CHARACTERISTICS OF NEST MOUNDS OF MICRONESIAN MEGAPODES IN PALAU

Abstract We gathered data on the habitat and general characteristics of 24 nest mounds (14 active, 10 inactive) of Micronesian Megapodes (Megapodius laperouse senex) in the Palau Islands of western Micronesia. Most (92%) mounds were found in strand forests near beaches. Active mounds in this habitat were composed mostly of sand and averaged (± SD) 108.8 ± 20.6 cm in height, 6.2 ± 0.7 m in width, and 7.3 ± 1.2 m in length (n = 10). In contrast, mounds in uplands were made of organic matter and were smaller in size (82.0 ± 17.0 cm in height, 3.6 ± 0.4 m in width, and 3.7 ± 0.6 m in length; n = 2). Mounds were usually located at the bases of one to three large live trees. Historic and current patterns of megapode distribution and abundance in Palau correspond well with the distribution of strand forests in the archipelago, suggesting that the species' occurrence is linked with this habitat.