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Geographic Perspectives - Pacific Basin

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  • Featured Projects Hawaii Early Detection Network [ Mon Mar 30 21:42:10 EST 2009 ]
    (External)

    Hawaii Early Detection Network

    The Hawaii Early Detection Network supports the search for new invasive plants and animals, to help prevent pests before they become established.
    (External) Visit the Hawaii ED Network web pages.


    Snake Sighting Database [ Mon Mar 30 21:46:26 EST 2009 ]
    (External)

    Snake Sighting Database Screenbgrab

    This database was developed for the USGS Brown Tree Snake Rapid Response Team to serve as a permanent repository for Pacific Islands snake sightings data.
    (External) Visit the Snake Sighting Database.


    Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Hawaii [ Mon Mar 30 21:43:43 EST 2009 ]
    (External)

    Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS)

    The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) information resource allows you to search for a list of species found in Hawaii. From the list you can get fact sheets , maps and collection information.
    (External) Search the NAS- Hawaii interface.


    Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project [ Mon Mar 30 21:40:57 EST 2009 ]

    Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project

    The HEAR project website has technology, methods and information to help support effective science-based management of harmful non-native species in Hawaii and the Pacific.
    Visit the HEAR website.





    The Invasive Species Problem
    in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin

    Neontonia wightii in Ulupalakua, HI
    Neontonia wightii smothering vegetation in Ulupalakua, Maui. Image: Forest and Kim Starr (Public Domain)

    The silent invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people. Pests already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease. But many more harmful pests now threaten to invade Hawaii and wreak further damage. Even one new pest, like the (External) brown tree snake , could forever change the character of our islands. Stopping the influx of new pests and containing their spread is essential to Hawaii's future well-being.

    Despite the efforts of more than 20 state, federal, and private agencies, unwanted alien pests are entering Hawaii at an alarming rate - about 2 million times more rapid than the natural rate. In 1993, the federal Office of Technology Assessment declared Hawaii's alien pest species problem the worst in the nation. Hawaii's evolutionary isolation from the continents, and its modern role as the commercial hub of the Pacific make these islands particularly vulnerable to destruction by alien pests. Gaps in current pest prevention systems and a lack of public awareness add further to this serious problem.

    (Text courtesy of (External) CGAPS )



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