Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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Look-a-Like Longhorns

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Jade Miyashiro

Longhorn beetles are a very large family of insects (Cerambycidae) with over 26,000 species!  While they can vary greatly in size, color, and shape, they share some distinctive common traits: they are wood-boring insects, with extra  long antennae. Unlike some other beetles, longhorns have antennae that are as long or longer than the length of their bodies! This guide will help you identify the most commonly seen longhorns of Hawai’i island.

The Queensland Longhorn beetle is a pest of numerous trees including cacao, avocado, citrus, kukui, and more. QLB is rather large, sometimes more than 1.5 inches long (not including antenna). They are solid brown with a velvety appearance. Their most telling feature is the pair of large spines on their thorax (the body segment behind the head). This picture shows that their size does vary a bit, but even the smaller ones are generally still larger than the majority of the other longhorns you might encounter in Hawaii.

The plumeria borer (also known as the plumeria stem borer), is a pest to plumeria, burrowing into the tree and damaging or killing branches. It has also been know to use cacao or kukui as a host plant (similar to QLB). This beetle is the stockiest of the longhorn beetles in this guide, although only about a half-inch long. They have a mottled brown color, and upon close inspection you can spot tiny spines on the thorax.

The lantana longhorn is a “helper” because it feeds on the lantana plant, which is toxic to people and livestock. They were released as a biocontrol to help control lantana in Hawaii’s pastures. P. spinipennis are about 1 inch long, mostly brown, and have a pair of spines on thorax. The easiest way to ID a lantana longhorn is through the four white markings on its back.

Cercium unicolor doesn’t have a common name. It’s one of the smaller longhorns, reaching only about 1/2 inch long. They are solid brown and look “fuzzy,” with no markings or spines. They bore into a variety of host plants, but are not known to be a major pest in Hawaii.

The monkeypod round headed borer is a pest to monkeypod trees. They are about 1 inch long. Their head and thorax is a dark brown and their back is a lighter shade with two symmetrical black lines. Their thorax is rounded with no spines.

The eucalyptus longhorned borer is a pest to eucalyptus trees. They are about 1 inch long with a black body and brown legs, and distinctive brown markings on their back. Unlike the other longhorns, each antenna segment has a spike on the side.

Unlike the other longhorn listed here, the koa longhorn beetle is native to Hawaii! They are slightly larger than the QLB, making them the giants of this guide. They are black or dark brown with no colored markings or spines. Their wings are leathery and veiny-looking. They are sometimes mistaken for a B-52 cockroach, especially in flight. They are most likely to be found in areas with populations of koa trees nearby.

Filed Under: News, Pests, Slider

Ramie Moth

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Jade Miyashiro

Ramie Moth (Arcte coerula)

 

The ramie moth is a destructive caterpillar that can completely defoliate native mamaki. This caterpillar was first discovered in November 2018 on Maui where it was destroying mamaki plants. Since then, it has spread to the Big Island and found on the east side in November 2020. This is the first record of this pest being found in the United States.

It’s known to feed on members of the nettle family (Urticaceae). Besides harming the mamaki plant, this caterpillar also poses a threat to the native Kamehameha butterfly as it competes for the same food resources.

The young ramie caterpillar will start by chewing holes in the middle of the leaf and create even larger gaps as they grow, leaving only the main veins. Kamehameha caterpillars start eating from the edge of the leaves. Young Kamehameha caterpillars will fold over the edges of the leaf to make a tent for protection.

Appearance

Ramie moth (RM) eggs are about 1mm in diameter and are a clear-white color. The eggs are laid individually on the underside of leaves.  Kamehameha butterfly (KB) eggs are more brownish in color. The first instar of RM caterpillars are green and black. As they get larger, they change color to become yellow and black with red/orange spots and thin white hairs. There is also a black variant of the RM caterpillar, but it still has the iconic red spots and white hairs. The RM caterpillar can look very similar to the KB caterpillar and they are found on the same plants, so it is important to make a positive identification before taking any action! Young KB caterpillars also have black heads, but they turn green or brown as they get older.

Unlike KB caterpillars, the ramie caterpillars are aggressive…at least, relatively aggressive for a caterpillar! When disturbed the caterpillar may lift its head and start wiggling around, and might even vomit a green fluid. These actions are to dissuade predators, but are not displayed by KB caterpillars.

They can be challenging to identify, so please send a picture of your suspect caterpillar to BIISC or your local HDOA or CTAHR office for identification.

Photo of Kamehameha caterpillar by Forest and Kim Starr

The adult ramie moth is about 3 cm long with a 6-9 cm wingspan. It is mostly brown, with black markings on the scalloped wings. Hindwings have silvery-blue markings.

Be careful when moving mamaki and olona plants, and don’t move them interisland. Inspect your plants before moving them.

If you see this caterpillar, capture it and report it through 643-pest.org.

Ramie Moth HDOA Pest Report w/ pictures

How to ID a Kamehameha Butterfly

Filed Under: News, Slider Tagged With: caterpillar, hawaii pest, invasive species

Mystery Invader Identified: Phenax Hirtus

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Franny Brewer

The Mystery Plant 

Phenax leaves and growth pattern

A critical part of the work we do at BIISC is looking for new, potentially damaging, arrivals, In late 2017, BIISC botanists collected a plant on a trailside early detection survey on the Kona side near the Makaula-O’oma State Forest Reserve. It was at first easy to overlook, with no eye-catching characteristics to make it stand out from the lush greenery around it. However, trail users had reported its aggressive tendency, and its persistence even after they tried to control it. The BIISC team realized that this plant did not match any known introduced or native species on the island, and observed that it was reproducing naturally – and quickly – throughout the area: an alarm bell indicating a potential invasive species.

However, before declaring a new species invasive, careful investigation must be done – and the first step is ensuring a definitive identification of the organism. But this seemingly simple question became more vexing as the team pored over botany records: just what WAS this plant? With hundreds of thousands of plants in the world, many with little published information available, plant ID is not an easy task. The team reached out to plant experts on the island and across the state, but no one recognized this one. Samples and photos made their way to various botanists until in 2020 a Smithsonian botanist, working with colleagues from Europe, was able to pronounce that a little-known, low-profile shrub from Central America, Phenax hirtus, had somehow arrived in Hawaii.

Hogging Space

Phenax hirtus overtaking residential landscaping. (Photo: JB Friday)

Like another recent invader, the Queensland Longhorn Beetle, Phenax hirtus wasn’t known to be a pest anywhere else in the world before it appeared on the Big Island. It is unknown how either arrived here, but most likely it was a “keiki form” (a larvae in the case of the beetle, a seed for the plant) as accidental stowaway, quietly arriving in some kind of soil, plant material, or packing crate. These sleeper species will often quietly proliferate and spread, unnoticed until they begin to cause a problem. This can make it difficult to enact a successful eradication plan; without previous research, we don’t always know how to control the pest. Information about the species’ life cycle, reproductive strategies, seed viability, climate tolerance limits – all can be critical to making sure control efforts are effective.

Phenax hirtus has many of the classic characteristics associated with invasive plants: it is shade-tolerant and can grow in undisturbed vegetation, including under a native forest canopy. It has a climbing nature, able to pull itself up over other vegetation to seek light and space. It evens finds a way to grow amongst aggressive Himalayan (kahili) ginger – a known “space hog”! Seeds are tiny and can spread easily on wind or water.

Mamaki fruits (left) are fleshy and white, while Phenax fruits (right) are dry and brown. Photos: Forest & Kim Starr; JB Friday.

BIISC crews are working now to control outlier populations of Phenax in the Kaloko Mauka community where it was found, and limit it from continuing to spread.  Big Island residents are also being asked to be vigilant and take pictures of any suspect plants in other areas of the island. It is a nettle, the same large family as the native mamaki, so the leaves are similar, but generally skinnier and more green (not so much of the reddish veins that are generally present in mamaki). The best way to tell them apart: mamaki produces seeds in a distinctive fleshy white fruit at the end of the leaf node, while Phenax will have a dry brown ball of seeds.

Mamaki leaves (right) tend to be more oval with reddish petioles, while Phenax leaves (left) tend to be more narrow and green throughout. Photos: Forrest & Kim Starr; JB Friday

In today’s world, some invasive pests are nearly household names in dozens of countries: asian longhorn beetle, spotted lanternfly, red imported fire ants, giant hogweed. These pests make headlines the minute they appear in a new area. But Hawai’i, while at risk of these notorious invaders, is also uniquely vulnerable to  taking a bad turn to invasive behavior. Life in Hawai’i evolved in isolation over millions of years, with a barrier of 2500 miles of open ocean dissuading colonization by new life forms. Biologists estimate that before human contact, a new species established in Hawai’i only about once every 10,000 years. Without the fierce biological competition and predation found on an African savannah or South American rainforest, our native species evolved without many of the defenses and protections that their continental counterparts had long developed.

The year-round temperate weather, novel native ecosystems with open niches,  and multiple climate zones of the islands all provide opportunity for introduced species to become problematic in Hawai’i. With more introduced species reaching our shores today than ever before, it is critical to be vigilant and keep an eye out for anything new that appears unexpectedly, potentially posing a problem.

Filed Under: Education, News, Slider

February is Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Franny Brewer

Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM) is going virtual this year!! Throughout the month, learn more about what is being done to respond to invasive species, and how you can help.

Join one of the many webinars scheduled here through Zoom. You can click on the link provided with each talk at the scheduled day & time to join.

Look for the #HISAM2021 for more events and activities on social media.  And don’t miss BIISC’s February Madness competition, where you can vote for the worst Big Island invasive species!

 

WEEK 1: FEATURING TALKS FROM HAWAIʻI ISLAND

Monday, February 1

12:00 pm
HISAM opening ceremony with Hālau ʻŌhiʻa. Join the Facebook live event: https://www.facebook.com/halauohia/live

Tuesday, February 2

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
History of Invasive Species in Hawaiʻi and the impacts on our environment, economy, and health – presented by Franny Brewer. Click here to join.

Wednesday, February 3

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Protecting our native forests from Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death – presented by JB Friday. Click here to join.

Thursday, February 4

8:00 am – 8:45 am
Airborne mapping to understand Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Hawaiʻi – presented by Greg Asner and Robin Martin. Click here to join.

11am-11:45am
Estuaries in Hawaiʻi are highly invaded by non-native fishes – presented by Kim Peyton. Click here to join.

Friday, February 5

1pm-1:45pm
Swimming under the radar: targeting invasive species in coastal brackish water habitats in Hawaiʻi – presented by Troy Sakihara, Cris Teague, Megan Lamson, & Dena Sedar. Click here to join.


WEEK 2: FEATURING TALKS FROM MAUI NUI

Monday, February 8

11:00 am-11:40 am
MISC 101: An Overview of Invasive Species Management in Maui Nui, Lissa Strohecker and Serena Fukushima. Click here to join.

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Maui Nui Mini-Series: Who are ya gonna call (or click)? Reporting invasive species in Hawaii- 643-PEST and 643pest.org – presented by Elizabeth Speith. Click here to join.

Tuesday, February 9

10:00 am – 10:35 am
Maui Nui Mini-Series: Coqui on Maui: The State of the Frog – presented by Abe Vantze. Click here to join.

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Invasive Algae of Hawaii and iNaturalist – presented by Genivieve Devine. Click here to join.

Wednesday, February 10

11:00 am – 11:20 am
Maui Nui Mini-Series: Community Coqui Control Program – presented by Susan Frett. Click here to join.

12:00 pm – 12:20 pm
Maui Nui Mini-Series: Tackling Lāna‘i’s Prickliest Plants and Other Weed Eradication Updates – presented by Kari Bogner. Click here to join.

6:00 pm- 7:30 pm
Plant Pono – Your Travel Guide Down the Road of Good Intentions – presented  Molly Murphy and Chuck Chimera. Click here to join.

 Thursday, February 11

10:00 am – 10:20 am
Maui Nui Mini-Series: Maui Invasive Species Committee’s Approach to Controlling Eradicable Plant Species on Maui – presented by Michael Ade. Click here to join.

10:30 am – 11:15 am
Maui Nui Mini-Series: Efforts and Approaches on Maui to Eradicate Little Fire Ants – presented by Brooke Mahnken. Click here to join.

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Maui Mauka Conservation Awareness Training Guest Speaker: Adam Wong, DLNR, Division of Aquatic Resources Maui Education Specialist (MMCAT Team host) Learn more and sign up for the training here!

 Friday, February 12

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Maui Nui Mini-Series: MISC & MoMISC Response to Unique Vertebrates (e.g., conures and other parrot-like birds, veiled chameleons, rabbits, snakes and more) – presented by Adam Radford. Click here to join.


WEEK 3: FEATURING TALKS FROM OʻAHU

Tuesday, February 16

1:30pm- 2:15pm
Nutrient Impacts on Coral Reefs – presented by Celia Smith. Click here to join.

4:00 pm – 4:45pm
Developing a Taste for Sustainable Seafood: Conservation International – presented by Jana Young & Matt Ramsey. Click here to join.

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee: That Thing We Do: A Look Into the Fight Against Invasive Species – presented by Erin Bishop. Click here to join.

Wednesday, February 17

10:00 am- 10:45 am
Native Urchin Biocontrol of Invasive Algae – presented by David Cohen & Wes Dukes. Click here to join.

2:00 pm- 2:20 pm
Ballast Water and Biofouling the Major Vector of Marine Introduced Species – presented by Sara Tom & Natalie Dunn. Click here to join.

Thursday, February 18

10:00 am – 10:45 am
Chasing the Fastest Growing Tree in the World: Albizia – presented by Frankie Koethe & JC Watson. Click here to join.

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Speak for the Trees (or Coral): how to participate in the legislative process – presented by Christy Martin. Click here to join.

Friday, February 19

10:00 am-11:30 am  – Biosecurity Series. Click here to join.
Māmalu Poepoe: Invasive Species Surveillance at Hawaii’s Airports – presented by Leyla Kaufman
Biocontrol success in protecting Hawaii against impacts of invasive insect species – presented by Mark Wright

12:00 pm -12:45 pm
The Unique Case of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Hawaii – presented by Koki Atcheson & Kaili Kosaka. Click here to join.


WEEK 4: FEATURING TALKS FROM KAUAʻI

Monday, February 22

Check out @kauaiisc on ig or Kauai Invasive Species Committee on Facebook to see Kim Rogers and the ROD team talking about ‘Ōhi’a  and native plants’ importance in the nāhele of Kōkeʻe & Wailua watersheds also highlighting the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death on Kauaʻi.

Tuesday, February 23

Tune in @kauaiisc on ig for the KISC Huakaʻi series highlighting responsible hiking practices in the forest

9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Maui Mauka Conservation Awareness Training, Teya Penniman, Birds, Not Mosquitoes, Project Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy. Learn more and sign up for the training here!

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Plants, pests, and community: The UH CTAHR Extension Program – presented by Roshan Manandhar. Click here to join.

1:00 pm- 1:15 pm
Cats, Toxo-plasmosis, and Monk Seals – presented by Ryan Jenkinson. Click here to join.

Wednesday, February 24

12:00-12:45 pm
Cat safe, wildlife safe Kauai – presented by Helen Raine. Click here to join.

Thursday, February 25

Tune in @kauaiisc on ig for the KISC Huakaʻi series highlighting Mālama Huleʻia and impacts of mangrove/invasive fish on fishpond and estuary

10:30am – 11:10am
Be a Friend of the Forest – presented by Kim Rogers and Haylin Chock. Click here to join.

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fighting Invasive species in the Watersheds of the Big Island – presented by the Kohala Center/Kohala Watershed Partnership, and Cheyenne Perry of the Mauna Kea Watershed Association. Click here to join.

Friday, February 26

Tune into @kauaiisc on IG for KISC’s Huakaʻi finale featuring Kauai DAR talking about invasive aquatic species and closing remarks about the 3 part huakaʻi and HISAM

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
Aquatic Invasive Species on Kauai: Salvinia, Tilapia and a new Algae – presented by Aaron Swink, Heather Ylitalo-Ward, & Kaili Shayler. Click here to join.

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Native Hawaiian Plant Society Annual Meeting: Controlling Himalayan Ginger in Waikamoi Preserve – presented by Kerri Fay (The Nature Conservancy Maui)


Saturday, February 27

Closing ceremony with Hālau ʻŌhiʻa. Sunrise ceremony will be on facebook live: https://www.facebook.com/halauohia/live

Filed Under: News

HISAM “Worst Invasive” Chosen

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Jade Miyashiro

A “winner” has been declared: Rapid Ohi’a Death was chosen by our residents as the worst invasive species on Hawai’i Island. Thanks to all who participated and shared their views on the worst of the worst!

The Big Island has a large number of invasive species, but which is the worst? February is Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness month, and BIISC is participating by raising awareness about the many invasives that plague Hawaii and the harm they cause to our environment, our economy, and/or our health and way of life. Check out the full schedule of HISAM events this month.

So this month, to bring more attention to this issue, we want to hear from you: which is the worst invasive species on the Big Island? We’ve put together brackets of some of contenders in four categories: vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, pathogens.  We hope you will learn a bit more about the impacts these invasive species have on our island throughout the month. Visit our Facebook  page or Instagram story every week to cast your votes and see who moves up to the next bracket!

The Contenders

 

Vertebrates

Rats

Like all of our vertebrate contenders, rats have been designated one of the 100 World’s Worst invasive species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. They multiply quickly, spread diseases, attack native wildlife, and are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Rats cause headaches and heartaches for conservationists, farmers, public health practitioners – and just about every human on the planet who has tried to grow or store food. As one of the first introduced species to Hawaii to become invasive, rats continue to plague our islands in many ways. More info…

Feral Pigs

In Hawaii and across the globe, feral pigs are infamous for their destructive behaviors. They root up plants and trees, destroying native ecosystems and overturning the work of farmers and foresters. Their digging and wallowing lead to puddles which provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which spread disease deadly to our native birds (see below). With no natural predators, the population is continuing to climb on our island, causing problems for residents of the human, plant, and bird kinds alike.

Coqui

Coqui frogs are known for their extremely loud mating calls that can reach 100 decibels (louder than power tools), and since their arrival on an imported nursery plant in the 1990’s, the night soundscape of our island will never be the same.  With no natural predators in Hawaii, populations here can reach approximately 2,000 frogs per acre, much higher than in their native range of Puerto Rico. And all those frogs have to eat, impacting insect species and out competing native insectivores. More info…

Feral Cats

While cats are a beloved part of many homes, when let loose into a natural environment, they are formidable predators with voracious appetites. World wide, they are known to decimate bird populations and in the Hawaiian islands have been actively observed killing native birds, from endangered honeycreepers in high elevation forests to nesting migratory seabirds. They are carriers of the toxoplasmosis parasite, which has been linked to death in multiple endangered Hawaiian monk seal.  More info…

Invertebrates

Little Fire Ants

Native to the jungles of South America and introduced by way of palm trees imported from Florida in the 1990s, little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) are notorious for their painful sting. They fall on unexpecting people and animals that disturb the tree that they’re barely clinging to, and disrupt farming by stinging workers and facilitating the increase of plant pests like aphids and mealy bugs. To make things even worse, they can number in the millions. With these vast numbers, they can easily push out other species in insects, including beneficials and natives. More info…

Two Lined Spittle Bug

First found on the Big Island in 2016 and likely introduced accidentally in live plants, this tiny bug is a huge threat to our ranching industry as well as our food security. TLSB (Prosapia bicincta) has already destroyed 175,000 acres of kikuyu and pangola, grasses that support 70% of the cattle industry in Hawaii. When these grasses die, they are replaced not by native species, but by much harder to control invasive weeds like blackberry and pamakani, which can also increase propagule pressure on neighboring native forests.  More info…

Mosquito

Mosquitos (multiple species) are a vector of many human pathogens such as dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, west nile virus, and more. They breed quickly as long as there is a little bit of standing water. Besides being a pest and a danger to humans, these insects are also the reason many of Hawaii’s native birds are now extinct. More info…

Queensland Longhorn Beetle

The Queensland longhorn beetle (Acalolepta aesthetica) is a recent introduction to the Big Island that is causing big problem for farmers in the Puna and South Hilo areas. The grubs live within the tree creating galleries eating away at the inside of the tree. Not much is known about this beetle and its host list is still growing: cacao, ulu, avocado, citrus, kukui are among some of its favorite targets, along with many others. As it is not known to be a pest anywhere else in the world, very little is known about it and there are no treatments for control. More info…

Plants

Albizia (Falcataria moluccana)

Introduced in 1917 to ‘fix’ the watershed, albizia quickly became a dangerous invasive species. At 10 feet growth a year, It is the fastest-growing tree on the planet, but only in Hawaii. Albizia grown in Florida or California, or Australia will not reach the heights we experience on the islands. The giant trees produce brittle branches that easily break, directly threatening homes, cars, roadways, and the power grid. The Department of Transportation estimates that 90% of all received calls about fallen trees are for albizia. The windblown albizia are constantly creeping into our properties, sometimes from nearby lots with absentee owners. More info…

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

Fountain grass was introduced sometime before 1914 as a horticultural plant. Now it threatens the rarest forest type on Earth, the tropical dry forest. A seed packet from the 1900’s boasts, ‘Once established, this ornamental grass is maintenance-free.’ Fountain grass is an aggressive invader forming monotypic stands in the state’s driest parts, where it poses a significant fire hazard for natural and developed areas. Burning facilitates fountain grass seed germination, and the grass recovers much faster than other species after fires, creating a vicious cycle. North Kona is forever changed due to the drought-tolerant fountain grass. Mountainsides that once were covered in a diverse array of dry forest species, especially prominent was the yellow-colored hala pepe (Chrysodracon hawaiiensis) flowers, are now replaced with pure fountain grass stands. Bare lava flows are quickly colonized and dominated by fountain grass, leaving no room for native dryland species. More info…

Christmasberry (Schinus terebinthifolius) 

Introduced to Hawaii in 1911 as an ornamental tree, Christmasberry invades and dominates the island’s mesic and dry parts. Not only is it drought-tolerant, but Christmasberry also can withstand flooding conditions for up to 6 months. Birds, attracted to the bright red fruit, readily eat and disperse the copious amounts of seeds Christmasberry produces. With a densely shaded understory and allelopathic properties, monotypic stands are typical. Christmasberry is directly responsible for the low survival rates of several threatened native species. Christmasberry is a common pasture invader, degrading the quality and nutrition of grazing animals. Unripe fruits are fatal to horses, and cattle avoid the foliage.  The trunk exudes a sap that causes severe itching on bare skin, sometimes causing lesions that resemble 2nd-degree burns.  If inhaled, the chainsaw dust irritates the lungs. The flowers cause severe sneezing and allergic reactions to some. More info…

Koster’s Curse/Clidemia (Clidemia hirta)

It was first observed in Oahu growing in 1941; by 1949 is was spreading aggressively. Through muddy shoes, unwashed tools, or contaminated vehicles, people likely accidentally introduced Clidemia to the Big Island. Birds, pigs, and mongoose consume and distribute the seeds. Clidemia invades both disturbed areas and intact forests. Its invasive characteristics are astounding. It reaches reproductive maturity in 6 months, grows back vigorously after cutting, and has seeds can remain dormant for four years in the soil and are still viable. Its seed production is perhaps the most alarming. An average of 10,000,000 seeds can be found in a 1 square meter area of a clidemia thicket. Laid end to end, the tiny seeds would make a line 3.5 miles long. At peak fruiting season, clidemia produces 5,000 seeds per day. More info…

Pathogens and Disease

Rat Lung Worm

Slugs have always been an annoying garden pest. But with the introduction of the semi-slug in the late 90s, Hawaii Island experienced a rise in severe cases of Angiostrongyliasis, known as rat lungworm disease. The nematode worm that causes RLWD completes its life cycle by moving between slugs/snails and rats. But when other mammals like dogs, horses, or humans accidentally ingest an infected slug, the impacts on the body can be terrible, ranging from headaches and skin sensitivity to paralysis and even death in extreme cases. More info…

Rapid Ohia Death

Rapid ‘ohi’a death (ROD) is caused by two strains of the Ceratocystis fungi that block the cambium layer of the tree and stop the flow of water and nutrients. This blockage causes the tree to brown and die, and once the fungus has entered the tree, there is no cure. The spores of the fungus are spread by wind and by ambrosia beetles, tiny wood boring insects. ‘Ohi’a trees are a keystone species of native forests that are key for maintaining healthy watersheds, as well as an important plant in Hawaiian culture and key habitat for many native species of birds, insects, and plants.  The loss of ohi’a would be devastating to our islands. More info…

Coffee Rust 

Coffee is one of the major agricultural crops on the Big Island. This single plant generates over a million dollars every year. But in 2020, yet another threat to this beloved crop arrived in Hawaii. Coffee rust is a fungus that makes yellow-orange powdery spots on the leaves, reducing the rate of photosynthesis and the plants’ resources, therefore stunting growth and reducing berry production. This threat comes after growers have already spent the last decade fighting the coffee berry borer (CBB), a small beetle that burrows into the cherry, ruining the taste and quality of the coffee. Between these two pests coffee growers are struggling with poor yields and higher cost of production. More info on CLR… More about CBB here…

Avian Malaria/Avian Pox

Avian malaria and avian pox are two deadly diseases which have decimated Hawaii’s forest bird populations. Hawaii’s native birds evolved in isolation in their Pacific paradise, unexposed to these diseases and thus never developing resistance.  With the introduction of mosquitoes and non-native birds, these pathogens spread into our forests, and with the additional pressures of feral cats and rats, loss of habitat, and competition with non-native birds, many of Hawaii’s bird species were driven to extinction.  Of the 52 original native honeycreeper species, only 18 remain, and 6 are considered Critically Endangered.  Native birds must now live almost exclusively at high elevations above mosquito breeding areas, but as climate change increase temperatures that line is getting higher and the habitat smaller. More info…

Invasive Species Management

An invasive species is an organism that was introduced to a new area through human action (either accidentally or intentionally) AND also causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health in that area (as defined by federal law). Hawaii has half of the 100 worst invasive species in the world as identified by the IUCN, plus a whole lot more that are a particular problem for our tropical islands.  Many invasive species in Hawaii are so widespread that eradication is not possible, and they must be managed to mitigate damage as much as possible.  Others are new to the islands, and there is potential to eradicate (completely remove) them if we are able to get enough funding and resources. Some are widespread in certain areas but not others, so they may be contained with effort.  To learn more about how Hawaii is approaching the management of various invasives and working to prevent the introduction of new ones, visit the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

Filed Under: News, Slider

Covid-19 Restrictions

Posted on January 6, 2021 by Franny Brewer

Our office in Hilo is currently closed to the public. We are committed to protecting our island and all of our wonderful community from the impacts of invasive species as much as we can, and right now, it looks like that includes the viral kind!

In aligning with current recommendations, we are taking these steps to limit social interaction and prevent the spread of Covid19:

  • Our office in Hilo is currently closed to the public.
  • If you have questions or want to report something weird, don’t hesitate! Email us at biisc@hawaii.edu, FB message, call 933-3340, or text (808) 731-9232.
    • Samples of ants for identification: please mail them (frozen!) to 23 E. Kawili Street and we will try to get your to you results within a week of receipt.
    • Please DO NOT drop off insects or plant materials for ID at our office – there is no guarantee there will be anyone available to receive them and put them in refrigeration. Contact us to discuss specimen receipt.
  • LFA Community Huis/Other Invasive Species talks: We can arrange for limited public talks with strict Covid precautions (outdoor venue, all participants masked, minimum social distance). We can also offer virtual meetings for your community of any age and topic need! Just reach out and we’ll work with you to determine how to best meet your needs safely.

Please take care and follow all recommendations for social distancing and good hygiene. We look forward to seeing all of you very soon, happy, healthy, and ready to battle some invasive species when this crisis has passed. Much aloha from the BIISCuits!

Filed Under: News, Slider

Teachers: BIISC Online for You & Your Students!

Posted on January 5, 2021 by Franny Brewer

We are in awe of the fortitude, patience, and commitment required of the teachers of 2020. BIISC is committed to helping teachers provide place-based, environmental education experiences for the students of the Big Island. Whether you are in the classroom, trying to manage a “hybrid” model, or negotiating multiple platforms to bring your students the most engaging online learning experiences possible, we want to support you!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, News, Slider

Celebrating Ohi’a

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Franny Brewer

Believe it or not, 2020 has brought a little bit of good news for our native ohi’a! For the first time, researchers have shown that native ʻōhiʻa seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas that have active mortality from Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Researchers from USGS planted young trees in areas where mature trees had been heavily damaged by ROD, and at the end of the year, found that the saplings were still healthy and strong. They are continuing to monitor the plots, but this new information supports previous scientific observations that keiki ohi’a are able to sprout and thrive in ROD-impacted areas if they are not overwhelmed by invasive plants.

Plant an Ohi’a!

ohi'a mamo (yellow blossoms)It’s a great time to purchase and plant young ohi’a that you can enjoy for years to come! Be careful to plant your ohi’a where it will be protected from damage by yard equipment, away from any utility lines, and in areas absent roaming goats or cattle (which can cause bark damage that allows the fungus to enter the tree). Download our Plant Pono Ohi’a_Buyers Guide_2020 to learn where you can get your own ohi’a, or gift one to a special member of your ohana!

Ohi’a Love Fest 2020 & Rapid Ohi’a Death

In November 2020, BIISC was proud to be a partner in the Ohi’a Love Fest, an annual event that this year was held entirely online for the first time. We presented a new short video showing life behind-the-scenes with our Rapid Ohi’a Death early detection & response team. The team joined us after the showing for a live Q&A session online. Learn more about our work with ROD here.

You can view recordings of the many other great OLF workshops and sessions on the ROD Facebook page or when videos are made available on the ROD website.

 

Filed Under: Education, News, Slider

The benefits of a re-usable Christmas tree in Hawaii

Posted on November 15, 2020 by Franny Brewer

Over the last few decades, as artificial trees have improved in quality and appearance, Americans have begun moving away from fresh cut trees and investing in reusables for their holiday celebrations. Now, nearly 80% of American households that celebrate with a Christmas tree choose an artificial one. It’s not an entirely modern phenomena of course: Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the US famous for his concern for the country’s environment, was so outraged by the wanton slaughter of trees that he banned his family from engaging in the destructive behavior of cutting a tree only to watch it slowly die inside the house! Today, people are more conscious of the impacts of waste and deforestation, and the carbon costs of transporting goods over long distances.  For many households, an artificial tree makes sense. 

In Hawaii, there are additional concerns with Christmas trees sent from the mainland. Importing live plants to Hawaii is considered the highest risk pathway for invasive species introductions. Pests, like the semi slug, little fire ants, and coqui frogs, all hitched rides on live plants. Although newer protocols on Christmas tree imports have reduced the number of pests introductions resulting from this particular pathway, there is still always some risk. 

Not sure if an artificial tree is right for you?  Consider these benefits!

  • There is no need to sweep every day! No pine needles, no sap, no spilled water – artificial trees are easy to care for. 
  • Green that lasts the whole holiday season! No drooping or brown needles.
  • No “bad” side to turn to the wall: you will have a beautiful tree from every angle. 
  • Set-up and storage are a breeze. Artificial trees are made to stand straight, and it’s unlikely the tree will have fallen over while you’re out at the store. 
  • They are hypoallergenic! Children with asthma or allergies can have reactions to the heavy fragrance or mold spores that can be in live trees.  The E.R. is no place to spend the holidays! 
  • Safety: No dry tinder box of a tree and less of a chance to catch fire. 
  • You will save money over time. Artificial trees typically last ten years. A cut tree in Hawaii can cost anywhere from $50 to more than $100.  On average, an artificial tree is around $250 – it pays for itself in just a few years.
  • Missing that fragrant pine scent?  That can be resolved too: buy some pine-scented candles. Picking up a scented candle after Thanksgiving can be a new tradition! 

Holiday traditions vary by family, culture, and geographic location. One thing remains constant:  traditions are learned and passed on through generations. Some traditions stay the same, some are forgotten, and some are tweaked to suit changing needs or values. As an island state, we approach many things differently in Hawaii than on the mainland – including the winter holidays! Although the cut tree may be a familiar and treasured tradition for many, in light of the risk and costs of importing live plants, perhaps the time has come to create new traditions that protect Hawai’i and Mother Earth. 

And if you still must have a live tree, we implore you: please buy local!

Filed Under: News

Choose an ʻĀina-friendly tree for the holidays

Posted on November 15, 2020 by Franny Brewer

Fresh cut pine trees from the mainland are a popular choice for holidays, even here in tropical Hawai’i – but imported live trees pose a serious risk to our islands. In past years (and even in 2020), snakes, wasps, and slugs have been  found in shipments of Christmas trees and other foliage used for holiday decorating.  A 2015 USDA study found that importation of live plant materials is the highest risk pathway for introduction of new pests and diseases to Hawaii. Pests that have come in recently, such as little fire ant, coqui frog, semi-slug, and more, were all introduced accidentally on imported plant material.

But, that could be good news for local folks who want to get into the Christmas tree-growing business. According to Hawaii-grown Christmas Tree Market Potential, a study funded by the DLNR and the US Forest Service, “In 2012 it was estimated that the total number of Christmas Trees sold in Hawai‘i was in excess of 190,000. Of these, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture estimates that 183,000 Christmas trees (96%) were imported.”

Dr. Sam Ohu Gon of The Nature Conservancy explains in the video below:

We don’t have to put our islands at risk to celebrate the holidays! There are sustainable alternatives here on the Big Island. Local tree growers sell out quickly due to high demand, but consider a “tropical tree” to make your Hawaiian holidays special. Our local nurseries can suggest many great possibilities for you and your family to enjoy.

1. Buy an island-grown tree from a local tree farm. (Know of additional growers?  Please contact us so we can add them to the list!)

 

 

 

North Hilo/Hamakua

Hamakua Christmas Tree Forest
32 Piha-Kahuku Road, Ninole 305-609-6949

 

 

Kailua-Kona
(near Donkey Mill Art Center)
(808) 324-4609, call for directions
Norfolk Pines

South Hilo/Puna

Hooluana Tree Farm

(SOLD OUT)
N. Peck Rd., Mt. View
(808) 333-0676
Leyland Cypress Trees

Gnome’s Grove
Selling Norfolk pines at craft fairs and through the East Hawaii Farm-to-Car program.  Email for info about upcoming locations of sales: gnomesgrove@gmail.com.

 

2. Call your local nursery and ask for locally grown alternatives.

Norfolk, Cook, and Monterey pines are all grown on the island, and can even be purchased in a pot to be used year after year before finally planting in your backyard.  Araucarias, a “tropical” pine,  grow well below 4000 feet. Cypress are a great substitute for pines, and won’t drop tons of needles!  There are many options available that won’t contribute to the importation of live plants.

3. Purchase an artificial tree

Artificial trees that can be used year after year, saving money for you while keeping the islands safe from invading pests. Learn more about the benefits of artificial trees. 

Have some land and a love of plants?  Consider growing Christmas Trees!

Are you a farmer or rancher looking to diversify a bit of your property and tap into a growing market with high demand? Our local tree growers sell out every season, and with this product, your customers will be all smiles! Check out this market analysis from DLNR on growing Christmas trees, and learn more about the research on tree species and growing from the Aina Mauna project at the Hawaii Forest Industry Association and the update from Dec 2019.

Let’s support local businesses and keep the holidays pest-free for Hawai’i!

 

Filed Under: News

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