Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)
BIISC Early detection program
Early detection and rapid response are widely regarded as the most cost-effective approaches to dealing with invasive species. By detecting potentially harmful species early and responding rapidly to control small populations, we can prevent such species from becoming established. BIISC began its early detection program in 2006 by contract services. In 2007, BIISC hired a two-person team to continue the program. Since 2006, BIISC has surveyed a total of 44 nurseries across the island and is now focusing on roadside surveys.
The Early Detection team performs roadside surveys by driving their Chevy Tahoe,
equipped with large "Botanical Survey in Progress" signs and flashing light, at 5-15 mph
through residential streets, while busier sections of the highway are surveyed by foot.
When a new plant is found, the crew submits it to the Hawaii Weed Risk Assessment. The species is analyzed using a
50-question rubric to determine its potential for invasiveness.
In June 2010, the BIISC committee met to focus on the ED program and to start
the development of a criteria system to evaluate species for rapid response. Discussions are summarized in the BIISC meeting notes.
Early detection accomplishments
- Clocked close to 1,500 survey miles in 21 months of roadside surveys.
- Districts completed: Kau, South Kona, North Kona, Upper Puna, South Kohala, North Kohala
- Districts left to survey: Hamakua (in progress), North Hilo, South Hilo, Lower Puna, Ocean View Subdivision in Kau
- About 200 species have been placed on BIISC's Target List, which is used as a guideline and primer. Surveyors look for new, unusual naturalized species, and collect fruit and flowers for identification and documentation.
- Collected 46 new Big Island naturalized plant records for the Bishop Museum herbarium.
- Published seven of those records in the 2008 HBS Occasional Papers. Frequently new discoveries were not on the Target List.
- Recommended some crucial weeds for immediate removal, which then was completed by the BIISC Field Crew.
- Palos verde, Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata) - removed two cultivated trees from only property where plants were found
- Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) - removed 10 cultivated and naturalized trees from the only property where plants were found
- Recommended some weeds for long-term control actions; the BIISC field crew has made Rapid Response actions on these plants and has more actions planned.
- Rubber vine (Cryptostegia madgascariensis)
- Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata)
- Smoke bush (Buddleja madagascariensis)
- Pink jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)
- The team recently completed surveys of the North Kohala district. Two species of
concern in that area are:
- Barbados gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata). One location, will be controlled.
- Poison devil's-pepper or swizzlestick (Rauvolfia vomitoria). Serious infestation. BIISC
will be working on this species in mid-July, 2010, in partnership with Kohala Watershed Partnership.
Species Details
- Rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis)
Rubber vine has been named as Australia's worst weed. Cryptostegia was identified
in the Kekaha Kai State Park as well as on private properties in North Kona and South
Kohala. Cryptostegia is perfectly suited to the hot and dry climate of the western side
of Hawaii Island. Rubber vine possesses a distinct purple flower which can make it
attractive to gardeners. BIISC has controlled this plant in some locations.
- Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata)
Cherokee rose has been located by the BIISC Early Detection team at sites in Volcano
and Fern Forest subdivision. Rosa laevigata is native to China and was identified as an
invasive risk. BIISC has controlled this plant in some locations.
- Pink jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)
An aggressive removal effort was made by the Maui Invasive Species Committee when
this species was found. Pink jasmine was identified at a location in Volcano, Hawaii and
removed. Its vining nature resulted in high labor costs. Jasminum has been ranked highly
using the weed risk assessment criteria.
- Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata)
A single population of Jerusalem thorn was identified by the BIISC Early Detection
team in South Kona. Because there was a small population, and following the lead of the
Maui Invasive Species Committee, the BIISC field crew removed this plant from the only
property where it was found.
- Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
A single population of Empress Tree was identified by the BIISC Early Detection team in
the Waimea area of Hawaii Island. These trees were treated and removed from the only
property where the plants were found.
- Barbados gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata)
This cactus, with its viney habit, has the ability to form impenetrable, spiny thickets which are miserable to walk through. The species also forms a dense canopy that can smother native vegetation. The plant is a woody vine
with dark green, waxy to fleshy, alternate leaves that are 2-4 inches long, and branches
extending up to 30 feet covered in clusters of long, slender spines. This is only the
second time this plant has been reported in the state. The other population on Molokai
is currently being controlled by the Molokai Invasive Species Committee (MoMISC).
- Poison devil's pepper (Rauvolfia vomitoria)
Within the last decade a population of this
plant has exploded in the Kohala area. The trees can mature in five years, becoming a foot in
diameter and 15 m (49 ft) tall. Birds transport seeds and the population is spreading rapidly.
All parts of the tree are poisonous and workers report becoming dizzy after cutting it. It
now infests over 1000 acres, and has the potential to spread extensively.
BIISC Early Detection Team articles
- New plant records from the Big Island for 2008
 by James Parson and Bobby Parker, BIISC (2010). IN: Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 2008. Edited by Neal L. Evenhuis and Lucius G. Eldredge. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 107:41-43.
Where's that weed?
As BIISC follows up on road side surveys for invasive weeds, we need the community's help locating additional populations. We will be posting links to information about each weed we are looking for. Please contact BIISC at 933-3345 if you know of
additional locations where these weeds have been spotted. Reports can also be made
online at http://www.reportapest.org. The BIISC crew will be conducting surveys to determine the extent of the infestations and whether they should be added to a list for eradication.
Contact us
BIISC staff welcome your questions, comments, and participation. Please see BIISC contact information.
Join our e-mail list
For up-to-date information about BIISC activities, join the BIISC e-mail list.
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