Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-100). / xi, 100 leaves, bound ill., map 29 cm

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1978. / Bibliography: leaves 176-185. / Microfiche. / vi, 185 leaves, bound maps 29 cm

Typescript. / Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves 149-151. / vii, 151 leaves, bound 29 cm

Despite their inherent importance and utility as ecological examples, island species are among the most endangered and least studied groups. Guam Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina) exemplify the plight of insular biota as a critically endangered and understudied island bird that went extinct in the wild before they could be studied in their native habitat. Guam kingfishers currently exist only as a captive population in U.S. zoos. Using radio telemetry and visual observations of a wild subspecies of Micronesian Kingfisher (H. c. reichenbachii) from the island of Pohnpei, this study examined factors critical for the persistence of both the Guam and Pohnpei kingfishers. Behavioral observations indicated that the birds employ a cooperative social system, which included non-parent individuals that assisted in reproductive attempts of others. Because resource limitations have been cited as a potentially important factor in the evolution of cooperative behaviors and in conservation, this investigation assessed the characteristics and availability of a potentially limited nesting resource, arboreal termite nests. First, the characteristics of termite nests, or termitaria, selected by Micronesian Kingfishers for use as nest sites were modeled. Results suggested that Micronesian Kingfishers selected termitaria that were higher from the ground and larger in volume than unused termitaria. Further, there was little evidence that birds selected from among termitaria based on proximity to forest edges and foraging areas, placement on a tree, vegetation characteristics, or microclimate. Second, the number of termitaria with characteristics indicative of nest sites was assessed to determine if reproductive opportunities might be limited by the abundance of suitable termitaria. Results from this analysis suggested that although fewer termitaria existed with characteristics similar to those used for nesting, reproductive opportunities did not appear to be limited by their abundance. Therefore, while conservation strategies should be directed towards providing ample and appropriate nesting substrates, I found no evidence suggesting that termitaria abundance played a role in the evolution of cooperative breeding in Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfishers. Findings presented here will hopefully enhance our understanding of cooperative behaviors, as well as improve conservation efforts for Micronesian Kingfishers and other insular avifauna. / Graduation date: 2002

As a nation, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) faces increasing rates of noncommunicable diseases related to the replacement of the traditional diet with processed imported food and adoption of sedentary lifestyles. To reverse this trend, a food-based intervention in Pohnpei, FSM, used various approaches to promote local food (LF) production and consumption. Evaluation of the intervention in one community assessed changes in diet and health status in a random sample of households (n=47). Process indicators were also examined. Results from dietary assessments indicated increased (110%) provitamin A carotenoid intake; increased frequency of consumption of local banana (53%), giant swamp taro (475%), and local vegetables (130%); and increased diversity from LF. There was no change in health measures. However, exposure to intervention activities was high, and behaviour towards LF appeared to have changed positively. It is recommended that the intervention continue and expand to further affect dietary change and improve health.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references. / Microfiche. / xiii, 265 leaves, bound ill, maps 29 cm

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1993 / Pacific Islands Studies

No description available.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007 / Pacific Islands Studies

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references. / Also available by subscription via World Wide Web / xv, 252 leaves, bound ill., map 29 cm