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The Nature Conservancy Plans New Forest Recovery Project

New Project Strengthens Hawai‘i Forest Conservation

Hawai‘i continues to have a reputation as the extinction capital of the world, having already lost half its native birds to extinction, and with dozens more birds and hundreds of plants and animals on the endangered species list. Current forest conservation efforts in Hawai‘i will be strengthened through collaboration with experts in animal control, biodiversity research and monitoring.

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I — February 27, 2007 — The Nature Conservancy announced today that it has identified a short-term opportunity in 2007 to improve effectiveness at protecting 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.

Hawaii’s native forests are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States, containing more than 10,000 unique plants, birds, and other animals found nowhere else on earth. Native forests are the primary component of island watersheds, absorbing and collecting the fresh water on which we all depend. 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.

“Hawaii’s native forests are irreplaceable biological, cultural and economic resources that require active protection against the threat of destructive introduced animals such as wild pigs, goats, deer, sheep and cattle,” said Suzanne Case, the Hawai‘i Executive Director for The Nature Conservancy. “Minimizing the negative impacts of these foreign animals is essential if we are to ensure the long-term survival of our native forests. Enhancing our animal control and research methods will enable the Conservancy and our partners to do a better job of balancing the needs among conservation, game management, and public use of forests and natural areas.”

The Conservancy is currently in discussions with a New Zealand animal management company and a science research organization about testing and evaluating their strategic hunting and animal monitoring approaches in Hawai‘i. Specifically, TNC is discussing projects to:

• Collect specific new research data about non-native 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

  Ungulate-caused erosion at Kamalo-Kapualei, Moloka'i. © Grady Timmons/TNC

  conservation areas.

The initiative is a continuation of ongoing efforts in Hawai‘i to improve conservation management tools in Hawai‘i on lands already designated for native biodiversity preservation. These projects compliment current animal control and monitoring efforts on Conservancy preserves and on some watershed and other partnership lands on the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i  and Kaua‘i.

“We have already lost more than half of Hawaii's native forests - forests that Hawaiians of old regarded as sacred,” said Sam ‘Ohukani‘ōhia Gon, the Conservancy’s Senior Scientist and Cultural Advisor for Hawai‘i. “For centuries, we have allowed foreign animals to damage and destroy them. This project gives us the opportunity to refine our strategies and improve our techniques for monitoring and controlling feral animals. Without that basic protection the syndrome of extinction will continue to spiral downwards, taking the foundation of Hawaiian culture with it.”

The Conservancy is currently in discussions with Prohunt, a New Zealand animal management company, and Landcare Research, a science and research consultancy. Prohunt 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.

Techniques that may be employed include: 

• Applying GPS (global positioning system) collars to animals like pigs and goats to gather new data on their movements and habitat preferences in fenced and unfenced areas, and to detect other animals in the area.
• Monitoring animal movements to determine how well existing fencing and natural barriers such as steep cliffs work to exclude animals. This information will help determine where fencing is required and where it is not.
• Testing how integrated methods and ground hunting with helicopter transport assistance can best be applied in Hawaii’s difficult terrain, dense forest cover, and variable weather conditions.

“At the same time that we work together to preserve the crown jewels of what remains in Hawaii’s ecosystems, we are also committed to working with land managers to maintain game management areas that enable hunting and recreational opportunities throughout the state,” said Case. “We plan to share what we learn – and ultimately, we hope this project will stimulate the growth and development of local businesses specializing in animal control and monitoring in Hawai‘i.”

Established in 1980, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i is a local affiliate of The Nature Conservancy, a leading international, nonprofit organization that preserves the plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Conservancy has established a statewide system of preserves in Hawai‘i totaling almost 32,000 acres. The Conservancy owns over half this land; the remaining areas are managed under perpetual conservation easements or long-term leases from the landowners. As a member of eight watershed partnerships, the Conservancy also works closely with public and private partners to help preserve nearly one million acres statewide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.