National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring U.S. Department of the Interior Pacific Island Network

N ISLA D NE IC TW IF O C R A K Pacific Island Network P Quarterly N P g S rin Inv ito entory & Mon

Innocent Until Proven Guppy pg. 7

HOT TOPIC Koa-munching moth outbreak pg. 3

Field Asan River ...6 Kalaupapa Damsels Schedule & National Historical Guppies in Guam in Contacts ...2 Park Corals Streams May Be Distress ...8 Koa Moths ...3 Brief ...4-5 Big Trouble ...7

Newsletter of the Pacific Island Network April – June 2013, issue no. 32 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Field Schedule Pacific Island Network P.O. Box 52 July August Sept. HOTKoa-munching TOPIC moth outbreak 1 Crater Rim Drive - Qtrs 22 Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718 Anchialine HAVO (pilot) in Hawai'i Volcanoes NP monitoring Over the past few months, koa of koa looper moths Invasive NPSA NPSA, HAVO NPSA, HAVO The National Park Service (NPS) has imple- plants (Acacia koa) forests on the Big may be visible along mented natural resource inventory and monitor- the upper section of Vegetation Island of Hawaii, including ing on a servicewide basis to ensure all park NPSA NPSA NPSA units possess the resource information needed communities those at upper elevations within Mauna Loa Road. for effective, science-based management, Water the Mauna Loa Strip section Where these decision-making, and resource protection. HALE NPSA, KALA quality of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National moths go Stream Park (HAVO), have experienced and whether HALE NPSA, KALA Program Manager: animals a dramatic outbreak of the koa or not they Greg Kudray 808-985-6183 looper (Scotorythra paludicola). start a new Ground water This native caterpillar feeds almost outbreak Pacific Island Network Staff: exclusively on koa foliage. While is unclear. Benthic WAPA Alison Ainsworth 808-985-6180 marine this event is not unique, it is a There is still much koa Rain before the clouds - "While conducting vegetation Anne Farahi 808-985-6181 relatively rare phenomenon, having foliage at lower elevations fieldwork in the Mauna Loa Strip, one week it seemed Scott Kichman 808-985-6184 Marine like it was raining caterpillars. The next week we walked Kelly Kozar 808-985-6186 WAPA been documented only 12 times in within the park (e.g., near fish through clouds of moths." –M. Simon, NPS Sylvester Lee 808-567-6802 the past 120 years. The total area Kīpukapuaulu, around (x1510) KALA Vegetation HAVO, HALE HAVO HAVO affected by the outbreak has not Sheila McKenna 808-985-6188 mapping Kīlauea Crater, and along Chain of koa in HAVO is real, as tree death Justin Mills 671-477-7278 been determined, but nearly all Craters Road) that could support a (x1012) WAPA Climate would change the forests and affect All Parks ------large stands of koa on the island, second wave of infestation. Cory Nash 808-985-6185 (on-going) ecosystem processes, the large Eliseo Queja 808-985-6189 ranging from windward Mauna Kea number of caterpillars during an David Raikow 808-985-6325 to the southern flanks of Mauna Under normal conditions, the koa Melissa Simon 808-985-6187 outbreak likely influences forest Visa Vaivai 684-699-3982 Loa to the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa region looper is just one of several species communities in less obvious ways. NPSA WWII Valor in the Pacific of Hualālai, have been impacted to of Scotorythra that can be found Roxanne Zirkle 808-985-6182 National Monument, O’ahu some extent. In many areas, massive feeding on koa foliage. It is one of In some ways, caterpillar CESU Cooperator: (VALR) Kalaupapa NHP, caterpillar feeding has resulted in the smaller Scotorythra species and Meagan Selvig 808-985-6320 outbreaks may even be beneficial. Moloka’i (KALA) complete defoliation of the trees. generally goes unnoticed, consuming Kathryn Akamine 808-985-6320 For example, it is known that Haleakalä N P, This outbreak appears to represent only a small percentage of foliage. caterpillars are important food Steering Committee Members Maui (HALE) the largest ever recorded in Hawaii. Why does the koa looper experience ALKA – Aric Arakaki for birds, particularly during the occasional outbreaks? No one HALE – Matt Brown PACIFIC OCEAN nesting season (which is generally HAVO – Rhonda Loh Within HAVO, the outbreak has knows for sure, but it may be due to a KAHO – Sallie Beavers concurrent with the outbreaks). KALA – Paul Hosten Pu’ukoholä Heiau NHS been most evident along Mauna Loa relaxation in predation or pathogen Hawai’i (PUHE) Caterpillar levels not seen for NPSA – Sean Eagan Road, particularly between about pressure, a decrease in chemical decades such as we are experiencing PUHE – Sallie Beavers/Daniel Kawaiaea Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP the 1,500 and 2,000 m elevation. defenses within koa foliage, favorable PUHO – Adam Johnson Hawai’i (KAHO) right now, may result in higher VALR – Eric Brown Starting in early May 2013, climatic conditions, or some other nesting success for native species WAPA / AMME – Mike Gawel Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP, American caterpillars could easily be observed factor. And while it is unknown Hawai’i (PUHO) such as the Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi, Memorial Park, feeding on the "leaves" (phyllodes) what initiates the outbreak, it is also ʻapapane and ʻelepaio. Comments? Write to: Saipan (AMME) Ala Kahakai NHT, Hawai’i Voicanoes NP, of nearly every koa inspected unknown what causes it to stop. Cory Nash, Editor Hawai’i (ALKA) Hawai’i (HAVO) in that area, particularly trees Pacific Island Network Quarterly The full extent of the outbreak will P.O. Box 52 that were producing new, highly Observations from previous not be known for many months, Hawai'i National Park, HI 96718 palatable foliage at that time. As of outbreaks suggest that the mortality Email: [email protected] but it is clear that HAVO, like much http://science.nature.nps.gov/ War in the Pacific NHP, the middle of June, the caterpillars of healthy koa following defoliation of the Big Island, is experiencing a im/units/pacn/ Guam (WAPA) largely finished feeding and most is very low, although death rates spectacular natural phenomenon appeared to be in the pupal stage as high as 33% have been found in NOTE: Unless indicated all photos and articles are NPS. National Park of involving an often overlooked native American Samoa (NPSA) (transforming into moths), or in areas where trees were stressed prior insect and its more famous host Contributers: A. Farahi, D. Raikow, C. Nash, R. Peck, M. some instances had already emerged to the outbreak. Simon, E. Brown plant. and were seen flying in the area. –Robert Peck, HCSU, UH-Hilo Pacific Island Network Within a week or two, huge numbers While concern for the health of (park units in red, not to scale) Entomologist

2 Pacific Island Network Quarterly Pacific Island Network Quarterly 3 National Park Service Pacific Island Network Monitoring Brief U.S. Department of the Interior

Benthic Marine (Seafloor) Update at OBSERVATIONS & TRENDS Kalaupapa National Historical Park • Average coral cover remained relatively stable at 9%. Transects with the most coral were located near the northern tip of the peninsula, while the lowest coral cover values were concentrated near the eastern and Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA) is located in Hawaiʻi on the north shore of the island of Molokaʻi. western boundaries of the park. Found within KALA's nearly 2,000 acres of nearshore marine waters are a variety of submerged marine resources, species, and habitats. The typical marine habitat is highlighted by large boulders and coral reefs. Coral reefs provide • Coral species diversity remained stable. The total number of unique coral species was 22, with an average of over habitat for thousands of organisms. A growing and reproductively active reef is a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem four species per transect. and upland water system.

METHODS & MEASUREMENTS

Divers annually monitor coral reefs by recording the abundance of coral and other bottom dwelling species through photographic interpretation (pictures of the seafloor taken every meter to detect plant and animal species, disease, and bleaching), rugosity chains, and coral settlement arrays.

From 2006-2010, a total of 150 twenty-five meter transects (the sampling unit) were surveyed, with 30 transects surveyed annually. Fifteen transects were randomly established at the onset in 2006 as permanent transects and subsequently surveyed on an annual basis. The remaining 15 temporary transects were randomly selected each year and surveyed only in that year.

The benthic monitoring program at KALA consists of Seafloor survey results, 2006 - 2010 four components obtained through SCUBA surveys: Boulder habitat typical of a survey tran- sect at Kalaupapa NHP 1. The 25 photographs taken along each transect are analyzed to assess • Coralline algae was relatively unchanged from 2006 to 2010, and averaged 4%. Transects with the highest long-term changes in the percent cover (how much of the seafloor is amount of coralline algae were near the northeastern tip of the peninsula. covered in corals, algae, or invertebrates). Changes may indicate certain environmental stressors or drivers. For example, an increase in algae • Turf algae decreased from 76% in 2006 to 60% in 2008, and then increased to 64% by 2010. has been associated with increased nutrient levels or a reduction in the number of herbivorous invertebrates or fishes. • Macroalgae cover was slightly higher near the eastern and western boundaries of the park below the cliffs. Average macroalgae cover increased from 8% in 2006 to 26% in 2008, and then to 22% in 2010. This trend, 2. Also assessed from the photographs is the incidence of coral disease and however, is not significant. bleaching. Physical water conditions (e.g., temperature) often correlated with disease or bleaching are monitored through other Vital Signs. • The percentage of photoquadrats showing signs of disease or bleaching was generally low and ranged from 25 photographs of the seafloor are taken along each transect 0.3% in 2007 to a high of 4% in 2010, with an overall average of 1.3%. The increase in coral disease/bleaching 3. Rugosity is a measure of structural complexity of the seafloor(bumpiness was statistically significant across years. Transects with the highest incidence of disease/bleaching were located or topography of the seafloor). Changes in rugosity may indicate large around the northern end of the peninsula and at one site on the western boundary of the park. scale changes in community structure, composition, function, and condition. Research has established a strong link between rugosity and • Rugosity was generally higher along the northeastern edge of the peninsula and less below the cliffs. The survey the abundance of fishes and mobile invertebrates. data indicated no ecologically relevant change in relief.

4. Coral reef populations must successfully reproduce and recruit to • Coral settlement rates were not statistically different among years.Porites sp. were the most common larvae persist. The failure of juveniles to recruit can result in relatively rapid identified, followed by Montipora sp. and Pocillopora sp.. Coral larvae settlement was the highest near the degradation of the coral reef ecosystem. Coral settlement rates of coral northern tip of the peninsula, and lowest near the eastern and western boundaries of the park. larvae provide an integrated measure of larval supply, suitable substrate (favorable places to settle), and water quality. Coral settlement is Each photograph is analyzed to detect the As of 2010, the benthic community at Kalaupapa National Historical Park appeared stable and was typical of other estimated by assessing new coral larvae settling on ceramic tiles set up presence of different species or disease north shore coral reefs in the Hawaiian Islands. along transects.

4 Pacific Island Network Quarterly Newsletter of the Pacific Island Network • April – June 2013, issue no. 32 5 National Park Service Pacific Island Network Critical Critical Issue Issue U.S. Department of the Interior Notes from the Field Asan River Innocent Until Proven Guppy The parking area behind the church Being a somewhat modern historical Large snails, as big as the last digit Guppies in Guam streams and ponds by aquarium owners. poeciliids threaten Pacific island streams and ponds? could easily be overlooked if you battlefield, for example, it is always of your thumb, favor this section as may be big trouble. didn’t know what it led to. The stairs possible that we might run across they can hide under cobbles in the Although seemingly harmless, these built on the hillside lead you into unexploded ordinance left over stream. Lastly, the stream empties Over 60 non-native species of fish can pose a serious threat when First of all, guppies have long been tropical forest. Reaching the top you from World War II. Thankfully, into the largely-developed, flat fish are living in the streams and introduced to sensitive native stream known to reproduce quickly. They find the first of three 5 ½ inch guns. we didn’t see any this trip. We did coastal area before reaching the freshwater pools of the Pacific ecosystems which have developed are prolific breeders capable of That’s 5 ½ inches in diameter, or encounter plenty of metallic debris, ocean. islands. One species is known far through time without these wee producing over 100 fish in a single mostly roofing material blown into brood... in as little as five weeks ! the riverbanks during typhoons. A recent biological survey of the Surveying They are also live bearing fish which the stream can result in a single pregnant Such hazards are the reason why shrimp community in Asan and animals all field sites must be afforded nearby rivers revealed several along female establishing an entire new caution and respect, even if they species new to science. Asan River population. Add these traits together in War in and you can rapidly wind up with a are physically close to civilization. the Pacific But it’s the appeal of getting into the Despite the pounding this land National lot of little fish. field that attracted our small army of received 70 years ago and the Historical Park helps Research has shown that these small volunteers, who were mostly active- intermittent typhoon devastation, the NPS duty personnel from the large U.S. diverse life continues to persist, detect fish prey heavily on native aquatic when insects. It is likely that guppies the size of the shells they could fire. military presence on Guam. although we will never know what a new have contributed to the decline or The barrels themselves must be 20 might have been lost. Today, the species extinction of three species of native ft. long. These are the Piti Guns, a The Asan River land around Asan River makes its way into stream-breeding damselfly species defensive position installed by the has several distinct is heavily developed the river. in Hawaii. They Japanese in 1944 on the island of ecological zones. for housing and can also be carriers Guam. The guns were discovered Upstream, the river other human uses, of non-native after fighting had stopped, for they flows through open representing new threats parasites (including were not ready to fire when the canopy areas cut to the ecosystem. nematodes and Americans landed to liberate Guam deeply into ravines. tapeworms) that and the Chamorro people during Sunlight reaches the Fortunately, for the could be transferred World War II. water, promoting river and the animals extensive algae mats. who live in it, the NPS Wikimedia to native stream fish. Commons War in the Pacific National Here it is easy to find Inventory & Monitoring Historical Park (WAPA) on Guam is very large Tahitian Program in Asan River While none of these effects have and wide... the guppy. known for its historical significance, prawns, with bodies up is now in its fourth been specifically documented on but many are not aware of its natural to six inches long, and year. When we monitor Guam, the potential consequences Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are a history. The Pacific Island Network claws an additional the river every year foreign invaders. of guppies are enough to raise a red popular aquarium fish due to the freshwater monitoring team recently six inches in length. we are better able to flag for park managers and consider brightly colored tails of the males, as spent three weeks sampling in Downstream, the land keep tabs on ecological Recently, on a monitoring trip to possible interventions. well as their general heartiness and WAPA and in American Memorial flattens out a bit, and changes. This yearly Asan River in War in the Pacific widespread availability at pet shops. Park on Saipan. We focused much of the stream becomes update informs WAPA National Historical Park on Guam, Early detection of invasive species our efforts on examining Asan River so wide, shallow, resources managers to the Inventory and Monitoring like guppies is the key to early These tiny poeciliid fish have been in WAPA. This river flows from the and overgrown it is make the best decisions Program discovered a population control. Perhaps we found these introduced to Pacific streams for uplands above Asan Beach, which essentially a wetland. concerning the natural of guppies living in one particular guppies in Asan River early enough a variety of reasons. To be clear, was one of the two initial landing Next, the stream drops resources of the river segment of the waterway. This to minimize the negative impact they they don't belong there. Originally zones for the American invasion. through a series of and surrounding park discovery prompted scientists and might have on the native species cascading waterfalls areas. introduced to freshwater areas in managers to consider the potential and the river itself. Only time and the Pacific as a form of biological This expedition gave us the into the forest. Here impacts of introduced guppies in continued stream monitoring will control for mosquitoes, it is opportunity to implement the the canopy closes in Guam streams. tell. preventing much direct suspected that they are now most improved safety procedures –David Raikow, NPS –Anne Farahi, NPS sunlight from reaching the water. often released into fragile streams mentioned in a previous newsletter. Aquatic Ecologist So how do guppies and other Biological Technician

6 Pacific Island Network Quarterly Newsletter of the Pacific Island Network • April – June 2013, issue no. 32 7 National Park Service Pacific Island Network U.S. Department of the Interior

Orangeblack Damsels in Distress Hawaiian Damselfly Damsels vs. Dragons: can also act as an ambush predator, Specifically, the human use Damselflies and dragonflies are a watching patiently from a perch and alteration of streams and type of insect called an odonate. then pouncing on their prey. groundwater has played a significant Damselflies resemble dragonflies role in the loss of suitable habitat. though they are smaller, more A male Habitat loss and degradation of slender, and have rectangular rather orangeblack coastal water sources has led to the Hawaiian listing of the orangeblack Hawaiian than round heads. You can easily tell damselfly the difference between a damselfly waiting in damselfly as acandidate endangered and a dragonfly by the way they ambush? species. perch. Damselflies hold their wings closed above their body when at This species is also threatened by They have been known to prey rest while dragonflies rest with their introduced species, particularly on insects larger then themselves wings open. invasive plants (such as Brachiaria and even other damselflies if the mutica) that form dense thickets opportunity presents itself. which effectively eliminate access to open water. Invasive fish and shrimp Reproduction: Small, cigar- also prey on damselfly larvae. shaped eggs are deposited into the tissues of lily pads and other Once aquatic plants. Ten to twenty days In National Parks: present on all the main Hawaiian later, the eggs hatch. The immature Islands, these insects are no damselfly larvae live in the water longer found on Kauaʻi. Localized under submerged vegetation, and populations have been recorded use gills to breath underwater. They Beautiful Hawaiian damselflies (Megalagri- on Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, periodically molt (shed their outer on calliphya) perching with closed wings and Hawaiʻi Island. You may spot skin or exoskeleton) over several them around anchialine pools in Featuring the Orangeblack months until they become fully Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National mature adults. When they mature, Hawaiian Damselfly Historical Park (PUHO) and (Megalagrion xanthomelas): they crawl out of the water onto Kaloko-Honokōhau National Adults of this smaller species have a vegetation or rocks and molt one last Historical Park (KAHO). These wingspan of 1.4-1.6 inches. time into a winged adults. sometimes cryptic damselflies have The male's head is black with large also been recorded near the mouth red eyes. The body (called the Tidbit: Adult damselflies will “play of Waikolu Stream in Kalaupapa thorax) is striped red and black with dead” as a defensive behavior if National Historical Park. red legs. The abdomen (the long tail- caught in a net. They will draw their like appendage) is mostly black with legs up under their bodies and lie Most active during periods of full a few red markings. Females have a completely still for several seconds, sunlight, orangeblack Hawaiian similar coloration pattern though until they spring to life and fly away. damselflies usually hide in vegetation they are tan and black instead of red on cloudy days. The Pacific Island and black. Threats: Orangeblack Hawaiian Network Inventory & Monitoring damselflies are endemic to Hawaii. Program monitors populations of Habitat & Diet: This is a This means they occur nowhere these and other odonates that reside lowland species that tends to fly else in the world. Historically, around anchialine pools in west amid the vegetation bordering this species was one of the most Hawaiʻi national parks. anchialine pools, coastal wetlands, abundant Hawaiian damselflies in and slow moving sections of the islands with the ability to breed –Anne Farahi, NPS streams. They catch and eat small in a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Biological Technician insects out of the air by forming a Since the 1970s, there has been a For more info:http://www.xerces.org/ basket with their spiny legs. They marked decrease in the population. orangeblack-hawaiian-damselfly/

Newsletter of the Pacific Island Network • April – June 2013, issue no. 32 8