During the first decade of its existence, BIISC focused primarily on plants and weed species, and hosted the coqui data team. In recent months, BIISC has devoted more attention to vertebrate issues. In 2011 our vertebrate team spent time educating local community groups to seek, identify, and control coqui
frogs around their residence. Communities then work together to "claim back the night" by
significantly reducing the number of coqui.
The vertebrate team monitors high value natural areas and responds to reports of new sightings of pests like
rabbits, chinchilla, and reptiles. Our team worked with the community to create sustainable programs to
restore habitat for endangered Hawaiian coot. The team attended specialized training on Guam to enable them to respond quickly to a brown tree snake introduction. The
introduction of this "hitchhiker" pest would present a major threat to native birds in Hawaii.
Our vertebrate work is currently focused on:
Feral ungulate awareness and education Hawaii's island ecosystems evolved without the presence of hoofed mammals. The
grazing, trampling, and rooting of these introduced animals is introducing disease, reducing
watershed quality, greatly increasing erosion into coral reefs, and is destroying many rare
species. Fencing the ungulates out of key areas is a limited and expensive stop-gap option.
BIISC is now surveying Big Island for axis deer since their presence was confirmed
in 2011. A deer working group was established to research and manage this new threat to
agriculture and native species.
Sources with various positions on issue:
Rare Hawaii: Our Island Barnyard site presents an overview of feral game mammals in Hawaii and their impacts, and specific legislative and management options.
BIISC's "Don't Abandon Your Pet" campaign raises awareness about the impacts of feral pets.
Education and outreach to school and community groups
Field surveys in response to sightings of wild rabbits and other vertebrates
Snake early detection and response
BIISC staff have trained on Guam and Oahu on detection and response.
Coqui outreach and response
Our vertebrate field crew has continued to control coqui frogs when they threaten high
value natural areas and rare endemic species. We continue to offer educational programs on coqui to encourage community response.
