New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Restoring islands for nature and people worldwide.
Published on
November 9, 2016
Written by
Sara
Photo credit
Sara
A five-mile cat-proof fence built on Mauna Loa will keep native birds safe from invasive feral cats.
The ‘Ua’u, also called the Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), is a seabird listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. ‘Ua’u spend most of their time out at sea, but they settle on the slopes of Mauna Loa, Hawai’i during nesting season. The Hawaiian Petrel burrows deep into lava rock where it will lay just one egg. The mother and father switch off caring for the chick and foraging.
The fluffy chicks hatch in August and remain in their burrows until November when they fledge or take their first flight out to sea. Adults, eggs, and chicks are extremely vulnerable to predators throughout the long breeding season as all activity occurs on the ground.
The native seabirds are extremely vulnerable to predatory feral cats that have been introduced to the island–but now, things are looking up. As a measure to protect ‘Ua’u from the invasive feral cats, a 6-foot high, custom-designed fence has been installed all around the nesting area to keep the predators out.
Construction crews worked and camped at elevations between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, in steep and loose lava rock terrain, and in weather that ranged from hail, and high wind, to extreme heat. The site is very remote and all materials, gear and staff had to be flown in and out.
The protected area amounts to 600 acres and took three years to complete. Such projects are crucial for preventing extinctions of native island wildlife. Congratulations to the National Park Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, American Bird Conservatory, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, and the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit at the University of Hawai‘i for successfully implementing this important measure to protect the Hawaiian Petrel!
Featured photo: View of Mauna Loa from Mauna Kea. Credit: Joe Parks
Source: Khon2.com
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!
For Immediate Release Conservation powerhouse BirdLife South Africa has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) – a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities – to support its work to save internationally significant albatross populations…
Video captures insights and hopes from the partners who are working to restore Lehua Island, Hawai’i. In 2021, Lehua Island officially became free from the threat of invasive rodents. This is a huge accomplishment that has enriched the region’s biodiversity…
Carolina Torres describes how the project to restore and rewild Floreana Island signals hope for a future where people and nature can thrive together in the Galápagos.
A new plan to restore seabird habitats in areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon disaster includes invasive species removal.