Biology In Your Backyard
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 Anchialine ("near the sea") pools are rare and localized brackish waters along coastal lava flows that exhibit tidal fluctuations without a surface connection with the ocean. The pools contain relatively rare and unique fauna, including tiny native 'ōpae'ula shrimp and pinao'ula damselflies, and are threatened primarily by invasive species and habitat loss. (more...)  Biocomplexity of Introduced Avian Diseases: Threats to Biodiversity of Native Forest EcosystemsThe Biocomplexity Project is a joint research project funded by the National Science Foundation and the US Geological Survey that focuses on the effects of introduced, vector-borne disease on native Hawaiian forest birds. (more...)  Coastal Restoration at Kanahā Beach, MauiBeach parks in Hawai'i have traditionally been managed for recreational use, rather than ecosystem protection. Overuse, vehicle traffic, and litter had transformed Maui's Kanahā Beach into a degraded coastal zone with little value but great potential as a habitat for native plants and animals. USGS scientists are advising a collaborative, volunteer-driven effort to restore this ecosystem. (more...)  Critically Endangered Duck Breeds on Midway AtollUntil recently, the Laysan Teal was restricted to a single population on the remote and rat-free Laysan Island. USGS scientists recently assisted with establishment of an experimental population of the critically endangered dabbling duck at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Contrary to expectations, the translocated ducks are already breeding on their new island home. (more...)  Dryland Forest Restoration at Auwahi, MauiDryland forests of the Hawaiian Islands, like those worldwide, have been impacted by urban development, ranching and agriculture, feral ungulates, invasive, alien grasses and wildfires. A rich dryland forest remnant exists on Maui’s Haleakalā volcano in the Auwahi district. A partnership of landowners, resource managers, scientists and dedicated volunteers is exploring methods for restoring this forest. (more...)  Ecology and Diagnosis of Avian Malaria in Forest BirdsNative Hawaiian honeycreepers evolved without natural exposure to avian malaria, and are extremely susceptible to this disease. Malaria currently limits the geographic distribution of native species, has population level impacts on survivorship, and is limiting the recovery of threatened and endangered species of forest birds. Temperature, topography, and climate influence the prevalence of avian malaria across the Hawaiian archipelago. Microscopy, serology and PCR can all play important roles in providing accurate diagnostic information about malarial infections in Hawaiian birds. (more...)  Feral Cats Threaten Endangered BirdsSince their introduction to Hawai'i in the 1800s, cats have adapted to life on their own in Hawaiian ecosystems, where they are now abundant. Their success in these habitats has been at the expense of native animals, which evolved in the absence of mammalian predators. Native birds are particularly vulnerable. Predation by feral cats continues to threaten the survival of endangered Hawaiian bird species, including the `Alalā, Nēnē, Palila, and `Ua`u. (more...)  Feral Pigs, Mosquitoes, and Avian MalariaThe introduction of mosquitoes, avian pox and avian malaria to the Hawaiian Islands has had a profound effect on the geographical distribution and population number of highly susceptible Hawaiian honeycreepers, and likely contributed to the extinction of other native birds. While the mosquito vector is most closely associated with human activity, in remote Hawaiian rain forests, feral pigs may be the unlikely keystone to the disease system. Since 1991, USGS scientists have taken a leadership position in identifying the role these diseases continue to play in the decline and extinction of native Hawaiian forest birds and in finding ways to mitigate their impacts. (more...)  Mariana SwiftletsThe Mariana Swiftlet is believed to be extirpated from the island of Rota. The last known sightings on Rota occurred in 1976. (more...)  Palila Gains Ground in Fight against Extinction With the help of USGS scientists, a small colony of the endangered Palila honeycreeper was recently re-established in former habitat on the north slope of Mauna Kea on Hawai'i Island. And recent monitoring confirms that birds there are breeding successfully; at least one juvenile bird born in the colony has survived to independence. The north slope colony of about 25 Palila includes birds translocated from the single remaining wild population on the western slope of Mauna Kea, as well as birds bred in captivity. For more information, contact Dr. Paul Banko, paul_banko@usgs.gov (more...)  Synthesizing Forest Bird Survey DataIn collaboration with a broad group of partners, USGS scientists have developed the Hawai'i Forest Bird Interagency Database Project (HFBIDP) to integrate the wealth of information generated from forest bird surveys conducted since the mid-1970s on the main Hawaiian Islands. The information is being used to assess species status and to develop statistical models for predicting and mapping the association of bird abundance with habitat attributes for regions across Hawai'i. (more...)  Vespula Wasps Invade Native EcosystemsSince wasps were first documented in the state in the early 1990s, their numbers and range have increased. Now found in most habitats across a broad elevational gradient, these social insects have the potential to impact native ecosystems by competing with insectivorous birds for food, disrupt plant-pollinator mutualisms by preying on native ground-nesting bees, and reduce diversity and abundance of native arthropods. Vespula wasps also pose a threat to human health and safety. USGS scientists are currently investigating methods to reduce the distribution and abundance of these destructive invasive insects. For more information, contact Dr. David Foote; david_foote@usgs.gov. |
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://biology.usgs.gov/wro/backyard/hi.html
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Page Last Modified:
Monday, 23-Oct-2006 14:52:38 MDT
