Serena Fukushima — Page 4 — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Press Release: New invasive little fire ant population discovered in Huelo

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 3, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: New invasive little fire ant population discovered in Huelo
Contact: Serena Fukushima, Public Relations and Educational Specialist
Maui Invasive Species Committee
PH: (808) 344-2756
Email: miscpr@hawaii.edu

In early May, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) received a voicemail from a husband and wife describing stinging ants encountered on the property where they live in Huelo. They explained that tenants on the property doing yardwork experienced stings on their torsos by tiny ants. MISC and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture surveyed the property and positively identified little fire ants (LFA). The MISC little fire ant team thoroughly mapped the infestation and treatments have already begun. MISC is working with the landowner and tenants on determining where the source of this new little fire ant infestation came from. Despite the proximity of this site to another infestation in Huelo, these sites do not appear to be related.

“If the community continues to be our eyes and ears by reporting suspect ants, we can stop the little fire ant from becoming established on Maui,” says Adam Radford, Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee. “reporting is critical to finding these invasive ant populations and eliminating them, so getting into the habit of contacting MISC when you get stung by a suspect ant is a great way to protect our island from these invasive species. If you get a sting, give us a ring!”

Community efforts have led to the detection of 12 of 18 known infestations of little fire ants on Maui. Once detected, each infestation is treated for approximately one year, then monitored. There are only six sites, including this one, where little ants are still present and under active control.

On Maui, funding from the County of Maui and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supports little fire ant control efforts. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspects incoming plant material for invasive pests, preventing additional infestations, and assists MISC with survey and control efforts.

Little fire ants have become widespread on Hawaii Island. Animals often leave the areas where ants are established, as do hikers, farmers, and hunters. When little fire ants invade yards and homes, pets can be blinded, and residents choose to move.

Community efforts are essential to keeping invasive ants from becoming widespread. MISC recommends collecting ants in your yard for identification at least once per year, and every time new materials such as mulch or nursery plants are purchased. It only takes a few minutes to test for LFA:

Smear a tiny bit of peanut butter (or mayonnaise if peanut allergies are a concern) on several thin strips of cardboard, and place them in shady places in your yard. After 45 minutes, collect the samples with ants, place them in a plastic bag labeled with your name, address, and contact information, and freeze for 24 hours to kill the ants. Mail them to your local Invasive Species Committee. On Maui, please send them to MISC, P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768.

Visit stoptheant.org to find out more information on collecting ant samples and the status of LFA on Maui and throughout the state. Contact MISC with concerns, questions, or reports at 808-573-6472 or miscants@hawaii.edu. Reports can also be submitted through 643PEST.org.

Protecting Māmaki From Invasive Species

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

The Kamehameha butterfly, the state insect of Hawaiʻi, is found nowhere else in the world and neither is the plant that feeds and supports the caterpillars as they develop into adults. Māmaki is the main host for this native butterfly, and supports other rare forest inhabitants such as the udea moth, happy-faced spider, and various species of Hawaiian tree snails. Māmaki is also an important food source for the endangered ʻalalā (Hawaiian crow).

A member of the nettle family (Urticaceae), māmaki lacks the stinging hairs of its continental cousins. Māmaki tea is revered as a general health tonic and has become a popular local product. Traditionally, Hawaiians have many uses for māmaki. The wood is used to make clubs and kapa beaters (iʻe kuku), and the inner bark is beaten to make a fine quality kapa. The fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark are used medicinally during pregnancy, for healing sores and wounds, as a mild laxative, and more.

Māmaki is important to a variety of native species such as the udea moth, happy-faced spider, Hawaiian tree snails, ʻalalā (Hawaiian crow), and Hawai’i’s state insect, the Kamehameha butterfly. Humans also use it for cultural, medicinal, and commercial purposes. Photo by Rick Barboza.

Māmakiʻs importance to native animals and Hawaiian culture is undeniable, so when a host of invasive species targeting it began to appear, conservationists, cultural practitioners, and community members sounded the alarm. You can help. Here are three invasive species that are threatening māmaki:

Ramie Moth
Originally discovered in 2018 in Olowalu Valley, the ramie moth’s presence on Maui (and now Hawaiʻi Island) represent the first record of this species in the United States. The larvae can grow up to ten centimeters in length are a vibrant yellow and black with bright orange-red spots, a black head, and thin white hairs. They may be seen feeding on a māmaki plant next to the larvae of the native Kamehameha butterfly, which do not have bright red spots on their side and possess thick, short spines on their bodies as opposed to the thin, long white hair of ramie moth larvae. Unlike the Kamehameha butterfly larvae, ramie moth larvae are aggressive, and if threatened, will rear up their head, thrash around, and even hiss and spit. If left unmanaged, ramie moth larvae will completely strip māmaki leaves, leaving only the thick veins of the plant behind. Ramie moths and their larvae have been observed in forests, residential areas, and are now being observed in commercial māmaki farms.

Māmaki Rust
Māmaki rust (Pucciniastrum boehmeriae) was first discovered on Hawaiʻi Island in 2013. The rust attacks māmaki and other members of the Urticaceae family by causing the leaves to drop early. Since the initial discovery, surveys at nurseries and botanical gardens throughout the state found no other cases, however, the rust is widespread in the Waiʻanae mountains and especially affects ōpuhe, another member of the native nettle family. At this time, māmaki rust has not been found on Maui and cases should be reported if encountered.

Polyphagous Shothole Borer
This tiny beetle is a little more than half the length of a grain of rice and has a reciprocol relationship with a fungus that it carries on its body. The polyphagous shot hole borer, or PSHB, damages māmaki by boring tunnels into the plant’s bark to farm its fungus food source. Although known to frequent over 30 other plant species, in Hawaiʻi, PSHB seems to prefer māmaki and ōpuhe, both members of the nettle family. Although little is still known about this beetle, it seems to prefer mamaki that are injured, reducing the plants chance of recovery by attacking it. Only documented on Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu, PSHB are difficult to spot and capture, but can be detected by the sawdust like frass it leaves at the base of the tree or the tubes outside of its tunnels. They sometimes come out of their tunnels in the afternoon and, if spotted, should be quickly captured for identification.

Report these invasive pests to www.643pest.org if you spot them on māmaki! (L-R) Ramie moth larvae (Photo:HDOA), māmaki rust on an endemic ōpuhe in the Waiʻanae mountains (Photo: K.Magnacca), and polyphagous shot hole borer (Photo: K.Magnacca).

With the eyes and ears of our community, we can all protect Hawaiʻi from invasive species. Kilo (observe) the māmaki plants you frequent, whether they are in your backyard or along a favorite hiking trail, and report any suspicious pests to www.643pest.org.

Serena Fukushima is the Public Relations and Education Specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kiaʻi Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on May 8, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Celebrating Native Hawaiian Plant Month

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Hawaiʻi is the most isolated landmass on the planet. Because of this, plants and animals that arrived here millions of years ago have made extraordinary evolutionary adaptations, resulting in unique native species found nowhere else in the world. One example is the relationship between Hawaiian lobelia plant species with native forest birds like the ʻiʻiwi. The plant and bird evolved together – the tubular shape of the plant’s flowers perfectly matches the curvature of the bird’s bill, providing food for the ʻiʻiwi and pollination for the lobelia. There are many examples of these specific connections in a native forest, all of which are important in sustaining a healthy watershed.

Hawaiʻi’s native plants play a significant role in Hawaiian culture. Native plants were, and still are, profoundly understood by kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) and used in everything from medicine, dyes, clothing, canoes, lei, weaponry, in religious ceremonies, as hula implements, honored as ʻaumākua (deified ancestors), and more. Many native plants are also considered kinolau, which translates to “many bodies,” and can refer to the physical manifestations that the over 400,000 Hawaiian deities assume in them.

An adult ʻiʻiwi feeds on a Lobelia grayana in Waikamoi Preserve. These native plants and birds evolved together, increasing the survival success of both species- the tubular shape of the plant’s flowers perfectly matches the curvature of the bird’s bill, providing food for the ʻiʻiwi and pollination for the lobelia. Photo by Forest and Kim Starr

Unfortunately, our native plants are in peril, primarily from invasive species and habitat loss. Hawaiʻi bears the designation as the endangered species capital of the world. Although we make up less than one percent of the continental U.S. landmass, we contain 44 percent of the nation’s endangered and threatened plant species. As of last year, 366 native plants have been listed as “endangered” or “threatened,” and an additional 48 species are being proposed as now endangered. Over 100 plant species are listed as extinct, many more are most likely gone.

Recognizing the importance and urgency to support the work being done to protect endangered and threatened native plants, Governor David Ige proclaimed in February 2020 that April is “Native Hawaiian Plant Month.”

This proclamation recognizes the need to draw attention to “the work that Native Hawaiians, scientists, conservation organizations, government officials and the public do every day to conserve, educate and celebrate these special plant species,” along with bringing awareness to Native Hawaiian Culture and the importance of Hawaiʻi’s unique environment.

Native Hawaiian Plant Month also includes ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Day on April 25. This proclamation was made to raise awareness of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), encourage the public to report potentially infected trees, and support the research, prevention methods, and seed banking efforts currently being conducted to protect this critical species. Although ROD is not present on Maui, the public is encouraged to report suspect trees (trees that quickly turn brown within a few days to weeks) to www.643pest.org.

With increased access to both common and rare Native Hawaiian plants through local botanical gardens, nurseries, and stores, many people are now making lei that may not have been woven for decades. Lipoa Kahaleuahi painstakingly gathered and sewed this lei Hōʻawa, remarking that the only other time she has seen this type of lei was from a photo in a museum. Photo by Mike Opgenorth.

There are many ways to celebrate Native Hawaiian Plant month – this month and all year round! Here is a list of three ways you can get involved and celebrate native plants on Maui:

1) Visit the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens: This botanical garden in the heart of Kahului is home to an impressive collection of native and Polynesian introduced plants. You can take a stroll through the gardens to learn about these plant species, attend an in-person or virtual workshop, volunteer with their weekly Weed & Pot club, and take home your very own native plant through their weekly giveaways and plant sales! Admission is free for residents with state I.D Find out more at www.mnbg.org and on their social media platforms at @mauinuibg.

2) Volunteer in native plant restoration efforts: Although many volunteer opportunities are on pause right now, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust still hosts weekly workdays at the Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetland Refuge to remove invasive plant species and replant native plant species to restore this coastal ecosystem. Workdays occur every Friday and follow strict physical distancing and safety protocols. Visit https://www.hilt.org/ to learn more and participate.

3) Plant native: The diversity of native Hawaiian plants can allow you to bring them home to plant in your yard or keep in a pot. Here are some places where you can purchase a native plant on Maui: Native Nursery, Hoʻolawa Farms, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on April 10, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Two-lined spittlebug: A threat to Hawaiʻi’s ranches, watersheds

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In 2016, a rancher on Hawaiʻi Island saw a large swath of his green pastures quickly turn brown. Surveys revealed a new invasive pest and even more damage: the two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) had already decimated 2,000 acres of his land in the Kona area. Over the last four years, the infestation has expanded across 175,000 acres of rangeland – an area nearly half the size of Oʻahu.

At this rate, the voracious bug is consuming 35,000 acres of pasture land each year. Maui ranchers are worried that the two-lined spittlebug will make it to our island and damage pastures here.

Adult two-lined spittle bugs are aptly names for the two bright orange lines on the adultʻs black wings. These tiny pests are causing a huge impact on Hawaiʻi Island ranchlands, consuming 35,000 acres of pastureland each year.

Native to the Eastern United States, the two-lined spittlebug is a recognized pest of pastures and turfgrass in North America and elsewhere in the world. Aptly named for the two bright orange lines on the adult’s black wings, the “spittle” part comes from the white frothy mass that young nymphs make by blowing bubbles out of their abdomen, creating a camouflage defense from predators. Mature two-lined spittlebugs have a deep red head, abdomen, and legs. Nearly a half-inch long, they are highly active, able to jump almost three inches high. The crop damage comes from the bug’s feeding habits. Spittlebugs are sap suckers – feeding primarily on grasses. The saliva of adults contains an enzyme that interferes with photosynthesis and can even kill grasses at the root.

Kikuyu is the dominant pasture grass in the state; about 70% of livestock production relies on this protein-rich food source. Even if this invader doesn’t kill the grass, it can reduce the overall nutritional value and palatability of kikuyu. Kikuyu grass benefits more than just cattle, helping to curb erosion of our watersheds and reduce coastal runoff. Jordan Jokiel, Vice President and Land Manager of Haleakalā Ranch says, “Even though it is not native, kikuyu is a great ally to conservation efforts and key in land stewardship. From grazing, to silviculture, to native reforestation efforts, kikuyu keeps down ecosystem altering weeds, not only in pastures but remnant native forests as well.” When kikuyu and other pasture grasses are weakened or reduced, invasive and cattle-toxic weeds such as blackberry, gorse, crofton weed, and fireweed can move in.

The saliva of the two-lined spittlebug contains an enzyme that kills grasses at the root. Since its discovery in 2016, it has destroyed more than 175,000 acres of rangeland on Hawaii island. When pasture grasses are weakened or reduced, invasive weeds can move in. — CTAHR photo

The crippling effects the two-lined spittlebug could have on the state’s $45 million-a-year cattle industry is a significant impact. It would also hinder efforts to increase food security by raising more meat locally. Although not yet on Maui, the fast-paced movement of this pest poses a serious threat. William Jacintho, a fourth-generation rancher and President of the Maui Cattlemen’s Association, says,

The potential impact of the spittlebug on Maui would be huge. With the rate of how it spreads, we’re like sitting targets, not knowing if or when it will hit.”

Prevention and early detection activities are key to stopping this pest from reaching Maui or finding it early when it can still be controlled. To help stop its spread on Hawaiʻi Island and prevent it from becoming established on other islands, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council, and the University of Hawaiʻi Extension Service established a working group for research and outreach. Franny Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee Public Relations Specialist, urges the public, “Monitor your lawns and pasture areas and report large patches of dead grass that can’t be explained by environmental factors.” Brewer also encourages people to learn what the two-lined spittlebug looks like. “If you see one, trap it, and report it to 643-PEST immediately.” Jacintho also emphasizes good cleaning protocols to prevent inadvertent spread of the bug. “If you are in any pasture, make sure you clean your boots, equipment, and check your cars and bags. If you don’t have a reason to visit a pasture known to have the spittlebug, don’t go.”

The two-lined spittlebug is a new invasive pest threatening Hawaii’s pasture lands and cattle industry. The top image displays the prominent bright orange lines on the adults’ wings, while the bottom is a spittle mass formed by juvenile bugs for camouflage. If you find a two-lined spittlebug, trap it and call 643-PEST immediately. — CTAHR photo

Many new invasive pest species are reported by the public. We rely on the eyes and ears of our community to ensure the protection of our island home. For more information about this pest, visit: Spittle Bug Alert

Serena Fukushima is the public relations and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Kia’i Moku, Guarding the Island” is written by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that threaten our islands’ environment, economy and quality of life.

This article was originally published in the Maui News on January 9, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Don’t Let Hawaii Get Skunked: Preventing A Smelly Invader

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

Hawaiʻi is the only state in the U.S. that is rabies-free. State law requires that dogs, cats and carnivores complete a quarantine before entering our islands to ensure that they don’t bring in this deadly virus. However, the process of keeping our rabies-free status has started to get a little smelly with the appearance of several recent hitchhikers.

Over the last three years, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) Inspectors successfully captured four skunks near the harbors and airports in Honolulu and Kahului. And citizens have reported other sightings: In May 2020, someone submitted a video to a social media site showing a skunk in Polipoli. At the end of January of this year, a skunk was filmed near the Costco Maui gas station. In both instances, HDOA PQB Inspectors immediately searched the surrounding areas, deployed traps, and conducted outreach to businesses and the general public, but have not caught anything to date.

Using a can of tuna and a cat trap from the Maui Humane Society, workers captured a skunk that was spotted at Kahului Harbor in Decembe 2020r. — The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

There are no skunks in Hawaiʻi, outside what’s permitted to live at the zoo. Skunks are among the leading wild carriers of the rabies virus (other significant carriers are bats, raccoons, and foxes). This viral disease is transmitted through an animal’s bite, infecting mammal’s central nervous systems and ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. Vaccinations protect pets and domestic animals in the continental U.S., however, there are still cases of pet and human exposures. Each year in the U.S., hundreds of thousands of animals need to be placed under observation or tested for rabies, and between 30,000 to 60,000 people need to receive rabies post-exposure treatment.
In the continental U.S., skunks live in diverse desert, forest, and mountain ecosystems. They prefer open spaces to forage and are primarily nocturnal. Skunks are typically the size of a cat, and are famous for their foul-smelling defense mechanism to deter predators: well-developed scent glands and coordinated muscle control let them accurately aim their spray up to six feet away.

Although it is unknown how skunks snuck into Hawaiʻi, Fern Duvall, Native Ecosystems Protection and Management Maui Nui Program Manager of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, suspects that it’s all about location. “Since skunks prefer open spaces, they could be foraging around loading areas near shipping containers”, Duvall explains, “Since they’re nocturnal, they could seek shelter in a dark container and when the sun starts to rise, accidentally get locked in.” Duvall also mentions the danger of proximity of Maui feral cat colonies to points of entry if skunks were to get loose,

“Skunks could seek food at feral cat feeding stations nearby the harbor and Kanahā Wildlife Refuge. If a rabid skunk were to bite a feral cat, it would spread quickly, creating a serious health crisis for pets and humans alike.”

A rabid skunk could impact native wildlife as well. Hawaiʻi’s only two native land mammals are the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and Hawaiian Monk Seal. Since all mammals are susceptible to the rabies virus, this deadly disease can be transmitted to these species by a rabid animal. Even if not carrying the rabies virus, skunks could eat the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting native birds, some of which are endangered and found nowhere else in the world.

Officials continue to rely on the public to be the eyes and ears of our communities to report unusual animals such as skunks. Maui HDOA Master Journeyman Inspector, Marshall Loope, encourages the public to immediately report any skunk sightings. “If you think you see a skunk, please note an exact, detailed location of where you saw it. If it left any tracks in dirt or sand, take photos of that as well.” Loope cautions the public not to approach a skunk if sighted, “HDOA officials have extensive training and wear personal protective equipment when trapping or encountering any wild animal. If you see a skunk, do not approach or try to capture it. Instead, take a photo or video from a safe distance and report immediately.” If you see a skunk, or any unusual new pest, please report it to the Maui HDOA office by calling (808) 872-3848, going online to www.643pest.org, or calling (808) 643-PEST (7378).

This article was originally published in the Maui News on March 13, 2021 as part of the Kia‘i Moku Column from the Maui Invasive Species Committee.

Press Release: New invasive little fire ant population discovered in Huelo

Protecting Māmaki From Invasive Species

Celebrating Native Hawaiian Plant Month

Two-lined spittlebug: A threat to Hawaiʻi’s ranches, watersheds

Don’t Let Hawaii Get Skunked: Preventing A Smelly Invader

Get Involved

Contact Us