Differing values between communities and government resource managers may lead to conflict, parti... more Differing values between communities and government resource managers may lead to conflict, particularly when community members are not involved in decision making. Increasingly, co-management arrangements have become an important tool to increase local capacity for resource management, increase trust between diverse community groups, and foster effective stewardship. However, co-management depends upon collaboration between users and managers and the ability to understand relationships between a given resource and those who use it, even when these communities are often viewed as contravening conservation efforts. Invasive species, such as feral pigs (Sus scrofa), present particular management challenges because they damage island ecosystems but are also integral to community life ways and food systems. Based on interviews with local pig hunters in the Hawaiian Islands, we explored the social-cultural values and practices of local pig hunters, their reasons for hunting, and possibilities for greater collaboration in feral pig management. Results highlight the importance of hunting for both food and other forms of well-being and cultural perpetuation, along with opportunities for (1) expanding mechanisms of access to improve hunting opportunities for invasive species; (2) integrating rights and responsibilities to meet management objectives; and (3) improving communication to enhance collaborative arrangements. Considering the context of managing community use of an ecologically detrimental invasive species, this study offers insights to guide co-management partnerships with community groups that are sometimes perceived as opposed to invasive species control efforts.
Species distribution models play a central role in informing wildlife management. For models to b... more Species distribution models play a central role in informing wildlife management. For models to be useful, they must be based on data that best represent the presence or abundance of the species. Data used as inputs in the development of these models can be obtained through numerous methods, each subject to different biases and limitations but, to date, few studies have examined whether these biases result in different predictive spatial models, potentially influencing conservation decisions. In this study, we compare distribution model predictions of feral pig (Sus scrofa) relative abundance using the two most common monitoring methods: detections from camera traps and visual surveys of pig sign. These data were collected during the same period using standardised methods at survey sites generated using a random stratified sampling design. We found that although site-level observed sign data were only loosely correlated with observed camera detections (R 2 ¼ 0.32-0.45), predicted sign and camera counts from zero-inflated models were well correlated (R 2 ¼ 0.78-0.88). In this study we show one example in which fitting two different forms of abundance data using environmental covariates explains most of the variance between datasets. We conclude that, as long as outputs are produced through appropriate modelling techniques, these two common methods of obtaining abundance data may be used interchangeably to produce comparable distribution maps for decision-making purposes. However, for monitoring purposes, sign and camera trap data may not be used interchangeably at the site level.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is... more The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive database of over 120,000 species and is a powerful tool to evaluate the threat of invasive species to global biodiversity. Several problematic species have gained global recognition due to comprehensive threat assessments quantifying the threat these species pose to biodiversity using large datasets like the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, the global threat of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) to biodiversity is still poorly understood despite well-documented ecosystem level impacts. In this study, we utilized the IUCN Red List to quantify the impacts of this globally distributed species throughout its native and non-native range. Here we show that wild pigs threaten 672 taxa in 54 different countries across the globe. Most of these taxa are listed as critically endangered or endangered and 14 species have been driven to extinction as a direct result of impacts from wild pigs. Our results show that threats from wild pigs are pervasive across taxonomic groups and that island endemics and taxa throughout the non-native range of wild pigs are particularly vulnerable. Global biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate with species extinction rates 1000 times greater than natural background rates and anticipated to be 10,000 times greater in the future 1 . The establishment and spread of invasive species are among the primary drivers of these losses as they directly affect native species and can influence ecosystem change through disturbance 2-4 . Understanding the processes by which invasive species affect native biota and the extent of their impact throughout their introduced range is a critical step in helping inform conservation actions to mitigate further losses in biodiversity. Threat assessments of widespread invasive species based on comprehensive databases like the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 5 are commonly used to highlight regions and species that are most vulnerable, and to guide the prioritization of conservation actions. To date, a handful of invasive predators, such as rats, Indian mongoose, domestic dogs, and feral cats, have gained notoriety due to global assessments highlighting their distribution, generalist diet, and the extent of their impacts on species of concern . However, the global impacts of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are still poorly understood despite similarities in their global distribution and potential for multi-scale impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services . Wild pigs are identified as one of the "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species" alongside other more frequently discussed invasive terrestrial species such as cats (Felis catus) and rats (Rattus rattus) 12 . However, pigs are unique among other problematic terrestrial invasive species in that they are omnivorous generalists and function as both large predators and herbivores throughout their native and non-native range . They have been documented predating upon a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species in island and continental ecosystems , disturbing nest sites and plant assemblages , hybridizing with other endangered Suidae 19 , competing with native fauna , and acting as vectors for disease transmission . In addition to their direct impacts on both wildlife and plant communities, they are generally known to disturb ecosystem structure due to their unique rooting and digging behavior 23 . Consequentially, pigs are considered ecosystem engineers, having considerable secondary effects on organisms by physically altering habitat characteristics 13 . Despite these welldocumented impacts from wild pigs on species and ecosystems, the degree to which wild pigs pose a threat to biodiversity at large is still largely unknown. Although global summaries of pig impacts do exist, they have either been global qualitative papers drawing implications from many small-scale quantitative studies or large-scale quantitative studies addressing a specific process through which pigs threaten the environment (predation, herbivory, or ecosystem engineering) or their impacts on a particular ecosystem type 29 or region 11 . These studies have undoubtedly led to a better understanding of the impact of wild pigs throughout their native and non-native range and have amplified interest in wild pig research in recent years, raising growing concerns among conservationists, agriculturalists, and the broader public that have been affected by wild pigs. These global qualitative review papers are helpful in identifying the processes through which pigs threaten ecosystems, but fall short in providing detailed quantitative
Background: Non-native wild pigs (Sus scrofa) threaten sensitive flora and fauna, cost billions o... more Background: Non-native wild pigs (Sus scrofa) threaten sensitive flora and fauna, cost billions of dollars in economic damage, and pose a significant human-wildlife conflict risk. Despite growing interest in wild pig research, basic life history information is often lacking throughout their introduced range and particularly in tropical environments. Similar to other large terrestrial mammals, pigs possess the ability to shift their range based on local climatic conditions or resource availability, further complicating management decisions. The objectives of this study were to (i) model the distribution and abundance of wild pigs across two seasons within a single calendar year; (ii) determine the most important environmental variables driving changes in pig distribution and abundance; and (iii) highlight key differences between seasonal models and their potential management implications. These study objectives were achieved using zero-inflated models constructed from abundance data obtained from extensive field surveys and remotely sensed environmental variables. Our models demonstrate a considerable change in distribution and abundance of wild pigs throughout a single calendar year. Rainfall and vegetation height were among the most influential variables for pig distribution during the spring, and distance to adjacent forest and vegetation density were among the most significant for the fall. Further, our seasonal models show that areas of high conservation value may be more vulnerable to threats from wild pigs at certain times throughout the year, which was not captured by more traditional modeling approaches using aggregated data. Conclusions: Our results suggest that (i) wild pigs can considerably shift their range throughout the calendar year, even in tropical environments; (ii) pigs prefer dense forested areas in the presence of either hunting pressure or an abundance of frugivorous plants, but may shift to adjacent areas in the absence of either of these conditions; and (iii) seasonal models provide valuable biological information that would otherwise be missed by common modeling approaches that use aggregated data over many years. These findings highlight the importance of considering biologically relevant time scales that provide key information to better inform management strategies, particularly for species whose ranges include both temperate and tropical environments and thrive in both large continental and small island ecosystems.
Invasive predator control is often critical to improving the nesting success of endangered birds,... more Invasive predator control is often critical to improving the nesting success of endangered birds, but methods of control vary in cost and effectiveness. Poison-baiting or trapping and removal are relatively low-cost, but may have secondary impacts on non-target species, and may not completely exclude mammals from nesting areas. Mammalexclusion fencing has a substantial up-front cost, but due to cost savings over the lifetime of the structure and the complete exclusion of mammalian predators, this option is increasingly being utilized to protect threatened species such as groundnesting seabirds. However, non-mammalian predators are not excluded by these fences and may continue to impact nesting success, particularly in cases where the fence is designed for the protection of waterbirds, open to an estuary or wetland on one side. Thus, there remains a research gap regarding the potential gains in waterbird nesting success from the implementation of mammal-exclusion fencing in estuarine systems. In this study, we compared the nesting success of endangered Hawaiian Stilts (Ae'o; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) within a mammal-exclusion fence to that of breeding pairs in a nearby wetland where trapping was the sole means for removing invasive mammals. We predicted success would be greater for breeding pairs inside the exclusion fence and the hatchlings inside the enclosure would spend more time in the nesting area than hatchlings at the unfenced site. During a single breeding season following construction of a mammal-exclusion fence, we used motion-activated game cameras to monitor nests at two sites, one site with mammal-exclusion fencing and one site without. Clutch sizes and hatch rates were significantly greater at the fenced site than the unfenced site, but time spent by chicks in the nesting area did not differ between sites. These results add to the mounting body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of mammal-exclusion fencing in protecting endangered birds and suggests it can aid endangered Hawaiian waterbirds toward recovery. These results also suggest that the single greatest predatory threat to the Hawaiian Stilt may be invasive mammals, despite a host of known non-mammalian predators including birds, crabs, turtles, and bullfrogs, as the complete exclusion of mammals resulted in significant gains in nesting success. As additional fences are built, future studies are necessary to compare nesting success among multiple sites and across multiple seasons to determine potential gains in fledging success and recruitment.
Maintaining peace and conserving biodiversity hinge on an international system of cooperation cod... more Maintaining peace and conserving biodiversity hinge on an international system of cooperation codified in institutions, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings recent progress to a crossroads. Against this backdrop, we address some implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the governance of biodiversity conservation both within and beyond Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens the governance system for biodiversity conservation, as it pertains to Russia and beyond, due to three interacting factors: (i) isolation of Russia from the international system, (ii) halt and delay of international cooperation, and (iii) changes in international and domestic policy priorities. We recommend making the existing international system of governance for conserving biodiversity more resilient and adaptable, while aligning security agendas with biodiversity conservation goals.
Many seabird populations are declining globally, but successful conservation efforts have led to ... more Many seabird populations are declining globally, but successful conservation efforts have led to population expansion of some species into human-dominated landscapes. Thus, there is an increased potential for direct human and seabird interactions for certain species in human-occupied areas, with nest-site characteristics potentially affecting the susceptibility of nests to human disturbance. We assessed the effect of human activity and nest-site characteristics on Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica, ʻuaʻu kani) nesting success at two breeding colonies, one with human exposure and one without, located in Kailua, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Human activity was measured by recording the frequency of people who entered a 5 m buffer around each nest. Nests were checked every two to three days to monitor nest success. The effect of human activity and nest-site characteristics on nesting success was determined using a variety of combinations of variables within binomial logistic regression model...
The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and Hawaiian Gallinule (Gallinula galeata sand... more The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and Hawaiian Gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis) are federally endangered waterbirds endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Both species are conservation-reliant; their population persistence is dependent on invasive predator control and removal of invasive plants that degrade habitat. We present observations of successful nesting by one Hawaiian Stilt pair and one Hawaiian Gallinule pair at a site managed within an adaptive Indigenous agroecological framework on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i. The Hawaiian Stilt nest, found in February 2019, contained 4 eggs and produced 3 hatchlings, 2 of which were banded and monitored after hatching. The Hawaiian Gallinule nest, found in February 2020, contained 6 eggs and produced 5 hatchlings. Although no individuals were banded from this nest, 2 adults and 2 hatchlings were continuously observed in the nesting area after the eggs hatched. Lo'i kalo Hawaiian wetland agroecosystems centered around the cultivation of kalo (taro; Colocasia esculenta), have the potential to expand Hawaiian waterbird habitat beyond state and federal protected areas. We are aware of unpublished accounts of Hawaiian waterbirds nesting in commercially farmed lo'i kalo, but until now, there have been no previously published accounts of native waterbirds breeding in lo'i kalo managed as Indigenous agroecosystems.
Novel relationships in ecological communities are forming faster than historical rates due to glo... more Novel relationships in ecological communities are forming faster than historical rates due to globalization and the resulting increase in species introductions. In the Hawaiian Islands, which prior to humans had no terrestrial reptiles or amphibians and only one terrestrial mammal, the introduction of invasive predators dramatically impacted island food webs. Wetlands, as ecosystems where terrestrial, aquatic, and marine species intersect, were particularly impacted by introduced species. The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) or Ae'o, is one of five Hawaiian waterbirds listed under the Endangered Species Act. Currently estimated to range from ~1,300 to ~1,800 individuals, the Hawaiian Stilt must reach a self-sustaining population of 2,000 birds in order to be delisted. One factor hindering recovery may be the predation of Stilt eggs and chicks by invasive predators. To address this threat, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently constructed a fence that excludes mammalian predators around a wetland on O'ahu. Although most island avian communities respond positively to invasive mammalian predator removal, mammal-exclusion fencing is an expensive tool, and only controls for one type of predatormammals. Avian, aquatic, and amphibious predators may still impact birds inside the conservation fencing. In this study, I compared the reproductive success of Stilts nesting inside and outside the newly built mammal-exclusion fence to test hypotheses regarding the impact of invasive predators and estimate the effectiveness of mammal-exclusion fencing as a management action. The results of the proposed research should help to inform management decisions regarding which predator control tools will be most cost-effective in a given scenario, by identifying the improvement in reproductive success of the Hawaiian stilts nesting inside versus outside of a mammalian predator exclusion fence.
Indigenous resource management (IRM) is dynamic and ever evolving, in part because it is based on... more Indigenous resource management (IRM) is dynamic and ever evolving, in part because it is based on co-evolutionary relationships between Indigenous cultures and the biodiversity around them. Forms of conservation imposed on Indigenous people and places by settler-colonialism tend to idealise pre-human and human-excluded environments, leading to conflicts between settler-coloniser conservationists and Indigenous communities detrimental to conservation goals. Conservation efforts that align with IRM and acknowledge the co-evolutionary relationships at the foundation of Indigenous culture can lead to more effective conservation efforts. In Hawai‘i, the evolving relationship between Kānaka (Hawaiians) and pua‘a (pigs; Sus scrofa) has been the flash point of conflicts between settler-coloniser conservationists and Hawaiian communities. This paper examines the co-evolving relationships between Hawaiians and pigs in an effort to better balance the conservation efforts aimed at controlling i...
Seabird fledglings are often attracted to artificial, bright lights, leading to their grounding. ... more Seabird fledglings are often attracted to artificial, bright lights, leading to their grounding. This phenomenon is termed "fallout" and is associated with an increased risk of mortality from land-based threats. This study evaluated temporal trends and spatial factors, such as fallout clustering near lights and proximity to colonies, to inform targeted management actions. Standardized surveys were conducted from 2002 to 2010 for Wedge-tailed Shearwater Ardenna pacifica (WTSH) fallout on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA. First, yearly fallout counts along the transect showed a two-year cycle and identified 25 November as the date with the highest fallout across years. Second, artificial lights and utility lines were present in 94% and 83% of fallout locations, leading to significantly higher fallout rates at these locations compared to random points along the transect. Third, fallout decreased significantly as the distance from the colonies increased and was negligible farther than 5 km from the nearest colony. Overall, 60% of all fallout occurred along a 1.7 km section of the survey route, with 27% of this fallout occurring within 8 m of two light poles, highlighting the need for targeted management. Finally, the disposition outcomes of rescued shearwaters from non-fatal fallout were analyzed. Among grounded individuals that were recovered alive, 78% were admitted for rehabilitation with no injury and released. This suggests that rescue efforts during high-risk periods that are focused within 5 km of colonies, in fallout hot spots, are likely to enhance survival. Because little is known about the environmental drivers of WTSH fallout, our results specify when, where, and how targeted management could be used most effectively to reduce fallout on O'ahu. Our targeted approach may be applied in other regions where seabird fledging is heavily impacted by artificial lights.
ANTAKY, C.C., YOUNG, L., RINGMA, J. & PRICE, M.R. 2021. Dispersal under the seabird paradox: Prob... more ANTAKY, C.C., YOUNG, L., RINGMA, J. & PRICE, M.R. 2021. Dispersal under the seabird paradox: Probability, life history, or spatial attributes? Marine Ornithology 49: 1–8. Management of avian species threatened by land use and climate change requires a thorough understanding of their site fidelity and dispersive behaviors. Among long-lived colonial seabird species, the behavior of returning to the natal colony to breed, i.e., natal philopatry, may increase the likelihood that adequate resources and mates are available, but it may also increase the potential for inbreeding, competition, and ecological traps. Successful management of seabird populations—using chick translocation to encourage colony establishment to locations having minimal threats—must also be informed by the likelihood that birds will return to the new sites. However, the extent of philopatry, and the traits that dictate variation across seabirds, have yet to be fully summarized. We evaluated whether seabirds returned...
With the accelerating pace of global change, it is imperative that we obtain rapid inventories of... more With the accelerating pace of global change, it is imperative that we obtain rapid inventories of the status and distribution of wildlife for ecological inferences and conservation planning. To address this challenge, we launched the SNAPSHOT USA project, a collaborative survey of terrestrial wildlife populations using camera traps across the United States. For our first annual survey, we compiled data across all 50 states during a 14‐week period (17 August–24 November of 2019). We sampled wildlife at 1,509 camera trap sites from 110 camera trap arrays covering 12 different ecoregions across four development zones. This effort resulted in 166,036 unique detections of 83 species of mammals and 17 species of birds. All images were processed through the Smithsonian’s eMammal camera trap data repository and included an expert review phase to ensure taxonomic accuracy of data, resulting in each picture being reviewed at least twice. The results represent a timely and standardized camera ...
Here, we expand on the term "ecomimicry" to be an umbrella concept for an approach to adaptive ec... more Here, we expand on the term "ecomimicry" to be an umbrella concept for an approach to adaptive ecosystem-based management of social-ecological systems that simultaneously optimizes multiple ecosystem services for the benefit of people and place. In this context, we define ecomimicry as a strategy for developing and managing cultural landscapes, built upon a deep understanding of the structure and function of ecosystems, that harnesses ecosystem processes for the purpose of balancing and sustaining key ecosystem services, rather than maximizing one service (e.g., food production) to the detriment of others. Ecomimicry arises through novel, place-based innovations or is adopted from elsewhere and adapted to local conditions. Similarly, precontact Hawaiian socialecological systems integrated a variety of ecomimicry schema to engender a complex system of adaptive resource management that enhanced biocultural diversity and supported resilient food systems, ultimately sustaining a thriving human population. In addition to presenting a synopsis of how ecomimicry was employed in the design and management of Hawaiian social-ecological systems, we identify and characterize specific ecomimicry applications. Within this context, we explore a revival of ecomimicry for biological conservation, biocultural restoration, resilience, and food security. We conclude with a discussion of how revitalizing such an approach in the restoration of social-ecological systems may address issues of conservation and sustainability in the Anthropocene.
Globally, an increasing recognition of the importance of ecosystem-based management (EBM), Indige... more Globally, an increasing recognition of the importance of ecosystem-based management (EBM), Indigenous resource management (IRM), and Indigenous-led research and management is emerging; yet, case studies within scholarly literature illustrating comprehensive application of these theories and philosophies are scarce. We present the collaborative management model for the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) as a contemporary Indigenous Community and Conserved Area (ICCA) that has synergistically operationalized these principles, as well as one that approaches research as a reciprocal collaboration with the Indigenous people and local community (IPLC) of place. The Heʻeia NERR was designated in 2017 through a process led by IPLC members in Hawaiʻi. This research framework is aimed at informing EBM within social-ecological systems. It, therefore, serves as an example of a program designed to demonstrate and provide practical solutions for adaptive resource management. The framework of the Heʻeia NERR embraces the values, perspectives, and IRM strategies that have been foundational for the people of the Pacific to thrive sustainably in the context of limited resources for millennia. As a program, the Heʻeia NERR aims to build bridges between coexisting worldviews as a means of informing policy in the realms of conservation and sustainability. We do this by weaving together conventional and Indigenous science to collaboratively develop research and collaboratively produce new knowledge. We examine these issues through the lens of holistic ecosystem services that consider both the reciprocal benefits that humans provide to nature as well as the full range of existential benefits that humans gain from nature. Research collaborations between the Heʻeia NERR and its partners (University of Hawaiʻi, state and federal agencies, and Indigenous-led NGOs operating in the community) are grounded in Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) with applications that will guide a future of enhanced ecosystem services in a changing world.
Seabirds in the order of Procellariiformes have one of the highest proportions of threatened spec... more Seabirds in the order of Procellariiformes have one of the highest proportions of threatened species of any avian order. Species undergoing recovery may be predicted to have a genetic signature of a bottleneck, low genetic diversity, or higher rates of inbreeding. The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (‘Akē‘akē;Hydrobates castro), a long-lived philopatric seabird, suffered massive population declines resulting in its listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2016 as federally Endangered. We used high-throughput sequencing to assess patterns of genetic diversity and potential for inbreeding in remaining populations in the Hawaiian Islands. We compared a total of 24 individuals, including both historical and modern samples, collected from breeding colonies or downed individuals found on the islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Genetic analyses revealed little differentiation between breeding colonies on Kaua‘i and the Big Island colonies. Although small sam...
Conservation actions to safeguard climate change vulnerable species may not be utilized due to a ... more Conservation actions to safeguard climate change vulnerable species may not be utilized due to a variety of perceived barriers. Assisted colonization, the intentional movement and release of an organism outside its historical range, is one tool available for species predicted to lose habitat under future climate change scenarios, particularly for single island or single mountain range endemic species. Despite the existence of policies that allow for this action, to date, assisted colonization has rarely been utilized for species of conservation concern in the Hawaiian Islands. Given the potential for climate driven biodiversity loss, the Hawaiian Islands are a prime location for the consideration of adaptation strategies. We used first-person interviews with conservation decision makers, managers, and scientists who work with endangered species in the Hawaiian Islands to identify perceived barriers to the use of assisted colonization. We found that assisted colonization was often no...
Allopatric populations, such as those present on islands, pose special challenges to identifying ... more Allopatric populations, such as those present on islands, pose special challenges to identifying taxonomic boundaries which can be practically addressed using diagnostic criteria. To assess the taxonomic and, hence, conservation status of the four island populations of the Greater Antillean Oriole (Icterus dominicensis), we examined 156 male specimens of I. dominicensis for six discrete and three continuous plumage characters. The four island populations proved to be 100% diagnosable. Icterus d. northropi differed from all other taxa by having the greatest extent of yellow on the venter (non-overlapping with other taxa). Icterus d. portoricensis was distinguished from all other taxa by the presence of a black upper rump (yellow in other taxa) and the least extent of yellow on the rump (non-overlapping with other taxa). Icterus d. melanopsis and I. d. dominicensis were fully discriminated from I. d. northropi and I. d. portoricensis by the aforementioned characters and from each other by upper-tail covert color (black and ≥ 50% yellow, respectively). Our findings support recent studies suggesting that the four island groups represent distinct allospecies consistent with interpretations of both the phylogenetic and evolutionary species concepts. With elevation to full species, conservation priorities need to be revisited, particularly for the critically endangered Bahamas taxon (I. d. northropi).
The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (<em>Oceanodroma castro</em>), listed in 2016 a... more The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (<em>Oceanodroma castro</em>), listed in 2016 as federally Endangered, nests in locations that are difficult to access and spends most of its life at sea. As such, very little is known about movement among islands and the potential for establishing new breeding colonies in managed areas with predator controls. As a first step in assessing connectivity, in this study we evaluated patterns in genetic diversity between populations on two islands known to host breeding populations. Blood or feather samples were collected from twelve birds on Kauai and six birds on Hawaii Island. Kauai and Hawaii Island represent the northern and southern extent of the main Hawaiian Islands, and are approximately 300 miles apart. We performed RADseq on pooled samples from each island. Structuring among populations may be due to high levels of site-fidelity in breeding colonies. Results from this study may be used to inform seabird conservation efforts and...
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry an... more U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife; Sustainable Resources Group Intn'l Inc.
Differing values between communities and government resource managers may lead to conflict, parti... more Differing values between communities and government resource managers may lead to conflict, particularly when community members are not involved in decision making. Increasingly, co-management arrangements have become an important tool to increase local capacity for resource management, increase trust between diverse community groups, and foster effective stewardship. However, co-management depends upon collaboration between users and managers and the ability to understand relationships between a given resource and those who use it, even when these communities are often viewed as contravening conservation efforts. Invasive species, such as feral pigs (Sus scrofa), present particular management challenges because they damage island ecosystems but are also integral to community life ways and food systems. Based on interviews with local pig hunters in the Hawaiian Islands, we explored the social-cultural values and practices of local pig hunters, their reasons for hunting, and possibilities for greater collaboration in feral pig management. Results highlight the importance of hunting for both food and other forms of well-being and cultural perpetuation, along with opportunities for (1) expanding mechanisms of access to improve hunting opportunities for invasive species; (2) integrating rights and responsibilities to meet management objectives; and (3) improving communication to enhance collaborative arrangements. Considering the context of managing community use of an ecologically detrimental invasive species, this study offers insights to guide co-management partnerships with community groups that are sometimes perceived as opposed to invasive species control efforts.
Species distribution models play a central role in informing wildlife management. For models to b... more Species distribution models play a central role in informing wildlife management. For models to be useful, they must be based on data that best represent the presence or abundance of the species. Data used as inputs in the development of these models can be obtained through numerous methods, each subject to different biases and limitations but, to date, few studies have examined whether these biases result in different predictive spatial models, potentially influencing conservation decisions. In this study, we compare distribution model predictions of feral pig (Sus scrofa) relative abundance using the two most common monitoring methods: detections from camera traps and visual surveys of pig sign. These data were collected during the same period using standardised methods at survey sites generated using a random stratified sampling design. We found that although site-level observed sign data were only loosely correlated with observed camera detections (R 2 ¼ 0.32-0.45), predicted sign and camera counts from zero-inflated models were well correlated (R 2 ¼ 0.78-0.88). In this study we show one example in which fitting two different forms of abundance data using environmental covariates explains most of the variance between datasets. We conclude that, as long as outputs are produced through appropriate modelling techniques, these two common methods of obtaining abundance data may be used interchangeably to produce comparable distribution maps for decision-making purposes. However, for monitoring purposes, sign and camera trap data may not be used interchangeably at the site level.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is... more The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive database of over 120,000 species and is a powerful tool to evaluate the threat of invasive species to global biodiversity. Several problematic species have gained global recognition due to comprehensive threat assessments quantifying the threat these species pose to biodiversity using large datasets like the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, the global threat of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) to biodiversity is still poorly understood despite well-documented ecosystem level impacts. In this study, we utilized the IUCN Red List to quantify the impacts of this globally distributed species throughout its native and non-native range. Here we show that wild pigs threaten 672 taxa in 54 different countries across the globe. Most of these taxa are listed as critically endangered or endangered and 14 species have been driven to extinction as a direct result of impacts from wild pigs. Our results show that threats from wild pigs are pervasive across taxonomic groups and that island endemics and taxa throughout the non-native range of wild pigs are particularly vulnerable. Global biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate with species extinction rates 1000 times greater than natural background rates and anticipated to be 10,000 times greater in the future 1 . The establishment and spread of invasive species are among the primary drivers of these losses as they directly affect native species and can influence ecosystem change through disturbance 2-4 . Understanding the processes by which invasive species affect native biota and the extent of their impact throughout their introduced range is a critical step in helping inform conservation actions to mitigate further losses in biodiversity. Threat assessments of widespread invasive species based on comprehensive databases like the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 5 are commonly used to highlight regions and species that are most vulnerable, and to guide the prioritization of conservation actions. To date, a handful of invasive predators, such as rats, Indian mongoose, domestic dogs, and feral cats, have gained notoriety due to global assessments highlighting their distribution, generalist diet, and the extent of their impacts on species of concern . However, the global impacts of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are still poorly understood despite similarities in their global distribution and potential for multi-scale impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services . Wild pigs are identified as one of the "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species" alongside other more frequently discussed invasive terrestrial species such as cats (Felis catus) and rats (Rattus rattus) 12 . However, pigs are unique among other problematic terrestrial invasive species in that they are omnivorous generalists and function as both large predators and herbivores throughout their native and non-native range . They have been documented predating upon a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species in island and continental ecosystems , disturbing nest sites and plant assemblages , hybridizing with other endangered Suidae 19 , competing with native fauna , and acting as vectors for disease transmission . In addition to their direct impacts on both wildlife and plant communities, they are generally known to disturb ecosystem structure due to their unique rooting and digging behavior 23 . Consequentially, pigs are considered ecosystem engineers, having considerable secondary effects on organisms by physically altering habitat characteristics 13 . Despite these welldocumented impacts from wild pigs on species and ecosystems, the degree to which wild pigs pose a threat to biodiversity at large is still largely unknown. Although global summaries of pig impacts do exist, they have either been global qualitative papers drawing implications from many small-scale quantitative studies or large-scale quantitative studies addressing a specific process through which pigs threaten the environment (predation, herbivory, or ecosystem engineering) or their impacts on a particular ecosystem type 29 or region 11 . These studies have undoubtedly led to a better understanding of the impact of wild pigs throughout their native and non-native range and have amplified interest in wild pig research in recent years, raising growing concerns among conservationists, agriculturalists, and the broader public that have been affected by wild pigs. These global qualitative review papers are helpful in identifying the processes through which pigs threaten ecosystems, but fall short in providing detailed quantitative
Background: Non-native wild pigs (Sus scrofa) threaten sensitive flora and fauna, cost billions o... more Background: Non-native wild pigs (Sus scrofa) threaten sensitive flora and fauna, cost billions of dollars in economic damage, and pose a significant human-wildlife conflict risk. Despite growing interest in wild pig research, basic life history information is often lacking throughout their introduced range and particularly in tropical environments. Similar to other large terrestrial mammals, pigs possess the ability to shift their range based on local climatic conditions or resource availability, further complicating management decisions. The objectives of this study were to (i) model the distribution and abundance of wild pigs across two seasons within a single calendar year; (ii) determine the most important environmental variables driving changes in pig distribution and abundance; and (iii) highlight key differences between seasonal models and their potential management implications. These study objectives were achieved using zero-inflated models constructed from abundance data obtained from extensive field surveys and remotely sensed environmental variables. Our models demonstrate a considerable change in distribution and abundance of wild pigs throughout a single calendar year. Rainfall and vegetation height were among the most influential variables for pig distribution during the spring, and distance to adjacent forest and vegetation density were among the most significant for the fall. Further, our seasonal models show that areas of high conservation value may be more vulnerable to threats from wild pigs at certain times throughout the year, which was not captured by more traditional modeling approaches using aggregated data. Conclusions: Our results suggest that (i) wild pigs can considerably shift their range throughout the calendar year, even in tropical environments; (ii) pigs prefer dense forested areas in the presence of either hunting pressure or an abundance of frugivorous plants, but may shift to adjacent areas in the absence of either of these conditions; and (iii) seasonal models provide valuable biological information that would otherwise be missed by common modeling approaches that use aggregated data over many years. These findings highlight the importance of considering biologically relevant time scales that provide key information to better inform management strategies, particularly for species whose ranges include both temperate and tropical environments and thrive in both large continental and small island ecosystems.
Invasive predator control is often critical to improving the nesting success of endangered birds,... more Invasive predator control is often critical to improving the nesting success of endangered birds, but methods of control vary in cost and effectiveness. Poison-baiting or trapping and removal are relatively low-cost, but may have secondary impacts on non-target species, and may not completely exclude mammals from nesting areas. Mammalexclusion fencing has a substantial up-front cost, but due to cost savings over the lifetime of the structure and the complete exclusion of mammalian predators, this option is increasingly being utilized to protect threatened species such as groundnesting seabirds. However, non-mammalian predators are not excluded by these fences and may continue to impact nesting success, particularly in cases where the fence is designed for the protection of waterbirds, open to an estuary or wetland on one side. Thus, there remains a research gap regarding the potential gains in waterbird nesting success from the implementation of mammal-exclusion fencing in estuarine systems. In this study, we compared the nesting success of endangered Hawaiian Stilts (Ae'o; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) within a mammal-exclusion fence to that of breeding pairs in a nearby wetland where trapping was the sole means for removing invasive mammals. We predicted success would be greater for breeding pairs inside the exclusion fence and the hatchlings inside the enclosure would spend more time in the nesting area than hatchlings at the unfenced site. During a single breeding season following construction of a mammal-exclusion fence, we used motion-activated game cameras to monitor nests at two sites, one site with mammal-exclusion fencing and one site without. Clutch sizes and hatch rates were significantly greater at the fenced site than the unfenced site, but time spent by chicks in the nesting area did not differ between sites. These results add to the mounting body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of mammal-exclusion fencing in protecting endangered birds and suggests it can aid endangered Hawaiian waterbirds toward recovery. These results also suggest that the single greatest predatory threat to the Hawaiian Stilt may be invasive mammals, despite a host of known non-mammalian predators including birds, crabs, turtles, and bullfrogs, as the complete exclusion of mammals resulted in significant gains in nesting success. As additional fences are built, future studies are necessary to compare nesting success among multiple sites and across multiple seasons to determine potential gains in fledging success and recruitment.
Maintaining peace and conserving biodiversity hinge on an international system of cooperation cod... more Maintaining peace and conserving biodiversity hinge on an international system of cooperation codified in institutions, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings recent progress to a crossroads. Against this backdrop, we address some implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the governance of biodiversity conservation both within and beyond Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens the governance system for biodiversity conservation, as it pertains to Russia and beyond, due to three interacting factors: (i) isolation of Russia from the international system, (ii) halt and delay of international cooperation, and (iii) changes in international and domestic policy priorities. We recommend making the existing international system of governance for conserving biodiversity more resilient and adaptable, while aligning security agendas with biodiversity conservation goals.
Many seabird populations are declining globally, but successful conservation efforts have led to ... more Many seabird populations are declining globally, but successful conservation efforts have led to population expansion of some species into human-dominated landscapes. Thus, there is an increased potential for direct human and seabird interactions for certain species in human-occupied areas, with nest-site characteristics potentially affecting the susceptibility of nests to human disturbance. We assessed the effect of human activity and nest-site characteristics on Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica, ʻuaʻu kani) nesting success at two breeding colonies, one with human exposure and one without, located in Kailua, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Human activity was measured by recording the frequency of people who entered a 5 m buffer around each nest. Nests were checked every two to three days to monitor nest success. The effect of human activity and nest-site characteristics on nesting success was determined using a variety of combinations of variables within binomial logistic regression model...
The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and Hawaiian Gallinule (Gallinula galeata sand... more The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and Hawaiian Gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis) are federally endangered waterbirds endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Both species are conservation-reliant; their population persistence is dependent on invasive predator control and removal of invasive plants that degrade habitat. We present observations of successful nesting by one Hawaiian Stilt pair and one Hawaiian Gallinule pair at a site managed within an adaptive Indigenous agroecological framework on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i. The Hawaiian Stilt nest, found in February 2019, contained 4 eggs and produced 3 hatchlings, 2 of which were banded and monitored after hatching. The Hawaiian Gallinule nest, found in February 2020, contained 6 eggs and produced 5 hatchlings. Although no individuals were banded from this nest, 2 adults and 2 hatchlings were continuously observed in the nesting area after the eggs hatched. Lo'i kalo Hawaiian wetland agroecosystems centered around the cultivation of kalo (taro; Colocasia esculenta), have the potential to expand Hawaiian waterbird habitat beyond state and federal protected areas. We are aware of unpublished accounts of Hawaiian waterbirds nesting in commercially farmed lo'i kalo, but until now, there have been no previously published accounts of native waterbirds breeding in lo'i kalo managed as Indigenous agroecosystems.
Novel relationships in ecological communities are forming faster than historical rates due to glo... more Novel relationships in ecological communities are forming faster than historical rates due to globalization and the resulting increase in species introductions. In the Hawaiian Islands, which prior to humans had no terrestrial reptiles or amphibians and only one terrestrial mammal, the introduction of invasive predators dramatically impacted island food webs. Wetlands, as ecosystems where terrestrial, aquatic, and marine species intersect, were particularly impacted by introduced species. The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) or Ae'o, is one of five Hawaiian waterbirds listed under the Endangered Species Act. Currently estimated to range from ~1,300 to ~1,800 individuals, the Hawaiian Stilt must reach a self-sustaining population of 2,000 birds in order to be delisted. One factor hindering recovery may be the predation of Stilt eggs and chicks by invasive predators. To address this threat, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently constructed a fence that excludes mammalian predators around a wetland on O'ahu. Although most island avian communities respond positively to invasive mammalian predator removal, mammal-exclusion fencing is an expensive tool, and only controls for one type of predatormammals. Avian, aquatic, and amphibious predators may still impact birds inside the conservation fencing. In this study, I compared the reproductive success of Stilts nesting inside and outside the newly built mammal-exclusion fence to test hypotheses regarding the impact of invasive predators and estimate the effectiveness of mammal-exclusion fencing as a management action. The results of the proposed research should help to inform management decisions regarding which predator control tools will be most cost-effective in a given scenario, by identifying the improvement in reproductive success of the Hawaiian stilts nesting inside versus outside of a mammalian predator exclusion fence.
Indigenous resource management (IRM) is dynamic and ever evolving, in part because it is based on... more Indigenous resource management (IRM) is dynamic and ever evolving, in part because it is based on co-evolutionary relationships between Indigenous cultures and the biodiversity around them. Forms of conservation imposed on Indigenous people and places by settler-colonialism tend to idealise pre-human and human-excluded environments, leading to conflicts between settler-coloniser conservationists and Indigenous communities detrimental to conservation goals. Conservation efforts that align with IRM and acknowledge the co-evolutionary relationships at the foundation of Indigenous culture can lead to more effective conservation efforts. In Hawai‘i, the evolving relationship between Kānaka (Hawaiians) and pua‘a (pigs; Sus scrofa) has been the flash point of conflicts between settler-coloniser conservationists and Hawaiian communities. This paper examines the co-evolving relationships between Hawaiians and pigs in an effort to better balance the conservation efforts aimed at controlling i...
Seabird fledglings are often attracted to artificial, bright lights, leading to their grounding. ... more Seabird fledglings are often attracted to artificial, bright lights, leading to their grounding. This phenomenon is termed "fallout" and is associated with an increased risk of mortality from land-based threats. This study evaluated temporal trends and spatial factors, such as fallout clustering near lights and proximity to colonies, to inform targeted management actions. Standardized surveys were conducted from 2002 to 2010 for Wedge-tailed Shearwater Ardenna pacifica (WTSH) fallout on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA. First, yearly fallout counts along the transect showed a two-year cycle and identified 25 November as the date with the highest fallout across years. Second, artificial lights and utility lines were present in 94% and 83% of fallout locations, leading to significantly higher fallout rates at these locations compared to random points along the transect. Third, fallout decreased significantly as the distance from the colonies increased and was negligible farther than 5 km from the nearest colony. Overall, 60% of all fallout occurred along a 1.7 km section of the survey route, with 27% of this fallout occurring within 8 m of two light poles, highlighting the need for targeted management. Finally, the disposition outcomes of rescued shearwaters from non-fatal fallout were analyzed. Among grounded individuals that were recovered alive, 78% were admitted for rehabilitation with no injury and released. This suggests that rescue efforts during high-risk periods that are focused within 5 km of colonies, in fallout hot spots, are likely to enhance survival. Because little is known about the environmental drivers of WTSH fallout, our results specify when, where, and how targeted management could be used most effectively to reduce fallout on O'ahu. Our targeted approach may be applied in other regions where seabird fledging is heavily impacted by artificial lights.
ANTAKY, C.C., YOUNG, L., RINGMA, J. & PRICE, M.R. 2021. Dispersal under the seabird paradox: Prob... more ANTAKY, C.C., YOUNG, L., RINGMA, J. & PRICE, M.R. 2021. Dispersal under the seabird paradox: Probability, life history, or spatial attributes? Marine Ornithology 49: 1–8. Management of avian species threatened by land use and climate change requires a thorough understanding of their site fidelity and dispersive behaviors. Among long-lived colonial seabird species, the behavior of returning to the natal colony to breed, i.e., natal philopatry, may increase the likelihood that adequate resources and mates are available, but it may also increase the potential for inbreeding, competition, and ecological traps. Successful management of seabird populations—using chick translocation to encourage colony establishment to locations having minimal threats—must also be informed by the likelihood that birds will return to the new sites. However, the extent of philopatry, and the traits that dictate variation across seabirds, have yet to be fully summarized. We evaluated whether seabirds returned...
With the accelerating pace of global change, it is imperative that we obtain rapid inventories of... more With the accelerating pace of global change, it is imperative that we obtain rapid inventories of the status and distribution of wildlife for ecological inferences and conservation planning. To address this challenge, we launched the SNAPSHOT USA project, a collaborative survey of terrestrial wildlife populations using camera traps across the United States. For our first annual survey, we compiled data across all 50 states during a 14‐week period (17 August–24 November of 2019). We sampled wildlife at 1,509 camera trap sites from 110 camera trap arrays covering 12 different ecoregions across four development zones. This effort resulted in 166,036 unique detections of 83 species of mammals and 17 species of birds. All images were processed through the Smithsonian’s eMammal camera trap data repository and included an expert review phase to ensure taxonomic accuracy of data, resulting in each picture being reviewed at least twice. The results represent a timely and standardized camera ...
Here, we expand on the term "ecomimicry" to be an umbrella concept for an approach to adaptive ec... more Here, we expand on the term "ecomimicry" to be an umbrella concept for an approach to adaptive ecosystem-based management of social-ecological systems that simultaneously optimizes multiple ecosystem services for the benefit of people and place. In this context, we define ecomimicry as a strategy for developing and managing cultural landscapes, built upon a deep understanding of the structure and function of ecosystems, that harnesses ecosystem processes for the purpose of balancing and sustaining key ecosystem services, rather than maximizing one service (e.g., food production) to the detriment of others. Ecomimicry arises through novel, place-based innovations or is adopted from elsewhere and adapted to local conditions. Similarly, precontact Hawaiian socialecological systems integrated a variety of ecomimicry schema to engender a complex system of adaptive resource management that enhanced biocultural diversity and supported resilient food systems, ultimately sustaining a thriving human population. In addition to presenting a synopsis of how ecomimicry was employed in the design and management of Hawaiian social-ecological systems, we identify and characterize specific ecomimicry applications. Within this context, we explore a revival of ecomimicry for biological conservation, biocultural restoration, resilience, and food security. We conclude with a discussion of how revitalizing such an approach in the restoration of social-ecological systems may address issues of conservation and sustainability in the Anthropocene.
Globally, an increasing recognition of the importance of ecosystem-based management (EBM), Indige... more Globally, an increasing recognition of the importance of ecosystem-based management (EBM), Indigenous resource management (IRM), and Indigenous-led research and management is emerging; yet, case studies within scholarly literature illustrating comprehensive application of these theories and philosophies are scarce. We present the collaborative management model for the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) as a contemporary Indigenous Community and Conserved Area (ICCA) that has synergistically operationalized these principles, as well as one that approaches research as a reciprocal collaboration with the Indigenous people and local community (IPLC) of place. The Heʻeia NERR was designated in 2017 through a process led by IPLC members in Hawaiʻi. This research framework is aimed at informing EBM within social-ecological systems. It, therefore, serves as an example of a program designed to demonstrate and provide practical solutions for adaptive resource management. The framework of the Heʻeia NERR embraces the values, perspectives, and IRM strategies that have been foundational for the people of the Pacific to thrive sustainably in the context of limited resources for millennia. As a program, the Heʻeia NERR aims to build bridges between coexisting worldviews as a means of informing policy in the realms of conservation and sustainability. We do this by weaving together conventional and Indigenous science to collaboratively develop research and collaboratively produce new knowledge. We examine these issues through the lens of holistic ecosystem services that consider both the reciprocal benefits that humans provide to nature as well as the full range of existential benefits that humans gain from nature. Research collaborations between the Heʻeia NERR and its partners (University of Hawaiʻi, state and federal agencies, and Indigenous-led NGOs operating in the community) are grounded in Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) with applications that will guide a future of enhanced ecosystem services in a changing world.
Seabirds in the order of Procellariiformes have one of the highest proportions of threatened spec... more Seabirds in the order of Procellariiformes have one of the highest proportions of threatened species of any avian order. Species undergoing recovery may be predicted to have a genetic signature of a bottleneck, low genetic diversity, or higher rates of inbreeding. The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (‘Akē‘akē;Hydrobates castro), a long-lived philopatric seabird, suffered massive population declines resulting in its listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2016 as federally Endangered. We used high-throughput sequencing to assess patterns of genetic diversity and potential for inbreeding in remaining populations in the Hawaiian Islands. We compared a total of 24 individuals, including both historical and modern samples, collected from breeding colonies or downed individuals found on the islands of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Genetic analyses revealed little differentiation between breeding colonies on Kaua‘i and the Big Island colonies. Although small sam...
Conservation actions to safeguard climate change vulnerable species may not be utilized due to a ... more Conservation actions to safeguard climate change vulnerable species may not be utilized due to a variety of perceived barriers. Assisted colonization, the intentional movement and release of an organism outside its historical range, is one tool available for species predicted to lose habitat under future climate change scenarios, particularly for single island or single mountain range endemic species. Despite the existence of policies that allow for this action, to date, assisted colonization has rarely been utilized for species of conservation concern in the Hawaiian Islands. Given the potential for climate driven biodiversity loss, the Hawaiian Islands are a prime location for the consideration of adaptation strategies. We used first-person interviews with conservation decision makers, managers, and scientists who work with endangered species in the Hawaiian Islands to identify perceived barriers to the use of assisted colonization. We found that assisted colonization was often no...
Allopatric populations, such as those present on islands, pose special challenges to identifying ... more Allopatric populations, such as those present on islands, pose special challenges to identifying taxonomic boundaries which can be practically addressed using diagnostic criteria. To assess the taxonomic and, hence, conservation status of the four island populations of the Greater Antillean Oriole (Icterus dominicensis), we examined 156 male specimens of I. dominicensis for six discrete and three continuous plumage characters. The four island populations proved to be 100% diagnosable. Icterus d. northropi differed from all other taxa by having the greatest extent of yellow on the venter (non-overlapping with other taxa). Icterus d. portoricensis was distinguished from all other taxa by the presence of a black upper rump (yellow in other taxa) and the least extent of yellow on the rump (non-overlapping with other taxa). Icterus d. melanopsis and I. d. dominicensis were fully discriminated from I. d. northropi and I. d. portoricensis by the aforementioned characters and from each other by upper-tail covert color (black and ≥ 50% yellow, respectively). Our findings support recent studies suggesting that the four island groups represent distinct allospecies consistent with interpretations of both the phylogenetic and evolutionary species concepts. With elevation to full species, conservation priorities need to be revisited, particularly for the critically endangered Bahamas taxon (I. d. northropi).
The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (<em>Oceanodroma castro</em>), listed in 2016 a... more The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (<em>Oceanodroma castro</em>), listed in 2016 as federally Endangered, nests in locations that are difficult to access and spends most of its life at sea. As such, very little is known about movement among islands and the potential for establishing new breeding colonies in managed areas with predator controls. As a first step in assessing connectivity, in this study we evaluated patterns in genetic diversity between populations on two islands known to host breeding populations. Blood or feather samples were collected from twelve birds on Kauai and six birds on Hawaii Island. Kauai and Hawaii Island represent the northern and southern extent of the main Hawaiian Islands, and are approximately 300 miles apart. We performed RADseq on pooled samples from each island. Structuring among populations may be due to high levels of site-fidelity in breeding colonies. Results from this study may be used to inform seabird conservation efforts and...
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry an... more U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife; Sustainable Resources Group Intn'l Inc.
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Papers by Melissa Price