643PEST — Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

Keep an eye out for invasive parakeet

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Serena Fukushima

In July 2021, a Kīhei resident reported a strange-looking bird near their condo to the State-wide online pest reporting system, 643PEST.org. The concerned citizen knew that was not the rosy-faced lovebird, which is already established on Maui. The next day, a Nāpili resident reported an oversized visitor at their bird feeder. Both reports described lime-green parrot-like birds that were loud – really loud! These citizen reports led to the detection of a small band of rose-ringed parakeets, a species known to be invasive throughout the world.

Rose-ringed parakeets were recently observed at a bird feeder in Napili. These invasive species are not established on Maui and can cause harm to the agriculture industry, native ecosystem, and public health. Report RRP sightings to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST. Photo: Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

Parakeets are members of the parrot family, absent from the native fauna in Hawaiʻi. They are one of the most popular bird species in pet trade globally and are transported from their native ranges of Africa and Asia. With the ability to survive a range of climates, rose-ringed parakeets have established wild breeding populations in over 40 countries throughout the globe- ultimately making them one of the most invasive birds species in the world. In the United States, the largest and most problematic population of rose-ringed parakeets roost in Hawaiʻi, resulting in the State of Hawai‘i deeming it illegal to import them as pets.

It is unclear when rose-ringed parakeets arrived in Hawaiʻi. Escaped pet birds have been reported in the wild on Oʻahu since the 1930s, with about 4,700 birds present to date. Reports of rose-ringed parakeets have occurred since the 1980s in locations throughout Hawaiʻi Island; however, not much is known about their current population and distribution. The largest and most problematic population of rose-ringed parakeets are found on Kauaʻi. Recent estimates have the population over 10,000 and counting.

Rose-ringed Parakeets can be identified by their long tails (about the same length as their lime green bodies), red beaks, and loud call. Mature male parakeets have a black or rose-colored ring around their cheeks. Report RRP sightings to www.643pest.org or call (808) 643-PEST. Photo: Bishop Museum.

Released in the wild near Lāwaʻi in the 1960s, they have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to date on fruit and grain crops grown on Kauaʻi. Highly intelligent, wild flocks of rose-ringed parakeets will send scouts to deem if a location is safe, and if so, the movable feast begins like a hoard of tourists on a cruise ship buffet line. Flocks of birds will descend onto fruit trees and strip them bare. What’s left of the harvest may be covered in excrement and no longer viable for sale- bad news for small, local farmers already on tight margins.

It’s not just their appetite that makes them problematic. Their loud, high-pitched calls have been described as “deafening” when roosting at sunset, and the noise is not much better again at sunrise. Large congregations of birds also mean large piles of excrement- often on cars parked under trees. One hotel has even resorted to installing its own car wash to help clean up the nightly mess. The vast volume of feces can also become a potential human health hazard and encourages other invasive species like mice and rodents in the area. The Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, partnered with the Rose-ringed Parakeet Working Group, leads the research to determine the best way to manage these invasive pests.

Currently only found in lowland environments near humans, there is a growing concern on what effects they may cause if they reach upland native ecosystems. Potential impacts could be eating native plant seeds and damaging trees, spreading diseases such as avian pox to native forest birds, and impacting Hawaiʻi’s unique biodiversity, thus threatening our watersheds and cultural connections to some of the world’s most unique and threatened ecosystems.

Rose-ringed Parakeets may look similar to wild love birds, which are species already established on Maui, but there are some key physical differences that help to tell them apart.

Back on Maui, the rose-ringed parakeet found in Kīhei was captured; however, at the time of this publication, at least four more birds remain at large in West Maui. An interagency effort between the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project has been working to locate and capture these remaining birds to prevent them from becoming established on Maui.

The Maui community can help protect our island’s environment, agriculture, and quality of life by reporting rose-ringed parakeet sightings to www.643pest.org or calling (808) 643-PEST.

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 Hawaiʻi 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 August 9, 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.

Keep an eye out for invasive parakeet

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

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

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