetings with NPTVI, Gov. of VI and BVI 07/02/2018 Governor 08/02/2018 Visit QEII Park; Travel 09/02/2018 Travel

Tortola LI0343 @13:30 to ANU; BA2156 @22:35 to LGW Arrive UK

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Appendix 2: NPTVI, Government of BVI and Kew joint planning meeting Various members of NPTVI and Government of BVI attended the meeting for different discussions as listed below. General discussions were held to update staff that did not attend field visits.

Assisted vegetation recovery discussion Attending: TS, NWP, CC, MAH, NH, KG, CB, RT To assist beach and forest recovery, a new NPTVI nursery urgently needs to be constructed and locally sourced plant material should be propagated. NPTVI is well placed to receive available seed stored at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank and collect material from the wild. With a new nursery facility, NPTVI can produce young plant material which can be sold on to local nurseries for further potting and sales to the public. This would help stop the importation of plant material, and chance of introducing associated pests and diseases. In conjunction with this approach, a list of non-native and potentially invasive species should be produced to prevent these species being brought into the territory. An upcoming visit is planned by representatives from JNCC and Fera Science to provide biosecurity advice and training. Specific feedback should be sought for establishing effective and affordable biosecurity facilities in BVI. Below are lists of species to target for nursery production by habitat. Beach Cakile lanceolata (Willd.) O.E. Schulz Coccoloba uvifera L. Scaevola sericea Vahl Tournefortia gnaphalodes (L.) R. Br. ex Roem. & Schult. (synonym Argusia gnaphalodes (L.) Heine) Coastal forest Agave missionum Trel. Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. Conocarpus erectus L. Cordia rickseckeri Millsp. Croton fishlockii Britton Guapira fragrans (Dum. Cours.) Little Machaonia woodburyana Acev.-Rodr. Mammillaria nivosa Link ex Pfeiff. Melocactus intortus (Mill.) Urb. Pisonia subcordata Sw. 34

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Senegalia muricata (L.) Britton & Rose

(synonym Acacia muricata (L.) Willd.)

Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton Varronia polycephala Lam. Zanthoxylum thomasianum Krug & Urban Upland forest Calyptranthes kiaerskovii Krug & Urb. Calyptranthes thomasiana O.Berg Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav.) Oken Guapira fragrans (Dum. Cours.) Little Maytenus cymosa Krug & Urb. Pisonia subcordata Sw. Psidium amplexicaule Pers.

EU Best planning discussion Attending: NWP, CC, MAH, NH, KG, CB, RT Survey the plots to determine damage, talking photos to document the situation. Rescue materials and equipment that survived the storm and assess usability. Ask military to help with delivering the necessary materials (water, concrete, pipe, wood) to Great Tobago NP to re-establish the plots and construct invasive species compost bin. June 2018 is currently penciled into diaries for Kew and NOPTVI to work together on Great Tobago. The plots on Prickly Pear will also need to be assessed and addressed in the same manner. Vegetation plots The plots were established with the corners at the NE, NW, SE and SW locations of a compass to enable the camera trap to be placed at the midpoint of the NE to NW side (facing S) or the SE to SW side (facing N) to limit camera blinding by the rising or setting sun. The camera trap holder was established by burying 1’ of a 4’ piece of 3” PVC pipe into the ground, backfilling the pipe to slightly above ground level, tamping the soil around and inside the pipe, capping the pipe with a 3” PVC cap and building a cairn around the base of the pipe with rocks from the local area outside the plot. The cameras selected for the traps were Acorn Camera Ltl-6310M. The cameras were attached to the camera trap holder using one 12” rubber, bungie cord around the base of the camera and two pieces of parachute cord. The five plots established are 10x10 m2 (100 m2). The corner markers were established by burying 1’ of a 4’ piece of 2” PVC pipe into the ground, tamping the soil around the pipe, capping the pipe with a 2” PVC cap and building a cairn around the base of the pipe with rocks from the local area outside the plot. The boundary of the plot was established using parachute cord tied between each of the four corner markers. To install the boundary line, all overhanging vegetation was pruned to ensure it did not touch or obstruct the parachute cord. The re-establishment of the plots should follow these same guidelines, but the corner posts and camera trap holder should be set in Quickcrete. 35

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 Supplies needed to re-establish vegetation plots • 4 bags of ~20lb. Quickcrete per plot • 4 pieces of 4’ long, 2” PVC pipe per plot • 4 pieces of 2” PVC cap per plot • 1 piece of 4’ long, 3” PVC pipe per plot • 1 pieces of 3” PVC cap per plot • 1 of 12” rubber, bungie cord per plot • 1 roll of 30m parachute cord • 1 of Acorn Camera Ltl-6310M per plot • 24 of AA lithium-ion rechargeable batteries per plot • 2 of 32GB SDHC memory card per plot • 1 of Acorn Camera Ltl-SUN series solar charger per plot Compost bin A compost bin needs to be established to contain plant materials generated from invasive species control efforts on the island. The compost bin should be a square with 3m long sides. The corner and mid-way posts should be established by setting 1’ of a 4’ piece of 3” PVC pipe into the ground with Quickcrete and capping the pipes with a 3” PVC cap. The floor of the bin should be covered in rocks from the local area. The rock should be covered with heavy grade cardboard. The corner and mid-way posts should have holes drilled through the pipe at 1’ and 2’ above ground level to enable marine grade nylon cord to be fed through the holes to create an enclosure against which heavy grade cardboard can be attached to form a box. Once the bin is completed, vegetation should be placed inside and subsequently covered with the remainder of the heavy grade cardboard. Supplies needed to establish compost bin • 8 bags of ~20lb. Quickcrete • 8 pieces of 4’ long, 3” PVC pipe • 8 pieces of 3” PVC cap • 24m marine grade nylon cord • 30m2 heavy grade cardboard (e.g. appliance shipping boxes)

JRONBG recovery discussion Attending: LV, NWP, CC, MAH, NH, KG, CB, RT NPTVI have undertaken initial, internal discussions about the future of the JRONBG and its role in the community. The key message to communicate is that NPTVI is at the heart of building back the natural capital of the BVI. Engaging all stakeholders and holding workshops will ensure that everyone develops a strong sense of collective ownership. Potentially, NPTVI can use a portion of the donated money from the Rockefeller Foundation to reestablish the plant nursery and buy tools. Kew and NPTVI will work together to identify other potential sources of funding to help redevelop the JRONBG and realise its new vision. Main considerations for garden redevelopment discussed • Community access • Good interpretation 36

Hamilton & Clubbe (2018). British Virgin Islands February 2018 fieldwork report, OFC 559-16 • • • • • • • • •

Scientific research World-class, trained staff Water features Security and fencing around garden NPTVI Headquarters Nursery Research/visiting partner accommodation Secure storage for tools, equipment and chemicals Themed areas to tell the story of the BVI flora and human links to the plant world (pollinators, food security, BVI native habitats, BVI threatened plants)

Next steps for JRONBG redevelopment • NPTVI to undertake internal workshop (focused on JRONBG staff) to determine what they feel are integral elements of the existing garden that should be incorporated into the new design, determine specifications for the new building(s). Discuss flow of the gardens and work processes so these are included in the new design; • Develop a timeframe for the redevelopment process with an expectation of 12-18 months for creating designs; • Use time around the TIPAS workshop in Miami, Florida, USA during April 2018 to visit other botanic gardens and nurseries to develop ideas for the JRONBG re-design; • Follow-up with BGCI to make new regional connections; • Identify landscape architect with local and/or regional knowledge; • Undertake workshop (June 2018?) with Kew and all relevant stakeholders to further develop plans; • Establish temporary nursery to start propagation work.

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