We Want To Hear         From You!   We extend an open invitation to anyone who would like to have a dialogue with us about our Forest Recovery Project, or other aspects of our conservation programs.   Please contact us via email forestrecoveryproject@tnc.org or call Evelyn Wight in Honolulu at  (808) 587-6277. Grazing Goat Wild hooved animals like goats, pigs and deer browse the landscape bare, encroaching on native forested watershed areas.

In Fall 2007, The Nature Conservancy will initiate a short-term research and animal control demonstration project on Maui, Moloka'i and Kaua'i, to protect Hawaii’s forests and watersheds from one of their most significant threats:  destructive, non-native ungulates (hoofed animals) such as pigs, goats, deer and cattle.

Constant threats from invasive and introduced species – especially feral (or wild) animals – have made Hawai'i the extinction capital of the United States and undermine ongoing efforts to preserve remaining intact forests.

Minimizing the negative impacts of these invasive, non-native animals is essential in order to ensure the long-term survival of our native forests. 

Project Overview

The research and animal control components of our Forest Recovery Project are part of our ongoing efforts to improve conservation management tools in Hawai‘i on lands designated for native biodiversity preservation. Our objectives in undetaking this short-term demonstration project are to:

• Collect specific new research data about invasive animal movements and behaviors
• Test intensive ground hunting in remote areas using helicopters to transport staff and equipment up and down steep mountain slopes, and
• Refine strategic plans for non-native animal control in conservation areas.

Hunting will take place only on private lands, and primarily on Conservancy preserves, and will target wild animals encroaching on remote, high-elevation watershed lands on Maui and Moloka'i. Only research, monitoring and invasive weed control activities will take place on Kaua'i. 

Sharing Conservation Lessons

Two leading conservation firms from New Zealand –  Prohunt and LandCare Research – will assist Conservancy staff in carrying out the demonstration project.

Prohunt, an animal management company, offers integrated tracking, hunting, and monitoring methods and the Conservancy will look to Landcare Research for guidance in using proven statistical techniques to evaluate animal control programs. The Conservancy anticipates improving its ability to detect, control, and monitor feral animals on conservation lands across the State.

The Conservancy plans to share what we learn with the hope that this project will stimulate the growth and development of local businesses specializing in animal control and monitoring in Hawai‘i.

More Project Details

Learn more about the Conservancy's Forest Recovery Project:

• Suzanne Case, Executive Director, Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i comments at August 2007 media briefing
• Forest Recovery Project Fast Facts
• What's Being Said about the project by Native Hawaiians and Moloka'i residents
• Pua'a (pigs) in Hawai'i, from Traditional to Modern, by Charles Pe'ape'a Makawalu Burrows, Charles Lehuakona Isaacs, Jr., and Kepa Maly.
• The Need for More Effective Ungulate Control in Hawai'i, by Stephen Anderson, Robert Hobdy, and Kepa Maly
• Q&A:  Learning From Conservation Efforts in New Zealand
• Press release - The Nature Conservancy Plans New Forest Recovery Project, February 2007