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
February 17, 2017
Written by
Emily Heber
Photo credit
Emily Heber
The Rose-ringed Parakeet may not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think of an invasive species, but in recent decades the species has become as pest in Kauai, Hawaii.
The species was brought to the island from India in the 1960’s as part of the pet trade. When the birds escaped captivity, as often happens as a result of pet trade, they began to encroach on Kauai’s native ecosystem. By the 1990’s the population count reached approximately 200 birds. Today, experts estimate that there are more than 5,000.
As the population skyrocketed, the invasive birds’ impacts on agriculture, human health, and native ecosystems became a growing concern.
The species feeds on crops grown on the island, which poses a serious problem for local farmers who must now expect to lose a percentage of their crops to the birds. Despite efforts by local residents to protect their investments, the birds continue to destroy the agriculture industry. Kauai farmer Jerry Ornellas said:
It’s discouraging to realize we’re going to lose a good percentage of our crops to these birds.
Ornellas explained that in 2016 he lost 30 percent of his crop due to predation by the parakeet population, and is expected to increase if the species is not controlled.
The parakeets are also known to be carriers of avian malaria which can spread to endangered native birds and would have devastating impacts on these populations. Little is known about the effects of the invasive birds on native plants and animals. However, researchers believe the parakeets also feed on seeds on endangered native plants. Bill Lucey, Project Manager for the Kauai Invasive Species Committee commented:
There is not a lot of hard evidence about the birds’ impact on native plants and animals and a study is needed.
Research is necessary to understand the full effects that the parakeets have on native plants. The local community is making an effort to develop a control program to combat the economic ill-effects these birds have caused.
Featured photo: Taro fields in Kauai. Credit: Brodie Guy
Source:
Hawaii Public Radio
WSFA
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.