CHANGES IN THE VEGETATION AND REPTILE POPULATIONS ON ROUND-ISLAND, MAURITIUS, FOLLOWING ERADICATION OF RABBITS

Changes in the vegetation and reptile populations on Round Island, Mau ritius are described using the results of expeditions in 1982 (when ra bbits Oryctolagus cuniculus were abundant) and 1989 (three years after their eradication). Changes in vegetation cover and composition are d escribed, all directly or indirectly attributable to the eradication o f rabbits. These changes include marked increases in the regeneration of three tree species (all endemic, or largely restricted, to Round Is land) and plant species formerly grazed by rabbits. The increasing imp act of plant species accidentally introduced to the island is document ed. Recent increases in the populations of several endemic reptile spe cies (five of which are threatened) are also described; these can be a ttributed to increases in habitat and food availability following the eradication of rabbits. In the light of these observations, projected changes are discussed and recommendations made for management.