Island Conservation
Hawaii’s ʻŌhiʻa forests are increasingly afflicted by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Researchers are studying the spread of the disease-causing fungus and are working toward a solution. In Hawaii, ʻŌhiʻa forests are home to a host of native species and ʻŌhiʻa trees are considered a keystone species. They provide food and habitat for endangered birds and provide important ecosystem […]
New beetle species discovered in Paris museum is already extinct, but leaves us with some important messages. Tucked away among the shelves of a museum in Paris for 140 years was a new discovery waiting to happen. To the untrained eye, it would appear to be just another beetle in a diverse collection. But in fact, there […]
Steering Committee Releases Draft Environmental Assessment for Public Comment
The invasive Rose-ringed Parakeet is creating a problem for farmers and endangered native species. 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 […]
Hawaii finalizes collaborative biosecurity plan to prevent the future spread of invasive species. The effects of invasive species in Hawaii have become very clear to the people and the state government. After a long planning process, they are taking on the task of preventing future non-native species introductions. The Department of Agriculture and the Department […]
New research shows that the presence of invasive species on islands alters nutrient cycles and negatively impacts native species. It has been long understood that invasive species alter the balance of an ecosystem. The presence of invasive species often results in the endangerment of native flora and fauna, but new research reveals a previously unknown problem caused […]
A story of change and recovery on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a novel environment. By: Wieteke Holthuijzen Located at the far end of the extensive Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of the most remote atolls in the world—more than 1,500 miles north-west from Honolulu, Hawai’i. Home to the world’s […]
Hawaiian Micromoth depends on threatened native plants for survival. Conservation efforts are underway. The Hawaiian Micromoth, more commonly referred to as a Leaf Miner, is approximately the size of a human eyelash. They belong to the genus Philodoria of which there are 40 known species that live inside the leaves of a plant. The micromoths […]
After 14 years of conservation, five Hawaiian Crow males are released back into the wild. The Hawaiian Crow, or Alalā, has been Extinct-in-the-wild since 2002, but after years of conservation and captive breeding, five male crows have been released in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Big Island last Wednesday. These five birds […]
Hawaiian Crows, also known as Alalā, will soon be released back into their native Hawaiian habitat after a 14-year process of captive breeding. Conservation biologists only want the best for the Hawaiian Crow, also known as Alalā. Protecting the Hawaiian Crow includes providing adequate habitat for their reintroduction to the Hawaiian forest. The species has […]