#Hawaii Department of Forestry and Wildlife

[daily-cryptid-files]

United States Phantom Cats

Although the United States is home to a few species of big cats, there have been a few sightings of phantom cats.

Delaware

Since the late 1990s there have been reported sightings of what is believed to be a mountain lion in Delaware. The Delaware of Fish and Wildlife theorises that there may be multiple mountain lions in Delaware, originating from animals released from captivity.

Hawaii

Big cat sightings in the Kula area has increased since December 2002, with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife being requested to help big cat wildlife biologists William Van Pelt, and Stan Cunningham of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The big cat wildlife biologists believed that the felines were most likely cats such as leopards, jaguars or cougars. The theory was that the big cats had been illegally brought into Hawaii as an exotic pet and released. However no big cats were detected by tool such as traps, infrared cameras, or professional trackers. In 2003 a fur sample was collected but the analysis of the DNA resulted to be inconclusive. After three weeks without any reported sightings in November 2003, the hunt for the cat was called off.

Illinois

In the Shawnee National Forest of Alexander County, there have been encounters of large black panthers reported sporadically since the 1860s.

Massachusetts

MassWildlife has confirmed two cases of a mountain lion’s presence in Massachusetts. There have been numerous other reports of sightings, as well as alleged photographs, but these remain unconfirmed by state wildlife officials.

North Carolina

Black panthers and other large "non-indigenous" cats have been sighted for many years in the vicinity of Oriental, North Carolina. Accounts from locals and visitors alike have been documented in the local papers.

[tieflingkisser]

Pololū is a sacred place. A pu'uhōnua (a place of refuge, peace and safety). Kohala is the birthplace of an infant who sought refuge in Pololū Valley and grew up to become the King of Hawaii and unify the lands. Original place names of this region tell the mo'olelo (story) of how the people of this place protected this infant on his journey to Pololū Valley. "A‘ohe u‘i hele wale o Kohala" (No youth of Kohala goes empty-handed) speaks to the generosity of the Kohala people. Pololū Valley is more than a place of "cultural signficance". It is the history of the Hawaiian people. It is a place of refuge that we must protect for our future generations.

On December 11, 2020 at the Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife submitted a request for approval to apply as a co-applicant to the County of Hawaii Planning Department together with Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC to submit a PCRS application for a 13-lot subdivision along the ridge at Pololū Valley. A request for approval to enter into a Letter of Intent with Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC was also submitted to donate land to the State of Hawaii.

At this meeting representatives from these organizations spoke as if the community was in agreement with their submittals. No one from the community attended the meeting or was notified about it. Prior discussions with the community were about the donation of lands to the State which include 5 acres to build a "comfort station" and parking lot for visitors and acreage on the valley floor for conservation. There was NO discussion about the proposed subdivison along the ridge. Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC will only donate land to the State AFTER the County approves the application for the subdivision. This is not a donation. It's a payout.

This is a process of greed. It doesn't consider the wisdom of our kūpuna (elders) and the future of our keiki (children). It doesn't acknowledge Pololū Valley as a wahi pāna (a sacred place). Instead, the land is sold, as "the best view" to the highest bidder, during a pandemic and a climate crisis. The State of Hawaii has mismanaged conservation lands of our sacred mountain Mauna Kea, just as these organizations continue to mismanage the generosity of the people.

[the-neverending-tbr-pile]

Pololū is a sacred place. A pu'uhōnua (a place of refuge, peace and safety). Kohala is the birthplace of an infant who sought refuge in Pololū Valley and grew up to become the King of Hawaii and unify the lands. Original place names of this region tell the mo'olelo (story) of how the people of this place protected this infant on his journey to Pololū Valley. "A‘ohe u‘i hele wale o Kohala" (No youth of Kohala goes empty-handed) speaks to the generosity of the Kohala people. Pololū Valley is more than a place of "cultural signficance". It is the history of the Hawaiian people. It is a place of refuge that we must protect for our future generations.

On December 11, 2020 at the Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife submitted a request for approval to apply as a co-applicant to the County of Hawaii Planning Department together with Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC to submit a PCRS application for a 13-lot subdivision along the ridge at Pololū Valley. A request for approval to enter into a Letter of Intent with Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC was also submitted to donate land to the State of Hawaii.

At this meeting representatives from these organizations spoke as if the community was in agreement with their submittals. No one from the community attended the meeting or was notified about it. Prior discussions with the community were about the donation of lands to the State which include 5 acres to build a "comfort station" and parking lot for visitors and acreage on the valley floor for conservation. There was NO discussion about the proposed subdivison along the ridge. Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC will only donate land to the State AFTER the County approves the application for the subdivision. This is not a donation. It's a payout.

This is a process of greed. It doesn't consider the wisdom of our kūpuna (elders) and the future of our keiki (children). It doesn't acknowledge Pololū Valley as a wahi pāna (a sacred place). Instead, the land is sold, as "the best view" to the highest bidder, during a pandemic and a climate crisis. The State of Hawaii has mismanaged conservation lands of our sacred mountain Mauna Kea, just as these organizations continue to mismanage the generosity of the people.

SIGN THIS PETITION TO PROTECT POLOLŪ VALLEY AND TELL SURETY KOHALA CORPORATION AND KP HOLDINGS LLC, BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE, COUNTY OF HAWAII AND THE COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT THAT OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD AND THAT WE DO NOT WANT MORE DESECRATION AT THIS SACRED PLACE OF REFUGE.

*You do not need to donate. Donations do not come to the Protect Pololu Valley

[themuffinlord]

Pololū is a sacred place.

Don't let it be ruined!!

Kohala is the birthplace of an infant who sought refuge in Pololū Valley and grew up to become the King of Hawaii and unify the lands. Original place names of this region tell the mo'olelo (story) of how the people of this place protected this infant on his journey to Pololū Valley. "A‘ohe u‘i hele wale o Kohala" (No youth of Kohala goes empty-handed) speaks to the generosity of the Kohala people. Pololū Valley is more than a place of "cultural signficance". It is the history of the Hawaiian people. It is a place of refuge that we must protect for our future generations.

On December 11, 2020 at the Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife submitted a request for approval to apply as a co-applicant to the County of Hawaii Planning Department together with Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC to submit a PCRS application for a 13-lot subdivision along the ridge at Pololū Valley. A request for approval to enter into a Letter of Intent with Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC was also submitted to donate land to the State of Hawaii.

At this meeting representatives from these organizations spoke as if the community was in agreement with their submittals. No one from the community attended the meeting or was notified about it. Prior discussions with the community were about the donation of lands to the State which include 5 acres to build a "comfort station" and parking lot for visitors and acreage on the valley floor for conservation. There was NO discussion about the proposed subdivison along the ridge. Surety Kohala Corporation and KP Holdings LLC will only donate land to the State AFTER the County approves the application for the subdivision. This is not a donation. It's a payout.

This is a process of greed. It doesn't consider the wisdom of our kūpuna (elders) and the future of our keiki (children). It doesn't acknowledge Pololū Valley as a wahi pāna (a sacred place). Instead, the land is sold, as "the best view" to the highest bidder, during a pandemic and a climate crisis. The State of Hawaii has mismanaged conservation lands of our sacred mountain Mauna Kea, just as these organizations continue to mismanage the generosity of the people.

SIGN THIS PETITION TO PROTECT POLOLŪ VALLEY AND TELL SURETY KOHALA CORPORATION AND KP HOLDINGS LLC, BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE, COUNTY OF HAWAII AND THE COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT THAT OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD AND THAT WE DO NOT WANT MORE DESECRATION AT THIS SACRED PLACE OF REFUGE.

[tbcpress-blog]

Hawaii has a New Online Hunt Application System Posted on: 03/16/20

The State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife has built a new online hunt application within the Go Hunt Hawaii website!  Going forward this will be the system you will use to apply for Mouflon Sheep and Axis Deer hunting on Lanai. The new system will be live beginning March 23, 2020. In preparation for the upcoming hunt application period, we highly recommend that... READ MORE

[mauitime]

Maui Forest Birds Critically Threatened

Maui Forest Birds Critically Threatened

The kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, is only found in East Maui. There are less than 312 remaining in the wild

A new interagency monitoring report on Hawaiian forest birds indicates that remaining populations of at least two native endemic species of Maui forest birds are in rapid decline.

The surveys conducted in the report were the largest and most comprehensive interagency effort to research East…

[usfwspacific]

Saving Endangered Hawaiian Seabirds on Kauai

In 2018, conservation partners again provided a new home, safe from invasive predators, for some of Hawaiʻi’s most imperiled seabirds. A total of 39 chicks, including 20 Endangered Uaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel) and 19 Threatened ʻAʻo (Newell’s Shearwater), were moved from colonies in the mountains to the translocation site, called Nihokū, at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. In this location, they are protected by a predator-proof fence surrounding the Nihokū restoration site.

Over the course of several weeks, the chicks are fed and cared for by a dedicated team of biologists and volunteers until they fledge – finish molting into adult plumage and fly off. Over the last four years, 112 chicks have successfully fledged from the site. The chicks will spend a few years at sea before returning to the exact area where they were raised, hopefully establishing a new seabird colony at Nihokū.

Some of the mountainous habitat the seabirds nest in - though rugged, cats, rats, and pigs are still present and pose a threat to the birds. Photo credit: Hannah Nevins/ABC

All of the translocated chicks were collected from colonies located in Kauaʻi’s rugged, mountainous interior, where the birds are under threat from introduced predators, including feral cats, rats, and pigs, as well as loss of breeding habitat. These dangers, coupled with collisions with power lines and attraction to artificial lights, have dramatically reduced populations of the Uaʻu and ʻAʻo on Kauaʻi. The effort to create a new, fully protected colony of these birds at Nihokū is part of a larger effort to protect the two species and help their populations recover.

The future site of a new seabird colony at  Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: Andrew Raine/KESRP

The 7.8-acre translocation site is protected within a predator-proof fence. Made with very small, woven, stainless steel mesh, buried three feet underground, and with an upper hood that prevents the incursion of predators, this is one of the best tools available for conservation of seabird colonies. Such fences now are more frequently used as a hedge against introduced predators plaguing native birds, plants, and even small endangered tree snails in Hawaiʻi.

The project has not been without its challenges. This year a record-breaking rain event in mid-April swept across the island, flooding the nearby Hanalei Valley and part of the refuge. An estimated 49.6 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, nearly blowing out a drainage culvert under the protective predator-proof fence. In addition, Hurricane Lane drove in more rains in mid-August.

Moving the birds into their new home, safe from invasive predators. Photo credit: Hanna Nevins/ABC 

“We experienced a difficult year with many close-calls due to unanticipated weather events, but despite these challenges, we are very pleased to have completed another successful year of this important seabird recovery project,” said Heather Tonneson, Refuge Complex Manager at the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “Quick response from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers resulted in clearing the damaged culvert and preventing further damage and erosion under the fence.”Lindsay Young, Executive Director for Pacific Rim Conservation, who led the project to build the fence, attributes this to good design, "The record rainfall this year had minimal impacts on the fence as a result of design features that allowed water to exit the fenced area.” 

Chicks are transported from high in the mountains of Kauai by helicopter. Photo credit: Andre Raine/KESRP

Lindsay Young, Executive Director for Pacific Rim Conservation, who led the project to build the fence, attributes part of the success to good design: "The record rainfall this year had minimal impacts on the fence as a result of design features that allowed water to exit the fenced area.” All partners are grateful for the help of dedicated volunteers, who helped to keep debris away from the drainage culverts, keeping Nihokū predator free.

Other challenges came from the birds themselves. “Each chick has its own personality, and more often than not, they are just plain feisty, which makes daily care a challenge,” says Outreach Coordinator for Pacific Rim Conservation Leilani Fowlke.  

Another potential stumbling block: traveling in and out of the rugged, mist-shrouded mountains to recover chicks for translocation and bring them to Nihokū for care until they fledge. André Raine, Project Lead for the Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, explained: “After monitoring the chicks in all seasons, we move them during a narrow window, a few weeks before fledging. Chicks are transferred from underground nests to a special transport box, and delivered via a short helicopter ride to their new home at Nihokū. The weather is always an unpredictable factor each year, as it is often raining and misty in their mountain homes, but despite this, the translocations all went well this year!”

Andre Raine carefully removing a Newell’s shearwater chick from its burrow to prep it for translocation. Photo credit: Erin Pickett/KESRP

By December 2018, all 19 Newell’s Shearwater chicks and 19 of the 20 Hawaiian Petrel chicks had fledged. “We are doing our best to give them a good start here so they are best prepared to thrive once they fly out to sea,” says Hannah Nevins, American Bird Conservancy’s Seabird Program Director. “The healthier they are when they depart their nest to fly out to sea, the better the chances they will return to breed.” 

A Newell’s shearwater in the midst of fledging. Photo credit: Leilani Fowlke/Pacific Rim Conservation

These seabirds spend their first four to five years at sea and the partners are anxiously waiting for the first translocated birds to return to the site to breed — the ultimate measure of success for the project. In spring 2019, the first cohort of petrel chicks -- nine birds that fledged in 2015 -- is expected to return. 

The partners hope that they will establish Nihokū as a breeding site and create the next generation of seabirds for this area. 

The effort to establish this new colony is a collaboration among the Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP), Pacific Rim Conservation (PRC), American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). KESRP is a DOFAW/Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit project. Other partners also provided much-needed assistance for the project. The Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative provided critical support for predator control in collaboration with DOFAW at montane nesting areas within the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve and the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) at Upper Limahuli Preserve. NTBG also conducted vegetation restoration at Nihokū. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) provided critical funding support. The Kaua‘i DOFAW Natural Area Reserve team also provided on-the-ground support.

For more information on the project, please visit: www.Nihoku.org  

Partners celebrating the successful translocation work. Photo credit: Andrew Raine/KESRP

About The Partners

The Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project is a DOFAW project, administered through the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi. The project focuses primarily on Kauaʻi's three endangered seabirds– Newell's Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel. KESRP identifies the breeding distribution of these rare and enigmatic seabirds, monitors their breeding colonies, undertakes research projects to better understand their life histories and the various threats which they face, and works with partners to ensure their long-term conservation.

 The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) mission to enhance, protect, conserve and manage Hawaii's unique and limited natural, cultural and historic resources held in public trust for current and future generations of the people of Hawaii nei, and its visitors, in partnership with others from the public and private sectors.

 The mission of DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife(DOFAW) is to responsibly manage and protect watersheds, native ecosystems, and cultural resources and provide outdoor recreation and sustainable forest products opportunities, while facilitating partnerships, community involvement and education. Malama i ka ‘aina.

Pacific Rim Conservation (PRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to studying and conserving the biota of the Pacific region. PRC provides biological research and management services to government agencies, non-profit organizations, landowners, and other groups throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific region. PRC's goal is to maintain and restore native species and ecosystems through habitat protection and management, threat control, public education, and scientific research to develop and improve conservation methods.

 The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 to preserve and enhance migratory bird nesting colonies, federally listed species, and native coastal strand, riparian, and aquatic biological diversity, as well as to support incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/pacific, or connect with us through any of these social media channels at www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS, www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/,  www.tumblr.com/blog/usfwspacific or www.twitter.com/USFWSPacific.

American Bird Conservancy is the Western Hemisphere's bird conservation specialist—the only organization with a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With a focus on efficiency and working in partnership, we take on the toughest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on sound science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation.

Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 4,000 organizations and committed more than $2.9 billion to conservation projects.

[wallpapernifty]

Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower

Buying a Hawaiian bulb at the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife Arbor Day auction this Friday is one way the accessible can get complex with attention attenuate Hawaiian plants.

Hibiscus Flower white and pink | Hibiscus | Pinterest .. | white hibiscus flower

The auction will be captivated Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the DOFAW baseyard and nursery, 4398-D Pua Loke St., Lihue. The nursery is amid abaft the canton Dept. of Water and accompaniment Department of Agriculture offices.

About 100 plants of anniversary of the 13 breed will be available. Plants will amount from $3 – 9, mainly depending on the size.

Hibiscus White Plant – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

The Hibiscus clayi, or “aloalo,” has baby red flowers and is begin abandoned in a assertive abundance breadth in east Kaua’i. It can ability 15 anxiety tall.

The Hibiscadelphus distans, or “hau kuahiwi,” is the rarer of the two, with a baby blooming annual altered from added hibiscus plants. It is artlessly begin on the eastern rim of Waimea Canyon and can abound to about 12 anxiety tall.

hibiscus red white exotic flower pattern – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

Galen Kawakami, DOFAW Natural Breadth Reserve System specialist, said these two types of hibiscus are adequately accessible to booty affliction of; instructions are accessible at the sale. The hibiscus plants will both amount $9.

“The abandoned way we can advertise listed and endangered plants is if they are already actuality developed in a garden or nursery situation,” Kawakami said.

Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis or Gumamela flower | Live Life and Love – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

To do this, seeds from agrarian plants are harvested and developed in controlled situations; it usually takes about three years to get flowers, he said.

Other Hawaiian plants actuality awash this year accommodate the lowland koa, bank naupaka, Waimea white hibiscus, akia and bank vitex (pohinahina).

Hibiscus – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

Ornamental

Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower – white hibiscus flower | Delightful to be able to our website, in this particular time We’ll show you about keyword. And today, this is actually the initial graphic:

File:White Hibiscus 5821 | white hibiscus flower

What about graphic earlier mentioned? is actually of which remarkable???. if you feel consequently, I’l d show you a few impression again beneath:

So, if you desire to receive all these wonderful pictures regarding (Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower), simply click save icon to store these images for your pc. These are prepared for obtain, if you love and want to grab it, click save symbol on the post, and it will be directly down loaded to your laptop computer.} Finally if you desire to gain new and recent graphic related with (Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower), please follow us on google plus or book mark this website, we try our best to offer you regular up-date with all new and fresh shots. Hope you like staying right here. For some updates and recent news about (Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower) shots, please kindly follow us on twitter, path, Instagram and google plus, or you mark this page on bookmark area, We try to provide you with up-date periodically with fresh and new photos, like your searching, and find the ideal for you.

Thanks for visiting our site, contentabove (Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower) published .  Today we’re pleased to declare that we have found a veryinteresting nicheto be pointed out, that is (Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower) Most people searching for information about(Attending White Hibiscus Flower Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These Ten Rules | White Hibiscus Flower) and definitely one of them is you, is not it?

Elegant White Hibiscus Flower Sticker – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

1000+ images about Hibiscus on Pinterest | Hibiscus .. | white hibiscus flower

Dream mall White Hibiscus Flower 22 healthy Live Plant: Amazon.in .. | white hibiscus flower

Hibiscus Flower – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

White Hibiscus – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

Photos and Images Marketing: Flower – Hibiscus – White .. | white hibiscus flower

White Hibiscus Flower Blooming – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

White Hibiscus Flower Photograph by Pierre Leclerc Photography – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

Hibiscus Fijian White – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

White hibiscus flower. Scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis .. | white hibiscus flower

Pollen sacks of white Hibiscus flowers magnified macro – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

White Hibiscus Tribal Tattoo Hair Flower – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

Reviews : 22PCS White Hibiscus Flowers Seeds Perennial Plants – m .. | white hibiscus flower

White hibiscus flower photography – IansPhotos | white hibiscus flower

45 Pretty Flowers in the World with the Names and Pictures .. | white hibiscus flower

Hibiscus white flowers tropical plants – white hibiscus flower | white hibiscus flower

from Wallpaper Nifty https://www.flowernifty.com/attending-white-hibiscus-flower-can-be-a-disaster-if-you-forget-these-ten-rules-white-hibiscus-flower/

[punalavaflow]

DLNR: Endangered vines destroyed at protest site

The state Department of Natural Resources reported Thursday that four endangered vines have been destroyed during the occupation of Pu‘u Huluhulu.

DLNR had previously announced concerns about how the ongoing standoff between the state and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope might affecting the health of the ‘anunu vine, an extremely rare plant found only on the Big Island.

During a news conference Thursday in Hilo, DLNR officials confirmed four of the vines appeared to have been cut or ripped from koa trees at Pu‘u Huluhulu in August.

“We warned about this early on,” said DLNR Chairwoman Suzanne Case. “It’s impossible to have so many people there without this happening.”

Edwin Shishido, an officer with the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, said officers investigated the pu‘u Aug. 21 after having witnessed up to more than 2,000 people at or around the hill at any given time.

Vines that were known to be safe and healthy before the protests began in July were found to be cut.

Four other endangered plants — including local mint, tomato and nettle plants — also were found damaged in the area, showing signs of having been trampled.

DLNR botanist Lyman Perry explained that the ‘anunu has a short life cycle, lasting only about a year. Any disturbance, particularly one that severs the vine or removes it from a tree, can be devastating for such an endangered plant.

Perry said Pu‘u Huluhulu had served as an outplanting site for several endangered plants, including the ‘anunu, because of its good soil, relatively high rainfall and general lack of attendance. The pu‘u is one of only five known habitats for the vine on the island, although DLNR spokesperson Dan Dennison said the other known habitats will not be disclosed for safety purposes.

Ian Cole, wildlife manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, said the endangered Hawaiian goose, or nene, no longer appears willing to land around the pu‘u, although he added the birds have never been observed engaging in breeding behavior in the area.

Cole also said there is some anecdotal evidence that the wolf spider, which lives in the surrounding lava fields, is being forced out by campers, leading to a rise in invasive insects.

Case said Thursday that the best solution to reduce harm to the endangered plants is for the crowds of people at the camp surrounding the pu‘u to disperse.

Several protesters — who call themselves kia‘i, or protectors, of Maunakea — attended Thursday’s news conference and questioned the DLNR’s motivations for protecting the pu‘u now.

One attendee, Kini Burke, said he worked for the DLNR for about 20 years and never saw any departmental oversight or enforcement at Pu‘u Huluhulu, where he saw “20 to 30 cars parked, every day” before the protests.

Other attendees at the press conference raised concerns about endangered species elsewhere on the island, asking why protecting the ‘anunu takes priority over other issues, such as protecting coral reefs. Case responded, saying the department is concerned with protecting all of the island’s native wildlife.

The presence of protesters seemed to surprise the DLNR officials at the conference, as speakers repeatedly refused to answer questions from nonmedia-affiliated attendees (“I don’t have questions, I have answers,” Burke quipped). Eventually, Case and Perry abruptly left the room even as attendees called out further questions, effectively ending the conference.

Representatives of the protesters called the DLNR’s report “PR propaganda to make the kia‘i look bad.” One protester, ‘Ilima Long, told the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday that the protesters have effectively closed the pu‘u to the public on weekdays and only allow members of the public on the pu‘u during guided trail tours hosted twice a day on weekends.

Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com. from Hawaii News – Hawaii Tribune-Herald https://ift.tt/2ZXbbR5

[impokeytoo]

If you find a wild animal in distress, scroll down to your state in the alphabetical list below to learn how to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. IMPORTANT! Before you "rescue" any wild animal, make sure the animal really needs your help. Learn how to determine if the animal is truly orphaned or injured » Alabama Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators list Alaska US Fish & Wildlife Services - Alaska (birds). Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for further assistance. Arizona Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife rehabilitators list Arkansas For migratory birds: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission rehabilitators list Animals other than birds: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife rehabilitators list California If you are in San Diego with native predatory wildlife in need of help, call The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center at 760-789-2324. Otherwise, use the California Department of Fish and Wildlife list of wildlife rehabilitators. Colorado Colorado Parks and Wildlife list of wildlife rehabilitators Connecticut Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wildlife rehabilitators list Delaware Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife wildlife rehabilitators list.Delaware Wildife Rescue. District of Columbia City Wildlife Florida If you are in south Florida, call the South Florida Wildlife Center at 954-524-4302 or 866-SOS-WILD. Elsewhere, check the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission list of wildlife rehabilitators. Georgia Georgia Wildlife Resources Division wildlife rehabilitators list Hawaii No online listing of rehabilitators. Call your local Division of Forestry and Wildlife office for assistance. Idaho No online listing of rehabilitators. Contact your Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office. Illinois Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Rehabilitation List. University of Illinois Extension list of wildlife rehabilitators by county Indiana Indiana Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators list. If you are unable to locate a rehabilitator, call your DNR law enforcement district or regional headquarters. Iowa Iowa Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators list.Iowa's Wildlife Kansas Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism wildlife rehabilitators list Kentucky Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources wildlife rehabilitators list Louisiana Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wildlife rehabilitators list Maine Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife rehabilitators by county Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitators' Association of Massachusetts or the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife rehabilitators list (Click your district on the right side of the page.) Maryland Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators by county Michigan Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators list Minnesota Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.Wildlife rehabilitation Center of Minnesota Mississippi Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. wildlife rehabilitators list Missouri No online listing of rehabilitators. Call your Missouri Department of Conservation Regional Office to locate a licensed rehabilitator. Montana Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Nebraska No online listing of wildlife rehabilitators. Call your local Game and Parks Commission Conservation Officer to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. You can also try contacting Nebraska Wildlife Rehab or Wildlife Rescue Team. Nevada Nevada Department of Wildlife list of wildlife rehabilitators New Hampshire New Hampshire Fish and Game Department wildlife rehabilitators list New Jersey New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife list of wildlife rehabilitators New Mexico No online listing of wildlife rehabilitators. Call your local Game and Fish office to locate a licensed rehabilitator. You can also consult Animal Protection of New Mexico’s list of wildlife rehabilitators. New York New York Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife rehabilitators list North Carolina North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission wildlife rehabilitators by county North Dakota No online listing of wildlife rehabilitators. Call your local Game and Fish District Office or a veterinarian for assistance. Ohio Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators by county Oklahoma Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation wildlife rehabilitators list Oregon Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.DFW list of wildlife rehabilitators. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators listing by county. If you are unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator, call your local Pennsylvania Game Commission Regional Office. Rhode Island Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island.Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. If you are unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator, call the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management at 401-789-3094 or 401-789-0281. South Carolina South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators registry by animal South Dakota No online listing of wildlife rehabilitators. Call your Game, Fish & Parks Wildlife Division office to locate a licensed rehabilitator. Tennessee Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife rehabilitators list Texas Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife rehabilitators by county Utah Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wildlife rehabilitators list Vermont Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Wildlife Rehabilitator Locator Map. Virginia Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wildlife rehabilitators list Washington Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation rehabilitators by county West Virginia Does not permit rehabilitation of state wildlife. Call your local Department of Natural Resources District Office for assistance. Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife rehabilitators list. If you are unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator, call the DNR's Wildlife Rehabilitation Liaison at 715-359-5508. Wyoming No online listing of rehabilitators. Call your Game & Fish Department Regional Office to locate a licensed rehabilitator. National Organizations National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and Animal Help Now

[usfwspacific]

The Alala Project

The ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian Crow, has been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers managed by San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program. 

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the State of Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and San Diego Zoo Globa to establish a self-sustaining, wild population of ʻAlalā that fulfills its’ ecological and cultural roles in the forests of Hawaiʻi.

Keep reading to...

Follow along with recent recovery updates

View a media gallery

Check out Frequently Asked Questions videos

Read bout ʻAlalā in the News

"Recovering threatened and endangered species is bigger than any one community or agency. It takes everyone working together. Together we can ensure a healthy future for not only the birds, but the forest ecosystem as a whole.” 

- Michelle Bogardus, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Geographic Team Leader for Maui Nui and Hawaii Island.

Follow along with recent recovery updates...

October 10, 2018 -  On October 10th, the second group of 2018 birds was released! This group is made up of 3 females and 2 males making the 10 total birds released this year. The birds exited the aviary in a matter of hours and were seen feeding on supplemental food son after release. These 10 birds were also released within Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve, in a separate area, but in similar habitat to the 11 birds from the 2017 release, that are still thriving. The birds in this release group, ʻEleu, Makalapua, Hoʻomalu, Kūlani, and Kūkiaʻimauna, have challenges and adventures ahead of them but our hope is that they too will thrive in the forest. E hoʻolāʻau hou ka ʻalalā!

September 25, 2018 -  ʻAlalā Take Flight in The Forest - After researchers opened the release aviary doors in a remote forest on the island of Hawaii, it took 53 minutes for the first bird to venture outside. Then one by one they left. All but the last one flew. It strolled out on foot and quickly joined the others already exploring their new home.  Nearly a year after the successful reintroduction of critically endangered Hawaiian crows into the forests of Hawai’i researchers with The ʻAlalā Project have released five more ‘Alalā into the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve. . . Read More.

September 24, 2018 - Self Defense: It’s for the birds - Biologists incorporate  innovative new approach training endangered birds to avoid predators.ʻAlaā perches in the forest. Photo by SDZG.Anyone close to a flight aviary in the Pu‘u Maka‘āla Natural Area Reserve (NAR) recently would surely have wondered about all the ruckus. The distinctive calls of the ʻAlalā (native Hawaiian crows) fill the air, along with the screech of Kapono, the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo’s resident ‘Io (native Hawaiian hawk). . . Read more. 

May 1, 2018 - Endangered Hawaiian Crow Thriving in Hawaii’s Forests - The eleven young ‘Alalā living in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Island of Hawai‘i continue to thrive, showing increased natural behaviors, foraging on native plants, and even challenging the occasional ‘Io, or Hawaiian Hawk. . . Read more.

April 6, 2018 - Naming the Next Generation of ‘Alalā - In Mrs Wines fifth grade classroom recently, 21 students were hard at work drawing pictures of ‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crow that has been extinct in the wild for nearly two decades. Their drawings are part of their assignment to come up with Hawaiian names for 12 ‘Alalāthat have been raised in a conservation breeding center and are scheduled to be released into their native habitat later this year. . . Read more.

December 8, 2017 - The Long Road to Recovery - Eleven young ‘Alalā—critically endangered Hawaiian crows— have been released into Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Island of Hawai‘i.‘ ... Read more.

Media Gallery

“Hearing the voices of the ʻAlalā and seeing them forage in their native habitat after being gone for so long is an incredible feeling. It is a testament to the resiliency of the birds and the dedication of so many incredible partners that we have come so far.”

Bryce Masuda, Program Manager from the San Diego Zoo Global’s (SDZG) Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program (HEBCP)

Image courtesy of SDZG

Image courtesy of SDZG

Image courtesy of Hawaii DLNR

Image courtesy of SDZG

Image courtesy of SDZG

Frequently Asked Questions 

Visit our FAQ gallery for a series of short videos produced by project partner Hawaii DLNR answering some of the most common questions people have. - FAQ Gallery

How has the volcano impacted the birds?

ʻAlalā in the News 

“Although bringing the ‘Alalā back to the wild will take decades of work and perseverance, the people of Hawai‘i and many agencies are dedicated to saving this unique species for the perpetuation of Hawaiian ecosystems.”

-  Suzanne Case, Chair of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources

April 25, 2016 -  Is Hawaii ‘the extinction capital of the world’? Exhibit A: The alala bird.

October 5, 2016 - The Hawaiian Crow Is Ready to Make Its Big Comeback

March 18, 2017 - Hawaii Tribune Herald -  Experts work to improve ‘alala’s chances

October 19, 2017 -  Honolulu Star Advertiser - 5 more alala released in conservation effort. 

November 9, 2017 - The Atlantic -  Staging Bird Murders to Save a Species

November 08, 2017 - Honolulu Magazine -  Could Hawai‘i’s Endangered Native Crow Be Saved From Extinction?

November 14, 2017 - Audubon - A Year Later, It's Take Two for the Hawaiian Crow's Return to the Wild

January 8, 2018  - All About Birds - Bad News And Good News About Hawaiian Birds

April 5, 2018 - San Diego Union Tribune  - Help name 12 rare Hawaiian crows nurtured by San Diego Zoo Global

September 30, 2018 - Hawaii Tribune-Herald - Hawaii NewsFive more ‘alala take to the skies 

September 30, 2018 - Big Island Video News -  After Predator Training, Five More Alala Released Into The Wild 

October 1, 2018 - U. S. News and Wold Report -  Conservationists Release 5 More Hawaiian Crows on Big Island

[usfwspacific]

Hope Hatches for Hawaiian Bird

First Hatch Gives Hope for the Future of an Endangered Hawaiian Bird 

ʻAkikiki chick peaks out from a nest. Photo by SZDG

Conservationists in Hawai‘i are rejoicing over the first successful breeding of ‘akikiki in captivity. The ‘akikiki is a critically endangered species found only in the remote forests of Kaua‘i, and the young fledgling represents a significant step in efforts to save this small Hawaiian honeycreeper.

ʻAkikiki occupy an increasingly small rang on the island of Kauai. There are fewer than 500 birds left in the wild. Gif shows an ʻakikiki in a nest and a map of the ʻakikiki range. 

“The parents that produced this offspring came from eggs collected in the wild.” said Jennifer Pribble, Research Coordinator, Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, San Diego Zoo Global. “So this is the first offspring ever produced in captivity. It was parent-reared, raised completely by its mother, without any human intervention. The parents are a 3-year old male and 2-year old female.”

ʻAkikiki nests in the wild are very hard to find due to their small size and remote forest locations. Photos of ʻAkikiki nests by SDZG.

Eggs from ‘akikiki have been collected from native forest habitat since 2015 as part of an effort to preserve the species from extinction. The eggs were brought into human care to start a breeding population through a collaborative effort by the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project, State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, and San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

“The ‘akikiki population has shown steep declines over the past 10 to 15 years, and now number fewer than 500 birds in the wild,” said Lisa “Cali” Crampton, Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project Coordinator. She adds, “We hope that one day this young bird and its kin will be released on the Alaka‘i Plateau to help turn this number around.”

“The future of forest birds on Kaua‘i depends on all of us working together and is especially important for critically endangered birds like the ‘akikiki,” said Michelle Clark, Kaua‘i Partnerships Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “A panel of experts in Hawaiian forest bird conservation identified the initiation of a conservation breeding program as an essential step to prevent extinction of ‘akikiki. Being able to reproduce in captivity is another step forward for the species.”  

About the ‘Akikiki

The ‘akikiki is a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper found only on the island of Kaua‘i. This small bird species has been severely affected by introduced diseases such as avian malaria, as well as loss of native forest habitat, hurricanes, and the introduction of non-native predator species in the wild. Very little is known about ‘akikiki and they have not been raised in an intensive care setting before. Conservationists with the Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program have successfully cared for a number of other similar native Hawaiian birds and are using these and new techniques to help this endangered species thrive.

An ʻakikiki on a feeding scale in captivity. Photo by SDZG.

“After collecting the first ‘akikiki eggs and hand-raising the chicks, it is exciting to have confirmation that our artificial incubation and hand-rearing techniques are successful with this milestone of ‘akikiki reproducing in captivity,” said Jeremy Hodges, Research Coordinator, Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, San Diego Zoo Global.

Partners in Conservation

This effort has also been supported by the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, American Bird Conservancy, Hawaiian Airlines, Kaua‘i Realty, Bryan and Tanya Tanaka, and anonymous donors.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes onsite wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.

The Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is a collaboration between the Pacific Studies Cooperative Unit of the University of Hawai'i and the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Its mission is to promote knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of Kauai’s native forest birds, with a particular focus on the three endangered species: Puaiohi, ‘Akikiki and ‘Akeke‘e. For more information, please see www.kauaiforestbirds.org. The mission of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife is to responsibly manage and protect watersheds, native ecosystems, and cultural resources and provide outdoor recreation and sustainable forest products opportunities, while facilitating partnerships, community involvement and education.  

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The mission of the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office is to conserve and restore native biodiversity and ecological integrity of Pacific Island ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations through leadership, science-based management, and collaborative partnerships.  

More Photos available at https://sandiegozoo.box.com/s/iju13j7bozxx2k6p4241bnb0mu2epqr3

[usfwspacific]

Endangered Hawaiian Crow Thriving in Hawaii’s Forests

Alala in a tree. Photo by San Diego Zoo Global

The eleven young ‘Alalā living in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Island of Hawai‘i continue to thrive, showing increased natural behaviors, foraging on native plants, and even challenging the occasional ‘Io, or Hawaiian Hawk.   

 The ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian Crow, has been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers managed by San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program, through a partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Conservationists are cautiously optimistic about the birds’ continued success in native habitat and are working together with researchers at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo to analyze vocalizations of these rare birds.  

Foraging and other social behaviors are also being studied to determine if historically seen activities are increasing now that the group has access to the surroundings in which they evolved.

Alala in a tree. Photo by San Diego Zoo Global

“When the only existing ‘Alalā were living in the protected aviaries at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, we saw fewer types of alarm and territory calls in the population and the frequency of alarm calls was greatly reduced.” said Alison Greggor, Postdoctoral Associate, San Diego Zoo Global.

“We are beginning to observe behaviors that appear to be responsive to the changes and threats available in natural habitat and we are working on evaluating this scientifically to see if the birds’ rich behavioral repertoire is being recovered now that they have been reintroduced into the forest.” said Joshua Pang-Ching, Research Coordinator of the San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Alala in a tree. Photo by San Diego Zoo Global

Some of these behaviors include foraging on native fruits, searching for insects within bark of native trees, and interacting with ʻIo,  which is their natural predator.

The eleven ‘Alalā were released into the reserve in September and October 2017. They represent what conservationists hope will be the beginning of a recovered population of the endangered crow species on the island.

“ʻAlalā are important seed dispersers of native plants, and also were dominant voices of the soundscape of Hawaiian forests, and forest bird communities. The presence of ‘Alalā, back in their habitat, is a benefit and revitalization for ecosystem health of managed State lands and reserves, such as Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve” said Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, Project Coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project.

Scientists hypothesize that the possible changes in vocalizations may represent the kind of behaviors necessary to the species’ survival now that they have been returned to their native forest home.

The ʻAlalā Project is a partnership between major partners of State of Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and San Diego Zoo Global. The project is working to establish a self-sustaining, wild population of ʻAlalā that fulfills its’ roles (ecological, cultural, etc.)

Read more...

The Long Road to Recovery

Naming the Next Generation of Alala 

Visit The Alala Project 

Follow The Alala Project on Instagram and Facebook @alalaproject 

[usfwspacific]

Taking Out the Trash at the Edge of the World

What does it mean to take out the trash when you’re 1500 miles away from the nearest dumpster?

It takes a village to cleanup debris. Photo credit: Hawaii DLNR

Last week, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaii, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collected over 100,000 pounds of marine debris that had been collecting on the shores of Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. 

Thanks to support from the State of Hawai‘i, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the mountain of marine debris—12 shipping containers holding an estimated 100,000 pounds—was shipped to Honolulu from Midway Atoll aboard the charter vessel Kahana. 

Marine debris is collected throughout the year and stored until a ship can come and pick it up. Video Credit: H. Richards / USFWS

The debris was collected from the reefs and beaches of Midway and Kure Atolls over the last six years and stored on the tarmac at Midway until it could be removed and shipped to Honolulu. Now, through the Nets to Energy Program, it will be processed by Schnitzer Steel Corporation and transported to the City and County of Honolulu’s H-POWER plant (a Covanta Energy Corporation facility), where it is incinerated to produce electricity.

“The success of this project is linked to effective inter-agency coordination, communication and action,” said Jason Misaki, Oahu Wildlife Manager, DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife.  “Marine debris in the Monument affects all partners, making joint efforts like this one extremely instrumental to our continued protection of resources.”    

Clockwise from top left:  Sea turtle ensnared in a fishing net. credit: NOAA Andy Sullivanhaskin frees a seat turtle from netting. Credit: E. Opei / DLNR Baby albatross trying to eat plastic fibers. Credit: H Richards / USFWS Baby monk seal floating on abandoned fishing nets. Credit: NOAA

Marine debris is a potentially lethal entanglement and ingestion hazard for wildlife—including threatened Hawaiian green sea turtles and endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Plastic debris and fishing line are often ingested by wildlife such as seabirds and can lead to their starvation and death. At Midway and Kure Atolls, plastics, derelict fishing gear and other marine debris is present in nests along the beach and often consumed by albatross chicks.  More than five tons of plastics end up on Midway Atoll each year because adult albatrosses feed their chicks plastics they forage in the ocean, mistaken for food. Plastics break down into smaller pieces but never go away, affecting all levels of the ocean ecosystem.

“Marine debris are not something you can clean up just once; it takes a sustained effort over time,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Superintendent Matt Brown. “By working with the state of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs and NOAA, we can accomplish more than any one agency on its own to clean up marine debris and educate the public to prevent it from entering the ecosystem.”

Each year the USFWS, the State of Hawaii, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration staff and volunteers collect tons of marine debris from the atolls and throughout the Monument.

Sneakers, bottles, tubs, and toothbrushes are all found washed up on the shores of Midway Atoll. Credit: H. Richards / USFWS

"With the high rate of marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, removing debris is imperative to ensure the health of this valuable habitat and the species that call it home. We are happy to have the opportunity to work with partners on this important initiative," said Mark Manuel, NOAA Marine Debris Program Pacific Islands Regional Coordinator. 

The NOAA vessel Oscar Elton Sette hauling out marine debris. Video Credit: NOAA

This marine debris removal effort represents a collaborative partnership between the USFWS, State of Hawai‘i DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Special thanks go to Nets to Energy Program, Schnitzer Steel Co. and Covanta Honolulu/H-POWER for their support of this project.

For photos of marine debris and the marine debris removal:  bit.ly/MarineDebrisPhotos

To keep up to date with more great conservation stories from the Pacific Islands follow https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS.

Papahānaumokuākea is cooperatively managed to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, long-term protection and perpetuation of Northwestern Hawaiian Island ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and heritage resources for current and future generations.  Four co-trustees - the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, State of Hawai‘i and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs - protect this special place. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was inscribed as the first mixed (natural and cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States in July 2010.  For more information, please visit www.papahanaumokuakea.gov.

[punalavaflow]

Aggressive pigs becoming a nuisance at some state parks

A visit to Hawaii Island’s state parks provides a close encounter with nature — sometimes, a bit too close for comfort.

When two Hilo Medical Center employees, including its chief executive officer, visited Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park on Wednesday morning prior to work, they found themselves scurrying back to their cars to avoid an aggressive feral pig.

“I go there every morning before I go to work,” said Michelle, a HMC technician who asked that her last name not be used. Michelle said when she arrived on Wednesday, her boss, Dan Brinkman, the East Hawaii region CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corp., was there, as was a feral pig Michelle said had become too accustomed to being fed by people.

“The pig was going either for the garbage or for Dan,” she said. “I made noise to let Dan know and try to startle the pig, but the pig didn’t startle. So I got out of my car and was waving a piece of paper, trying to get it to go. And it just ran at me. And it did it three times, so I kept running back to my car.”

“It’s a scary thing,” Michelle added. “Usually when you try to shoo a pig away they’ll go, but this one did not. Just the opposite.”

Dean Takabayashi, Hawaii Island superintendent of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks said officials are aware of a feral pig problem at the Big Island’s state parks. Pig populations are established at Rainbow Falls, a popular tourist attraction in Hilo, as well as Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo, Akaka Falls State Park in Honomu, and to a lesser degree, Manuka State Wayside in South Kona.

There are also feral pigs in Lava Tree State Monument, off Highway 132 near Pahoa — which remains closed to the public because of lava from this year’s Lower East Rift Zone eruption.

Takabayashi said the department has been working with its Division of Forestry and Wildlife, surrounding land owners and other agencies “to come up with solutions.”

“Although we have not had any reports of injury related to aggressive feral pigs in our parks, it would be most prudent to retreat from where the pigs are,” Takabayashi said. He said Rainbow Falls and Wailoa have signs warning the public to not feed the animals.

Michelle said she’s seen people feeding the pigs on her morning excursions to Rainbow Falls and, on one recent morning, saw a woman bitten by a pig she was feeding.

“She was petting it, and when she turned and looked away it bit her thigh,” she said. “I saw a guy just this week, maybe Monday, pull up his truck and just unload all of these avocados and all the baby pigs were right there and the mother pig. I’ve seen several people just feeding it. You can tell people are just saving up food to feed it.

“A co-worker said they saw several tourist families with young kids going towards the pig, trying to take pictures. They’re like, ‘Wow, a pig.’ And they’re going towards it. They don’t seem to realize it could be dangerous, especially when the pig has babies and they’re more aggressive.”

Brinkman said he thinks the pigs have become a problem, and added they present “a danger to the public when they become used to human sources of food and lose their fear of humans.”

“I lived in Colorado for a time and many precautions had to be taken with trash, provision for bear-proof containers, etc., in order to not encourage these animals to frequent parks and other urban spaces. When this mixing occurs, someone will get hurt,” Brinkman said.

“Feral pigs, especially sows with piglets and boars are dangerous and their bites and goring from tusks can cause substantial injuries and subsequent infections. Pigs in a group presents their own hazards. HMC regularly sees these injuries in our ER, most related to hunting, but some that are from unwanted encounters.”

Brinkman said he’s also noticed feral swine on a campus near the HMC’s extended care facility “and have asked DLNR, who owns the adjacent river property, to assist in eradicating or trapping them.”

Michelle said she called police, who referred her to the Hawaii Island Humane Society, which emailed her a list of hunters, but she didn’t consider that a satisfactory solution in a place with so much foot traffic. She said she’s considering halting her morning visits to Rainbow Falls, but added, “I don’t want to stop going there, because it makes me feel good.”

“It’s a beautiful place to go,” she said.

“I know there are pigs there, but when you’re feeding them, you’re encouraging them to come at people. And that’s my fear. That’s my peaceful spot in the morning. I have a few minutes to go before I go to work. I say a prayer and I look at the water. I’m going to have to have a stick to go there. I knew this would happen. This pig is not going to be afraid of people. I’m worried that tourists are going to be hurt, young children — and even myself.”

Takabayashi said DLNR is “always concerned about any safety issues in our parks.”

He said the public can call DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement hotline at 643-3567 or the DLNR Hilo district office at 961-9540.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com. from Hawaii News – Hawaii Tribune-Herald https://ift.tt/2Qd5nPz

[punalavaflow]

Rapid ohia death found in Kalopa park

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said that a quarterly aerial assessment of Big Island forests in late July spotted trees in Kalopa State Recreation Area in Hamakua with symptoms of rapid ohia death.

After the helicopter surveys utilizing digital mobile sketch mapping, ground crews from the Big Island Invasive Species Committee followed up by taking ground samples. Five of the six samples tested positive for one of a pair of fungi associated with the disease that has been killing off native ohia forests.

The trees were 12 miles from the last known area of infected forest.

“We’re working with the DLNR Division of State Parks to determine next steps which could include felling the diseased trees,” said Bill Stormont of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “This is desirable to limit the potential spread of the disease by dust and frass created by beetles that burrow into infected trees.”

Tree felling only happens if it can be done safely and without harming surrounding trees. It’s ideally done on a rainy day to limit potential airborne dispersal of the fungus. Felling would only happen in the park and not in the adjacent forest reserve, where the tree canopy is too tight to make cutting trees a viable option.

Kalopa State Recreation Area has been closed since mid-July for repairs and upgrades to the park’s cabins and campgrounds. The projects are not expected to be completed until May 2019.

“DOFAW staff will be installing four boot-brush stations at Kalopa this fall,” said Curt Cottrell, state parks administrator. “We’re also collaborating with various partners working on rapid ohia death to potentially install information signs, brochure dispensers and boot-brush stations at other east Big Island parks including Akaka Falls State Park and Lava Tree State Monument.”

Discussions are underway with an adjacent private landowner to gain access to sample symptomatic trees on that property as well.

Based on on-going aerial surveys, it’s estimated 135,000 acres of ohia forest on the Big Island currently show symptoms of the disease. Earlier this year, the less aggressive strain of the fungus was detected in a relatively small stand of trees on Kauai. So far it has not been discovered on Maui or on Oahu, but regular surveys continue statewide.

The post Rapid ohia death found in Kalopa park appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

from Hawaii News – Hawaii Tribune-Herald https://ift.tt/2ybax2r