DOCSLIB.ORG

An Assessment of Nysius Wekiuicola Populations and Thermal Microhabitat Conditions on Cinder Cones of the Maunakea Volcano, Hawai‘I

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
An Assessment of Nysius Wekiuicola Populations and Thermal Microhabitat Conditions on Cinder Cones of the Maunakea Volcano, Hawai‘I An Assessment of Nysius wekiuicola Populations and Thermal Microhabitat Conditions on Cinder Cones of the Maunakea Volcano, Hawai‘i A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT HILO IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TROPICAL CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FEBRUARY 2018 By Jessica Ann Kirkpatrick Thesis Committee: Jesse Eiben, Chairperson Kristina Paxton Ryan Perroy Fritz Klasner ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to sincerely thank the many hands and funders that made this research possible. I’d like to thank the Office of Maunakea Management and a Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation Fellowship for funding this project. I thank the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources- Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Cynthia King for permission to conduct my study and collect arthropod specimens on State lands (Permit FHM17-431). Special mention goes to my enthusiastic advisor, Jesse Eiben; who is to blame for my love of insects. I wholeheartedly thank Jesse for his knowledge, guidance, encouragement, academic support, and friendship. Profound gratitude goes to my committee members Fritz Klasner, Kristina Paxton, and Ryan Perroy. Kristina in particular was extremely helpful throughout this process, and I’m very grateful for all of her support. Much appreciation to Koa Akima, Melissa Dean, Ellison Montgomery, Bradley Reil, Marleena Sheffield, Jeff Stallman, Nathan Stephenson, Heather Stever, Darcy Yogi, Jorden Zarders and the Maunakea Rangers. I’m also hugely appreciative to my mom, grandma and sister Maycie for the incredible support and encouragement. Finally, I would like to give a big mahalo to Maunakea for all the beautiful days and incredible observations; I dedicate this thesis to her. ii ABSTRACT The endemic Hawaiian wēkiu bug (Nysius wekiuicola) is a carnivorous scavenger that only inhabits volcanic cinder cones above ~3,500 m elevation on the mountain, Maunakea, Hawai‘i. As a species of conservation concern threatened by invasive species, climate change, and habitat alteration, a greater understanding of wēkiu bug populations and habitat use through time is needed to inform habitat restoration efforts and conservation management decisions. In this study, locations on a high elevation and a lower elevation cinder cone were sampled using attractant traps in a buffered random design six times from June 2016- 2017 to examine wēkiu bug distribution patterns within cinder cone habitats and across seasons. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to explore the relative importance of cinder cone characteristics (topographic aspect, surficial minerals, and elevation) hypothesized to influence wēkiu bug distributions. Additionally, thermal conditions were described and compared within the insects’ habitat (within 2-30 cm depth of cinder substrate). Results indicate that wēkiu bugs had a highly aggregated distribution, with up to 40 times higher bug densities at the higher elevation cinder cone, and the density of bugs changed within and between cinder cones throughout the year. Our GLMM indicated that sample month, topographic aspect, and elevation on a cinder cone influences wēkiu bug distributions with abundance increasing with elevation within a cinder cone, and the highest captures are predicted to be on the northeast aspects of the higher elevation cinder cone year-round. Temperature data shows multiple microclimates exist throughout cinder cone habitats at any given time, and the ash substrate layer could provide an important habitat refuge for the wēkiu bug, as this layer rarely freezes. We recommend preserving contiguous cinder cone habitats for the persistence of the wēkiu bug and monitoring populations in a random sample design in known or restored habitats to effectively monitor wēkiu bug densities. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... ii Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ vi List of Appendix Tables & Figures .............................................................................................. vii Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Alpine Ecosystem on Maunakea Volcano, HI ............................................................................ 2 The Wēkiu Bug ........................................................................................................................... 4 Wēkiu Bug Habitat ...................................................................................................................... 6 Wēkiu Bug Sampling Efforts: Past, Present, and Future .......................................................... 10 Research Objectives .................................................................................................................. 14 Objective 1: Assess Wēkiu Bug Abundance, Distribution, and Demography ...................... 14 Objective 2: Test Wēkiu Bug Habitat Associations .............................................................. 15 Objective 3: Describe Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Conditions ......................................... 16 Methods......................................................................................................................................... 17 Data Collection .......................................................................................................................... 17 Field Sites .............................................................................................................................. 17 Wēkiu Bug Sampling and Trap Design ................................................................................. 19 Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Sampling Design ................................................................... 22 Data Analyses ............................................................................................................................ 25 Objective 1: Assess Wēkiu Bug Abundance, Distribution, and Demography ...................... 25 Objective 2: Test Wēkiu Bug Habitat Associations .............................................................. 27 Objective 3: Describe Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Conditions ......................................... 31 Results ........................................................................................................................................... 33 Objective 1: Assess Wēkiu Bug Abundance, Distribution, and Demography .......................... 33 Objective 2: Test Wēkiu Bug Habitat Associations .................................................................. 43 Objective 3: Describe Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Conditions ............................................. 45 Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Objective 1: Assess Wēkiu Bug Abundance, Distribution, and Demography .......................... 49 iv Objective 2: Test Wēkiu Bug Habitat Associations .................................................................. 54 Objective 3: Describe Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Conditions ............................................. 58 Management Recommendations ................................................................................................... 61 Conservation and Habitat Restoration ....................................................................................... 62 Wēkiu Bug Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 63 Climate Change ......................................................................................................................... 64 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 65 Appendix A- Data Collection Details ........................................................................................... 68 Field Sites .................................................................................................................................. 68 Wēkiu Bug Sampling and Trap Design ..................................................................................... 73 Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Sampling Design ....................................................................... 75 Appendix B- Additional Data Analyses ....................................................................................... 77 Objective 1: Assess Wēkiu Bug Abundance, Distribution, and Demography .......................... 77 Objective 2: Test Wēkiu Bug Habitat Associations .................................................................. 80 Objective 3: Describe Cinder Cone Thermal Habitat Conditions ............................................. 81 Between Cinder Cone Sites ..................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A New Zealand Endemic Nysius Established in the Netherlands and Belgium (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)
    Belgian Journal ofEntomology 7 (2005) : 37-43 A New Zealand endemic Nysius established in The Netherlands and Belgium (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) 1 2 2 B. Aukema , J.M. Bruers & G. Viskens 1 Kortenburg 31, 6871 ND Renkum, The Netherlands (email: [email protected]). 2 Jan van Heelulaan 31, 2050 Antwerpen, Belgium (email: [email protected]). Abstract Nysius huttoni (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), an endemic species from New Zealand was found established in the extreme southwest of The Netherlands (province of Zeeland) and the adjacent Belgian provinces of West-Vlaanderen, Oost-Vlaanderen and Brabant. Data on its biology and pest status are summarized from the literature. Keywords: Nysius hutton~ Europe, introduction, invasive pest. Introduction Since 2002, an unfamiliar but very remarkable "hairy" species of the genus Nysius Dallas, 1852 (Fig. 1) was found at different localities in the extreme southwest of The Netherlands (Province of Zeeland) and the adjacent northwestern part of Belgium (provinces West- and Oost-Vlaanderen and Brabant). The species was not included in the recent monograph of West­ Palaearctic Lygaeidae by PERICART (1999) and, according to the monograph of Palaearctic species by WAGNER (1958), the species should belong to the formerly recognized subgenus Anorthuna STRAND, 1928. The members ofthis subgenus are characterized by their long erect pubescence, which was present on pronotum, scutellum, clavus, and corium of our specimens (Fig. 1). SLATER (1964), in his catalogue of the Lygaeidae of the World includes only three species in Anorthuna: Nysius atlantidum HORV ATH, 1890 from the Azores (PERICART, 2001), Nysius pilosulus HORVATH, 1904 from Kirgizia and Mongolia (PERICART, 2001), and Nysius vulcanorum LINDBERG, 1958 from the Cape V erde Islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Effect of Two Host Plants, Helianthus Annuus L. and Sinapis Arvensis L
    Plant Protect. Sci. Vol. 52, 2016, No. 3: 209–216 doi: 10.17221/90/2015-PPS Effect of Two Host Plants, Helianthus annuus L. and Sinapis arvensis L., on Life Table Parameters of Nysius cymoides (Spinola) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) under Laboratory Conditions Mehdi MOLLAshAHI 1,3, Ahad SAHRAGARD 1, Jafar MOHAGHEGh 2, Reza HOssEINI 1 and Hossein SABOURI 3 1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran; 2Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran Abstract Mollashahi M., Sahragard A., Mohaghegh J., Hosseini R., Sabouri H. (2016): Effect of two host plants, Helianthus annuus L. and Sinapis arvensis L., on life table parameters of Nysius cymoides (Spinola) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) under laboratory conditions. Plant Protect. Sci., 52: 209–216. The false chinch bug, Nysius cymoides (Spinola) is a pest of sunflower attacking sunflower fields from their weedy and cultivated hosts. The effect of sunflower and wild mustard (wild host) on the life table parameters of N. cymoides was studied under laboratory conditions (24 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH, a 16 : 8 h (L : D) photoperiod). Data were analysed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. Developmental time (sum of incubation and nymphal periods) on wild mustard was longer than on sunflower with significant difference (P < 0.05). The adult longevity was significantly shorter on wild mustard than on sunflower. The adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP), mean fecundity and adult longevity reared on sunflower and wild mustard showed significant differences (P < 0.05).
    [Show full text]
  • Arthropod and Botanical Inventory and Assessment Thirty
    ARTHROPOD AND BOTANICAL INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT THIRTY METER TELESCOPE PROJECT MAUNA KEA SCIENCE RESERVE NORTHERN PLATEAU AND HALE PŌHAKU HĀMĀKUA DISTRICT, ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I May 2009 Prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff Honolulu, Hawai‘i Pacific Analytics, L.L.C. P.O. Box 1064 Corvallis, Oregon 97339 www.statpros.com Prepared by: Pacific Analytics, L.L.C. Post Office Box 1064 Corvallis, Oregon 97339 Tel. (541) 758-9352 [email protected] www.statpros.com Gregory Brenner Senior Associate / Project Manager The pictures contained in this report are for the exclusive use by Pacific Analytics, L.L.C. and its clients. All photographs are copyrighted by Pacific Analytics, L.L.C. and may not be reproduced or used without the express written permission of Pacific Analytics, L.L.C. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................4 1.1 TMT Project .........................................................................................................................4 1.2 Physical Setting ....................................................................................................................6 1.3 Current Study .......................................................................................................................7 2.0 METHODS ...........................................................................................................................8 2.1 Permit ...................................................................................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • The Nysius Seed Bugs of Haleakala National Park, Maui (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae: Orsillinae)1 2
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by ScholarSpace at University of Hawai'i at Manoa Vol. XXII, No. 3, December, 1977 443 The Nysius Seed Bugs of Haleakala National Park, Maui (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae: Orsillinae)1 2 John W. Beardsley, Jr. UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, HONOLULU, HAWAII The genus Nysius is very well represented in the Hawaiian Islands, with over two dozen described species known (Ashlock, 1966; Usinger, 1942; Zimmerman, 1948). Most of these are endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago, although two foreign species have become established on the main islands, and a third species in the Leeward'Islands, since 1960 (Ashlock, 1963; 1966; Beardsley 1965; 1971). The species of Nysius are primarily seed feeders, although at times feeding by adults has caused damage to flowers and foliage of various plants, including crops and ornamentals. In Hawaii these bugs occur most commonly in the drier portions of the islands. They are less common in rainforest environments where they are partially replaced by representatives of endemic orsilline genera such as Neseis Kirkaldy and Oceanides Kirkaldy. In Hawaii Nysius species have been found associated with both endemic and introduced plants at altitudes ranging from sea level to over 13,000 ft. On Haleakala Nysius bugs are a conspicuous element of the insect fauna, and at times certain species may become extremely abundant. In the summit area large aggregations of these bugs, which apparently immigrate from lower elevations, have caused serious nuisance problems in and around scientific and communication installations (Beardsley, 1966). This paper summarizes the known taxonomic and biological information about the Nysius species which occur in Haleakala National Park on the eastern portion of the island of Maui.
    [Show full text]
  • The Importance of Insect Monitoring to Conservation Actions in Hawaii
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ScholarSpace at University of Hawai'i at Manoa CProceedingsonservation of relevan the hawaiianCe of inse entomologicalCt monitoring s ociety (2013) 45:149–166 149 The Importance of Insect Monitoring to Conservation Actions in Hawaii Matthew J. Medeiros1, 2*, Jesse A. Eiben3, William P. Haines4, Raina L. Kaholoaa5, Cynthia B.A. King6, Paul D. Krushelnycky4, Karl N. Magnacca7, Daniel Rubinoff4, Forest Starr8, and Kim Starr8 1Urban School of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117. 2University of California, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720. 3University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Hilo, HI 96720. 4University of Hawaii at Manoa, Dept. of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Honolulu, HI 96822. 5Haleakala National Park, Makawao, HI 96768. 6Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife Native Invertebrate Program, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. 7Oahu Army Natural Resources Program, PCSU, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857. 8Starr Environmental, Makawao, HI 96768. *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: [email protected] Abstract. Endemic insect species make up the overwhelming majority of Hawaii’s native fauna, and play many important ecological roles. Despite this, insects receive low levels of conservation funding, likely due to their small size, fluctuating popula- tion sizes, and lack of baseline data necessary to determine if they are threatened with extinction. To determine which insects are at risk, how insect populations fluctuate in natural areas, and which management actions are most beneficial to Hawaiian ecosystems, we propose that insects be monitored whenever possible.
    [Show full text]
  • Wekiu Bug Mitigation Report
    WĒKIU BUG MITIGATION REPORT Prepared for the Keck Outrigger Telescopes Project Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California 91109 Pacific Analytics L.L.C. P.O. Box 219 Albany, Oregon 97321 541-926-0117 www.statpros.com Revised November 4, 2000 Prepared by: Pacific Analytics, L.L.C. Post Office Box 219 Albany, Oregon 97321 Tel. (541) 926-0117 [email protected] www.statpros.com _____________________________ Gregory Brenner Managing Partner ₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪ Wēkiu Bug Mitigation Report: Table of Contents ₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪ WĒKIU BUG MITIGATION REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS page I. Executive Summary ............................................................................. 1 II. Introduction .......................................................................................... 2 III. Objectives ............................................................................................. 8 IV. Habitat Restoration and Protection ...................................................... 9 V. Dust Control ......................................................................................... 16 VI. Hazardous Materials Control ............................................................... 19 VII. Trash Control ........................................................................................ 24 VIII. Alien Arthropod Control ...................................................................... 27 IX. Monitoring ...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Nysius Huttoni (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) and Other Pests in Brassicas
    Lincoln University Digital Thesis Copyright Statement The digital copy of this thesis is protected by the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). This thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: you will use the copy only for the purposes of research or private study you will recognise the author's right to be identified as the author of the thesis and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate you will obtain the author's permission before publishing any material from the thesis. Agro-ecological management of the wheat bug, Nysius huttoni (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) and other pests in brassicas A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University by Sundar Tiwari Lincoln University 2019 Declaration Parts of this thesis have been published and accepted for publication (with slight alterations dependent on journal requirements) and/or presented at conferences in advance of submission of this thesis Paper published/accepted 1. Tiwari, S & Wratten, S.D. (2019). Biology and management of the New Zealand endemic wheat bug, Nysius huttoni, (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae). Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 10 (1):34; 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmz032. (Chapter 1) 2. Tiwari, S., Pudasaini, R., Kafle, L., Bhattarai, S.S., Ali, M.P., Baber, T.K., Sharma, S., Shrestha, G., & Reddy, G.V.P. (2019). Trap cropping in South Asia: concept, limitations and future strategy. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 112 (4), 340-347. https://doi.
    [Show full text]
  • First Recorded Hawaiian Occurrence of the Alien Ground Beetle, Agonum Muelleri (Coleoptera: Carabidae), from the Summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii Island
    AProcgonum. H AmuelleriwAiiAn e,ntomol New S.tate Soc .R (2009)ecoRd 41:97–103 97 First Recorded Hawaiian Occurrence of the Alien Ground Beetle, Agonum muelleri (Coleoptera: Carabidae), from the Summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii Island J. K. Liebherr1, S. L. Montgomery2, R. A. Englund3, and G. A. Samuelson3 1Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; 2Montane Matters, 94-610 Palai St., Waipahu, HI 96797, USA; 3Hawaii Biological Survey, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA Abstract. Adults of the non-native species, Agonum muelleri (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were collected from the summit of Mauna Kea in 2006 and again dur- ing 2008, indicating that a population of this European species is established on Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii island (NEW STATE RECORD). Agonum muelleri is a synanthropic species that has been accidentally introduced from Europe to both the east and west coasts of North America, with the known North American distribution including 24 provinces and states of Canada and the United States. Characters for the adults are provided to permit diagnosis of this non-native species from all other native and introduced carabid beetle species known from Hawaii. Recorded environmental conditions from Mauna Kea summit taken during the months when specimens were collected are consistent with conditions associated with winged flight by A. muelleri individuals in the species’ native European range. Hawaii is the geographically most isolated archipelago in the World, with approximately 250 insect colonists (Zimmerman 1948, Liebherr 2001) speciating to result in over 5,200 present-day native endemic insect species (Eldredge and Evenhuis 2003). Among these, the Nysius seed bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) radiation includes two remarkable species known from the mature shield volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa; N.
    [Show full text]
  • Research Article INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL for NEW ZEALAND ENDEMIC WHEAT BUG (Nysius Huttoni) in FORAGE BRASSICAS S. Tiwar
    Journal of Agriculture and Forestry University (2020), Vol. 4 145-151 145 Research Article INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL FOR NEW ZEALAND ENDEMIC WHEAT BUG (Nysius huttoni) IN FORAGE BRASSICAS S. Tiwari1*, N. Dickinson2 and S. D. Wratten3 1 Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan,, Nepal 2 Department of Pest Management and Conservation, Lincoln University, New Zealand 3 Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand *Corresponding author: [email protected] ABSTRACT Wheat bug, Nysius huttoni, is considered as an economic pest of forage Brassicas and many other cultivated crops, such as wheat, kale, and vegetables in New Zealand. Insecticides- as seed coatings and sprays are frequently used to manage this pest, but a high proportion of these insecticidal compounds enter the soil and leads to pesticide resistance, and they may impact beneficial arthropods and soil microorganisms, creating an adverse effect on ecosystem services (ES). In this paper, we discuss a technology, that we have developed to trap , for example, wheat bug away from kale seedlings, and integrating these in less suceptible kale cultivars that can potentially reduce over-reliance on orthodox pesticides on brassicas. Laboratory studies were conducted to screen the suitable trap crop among nine other plants (alyssum, wheat, phacelia, buckwheat, coriander, white clover, alfalfa, and kale) mainly by considering growth stages (vegetative and flowering), and select less susceptible kale cultivars among six other (Kestrel, Gruner, Sovereign, Regal, Corka and Colear). Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were the most favoured potential trap plants for the wheat bug in a laboraotry study. Flowering stage of alyssum is the most susceptible growth stage by the bug damage.
    [Show full text]
  • Eiben Jesse R.Pdf
    APPLIED CONSERVATION RESEARCH OF THE WĒKIU BUG IN HAWAI΄I: LIFE TABLE ANALYSIS, POPULATION GENETICS, AND PHYLOGENETICS CREATE A HOLISTIC VIEW OF A RARE AND UNIQUE SPECIES A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI΄I AT MĀNOA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSPHY IN ENTOMOLOGY (ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY) MAY 2012 By Jesse Alan Eiben Dissertation Committee: Daniel Rubinoff, Chairperson Mark Wright Daniel Polhemus Brenden Holland Andrew Taylor © 2012, Jesse Alan Eiben ii DEDICATION To my family for the curiosity they nurtured in me throughout my life, and to my wife, Melissa, for her constant support, love, and editing skills. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The mentoring, guidance and advice provided by my committee members, Dan Rubinoff, Brenden Holland, Andy Taylor, Mark Wright, and Dan Polhemus was insightful, greatly appreciated, and helped me progress through this incredible academic journey. I gratefully acknowledge the logistical support of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, permit numbers FHM07-135, FHM08-135, FHM09-181, FHM10-222, FHM11- 253 (B. Gagné, C. King). I was funded for my dissertation research by the Office of Mauna Kea Management (OMKM) (S. Nagata), the Mauna Kea Observatories, the Institute for Astronomy (R. McLaren), and the University of Hawaii at Manoa EECB (Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation Biology) program for research and travel grants (K. Kaneshiro- NSF #DGE05-38550). I also want to thank the Wekiu Bug Working Group for constant support and advice. Finally, I thank Ron Englund, Adam Vorsino, Dan Polhemus, Greg Brenner, Abigail Mason, Oska Lawrence, Celeste Yee, Dan Nitta, Luc Leblanc, William Haines, Melissa Dean, Greg Broussard, and the many OMKM Rangers for assistance in the field and other research tasks, as well as for their wonderful friendships.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Changes in Alpine Ecosystems of Pacific Islands
    Current Changes in Alpine Ecosystems of Pacific Islands Abby G Frazier, East-West Center, Honolulu, HI, United States; University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States Laura Brewington, East-West Center, Honolulu, HI, United States © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction 1 High Elevation Ecosystems in Pacific Islands 2 Geologic Setting 2 Climatology 2 Ecological Zones and Plant Communities 3 Cultural Significance and Human Impacts 5 Current Changes 6 Changes in Native and Invasive Species 6 Observed Climate Changes and Impacts 9 Future Projected Climate Changes 9 Concluding Remarks 10 References 10 Abstract Alpine ecosystems in the Pacific Islands are isolated and unique, characterized by high levels of endemism. Only Hawai‘i and New Zealand have elevations high enough to contain substantial alpine climates, and about 11% of the land area of both island groups is located above treeline. Both of these volcanically active archipelagos are characterized by complex topography, with peaks over 3700 m. These alpine ecosystems have significant cultural, social, and economic value; however, they are threatened by invasion of exotic species, climate change, and human impacts. Nonnative ungulates reduce native shrubland and grassland cover, and threaten populations of endangered birds. Exotic plants alter water yields and increase fire risk, and increased recreational visitation to these remote areas facilitates the introduction of exotic plant seeds, pests, and pathogens. Both New Zealand and Hawai‘i have experienced strong warming at higher elevations, and future projections indicate that these robust warming trends will continue. Glacial retreat has been noted in the Southern Alps, with 34% ice volume lost since 1977, and New Zealand may lose 88% of its ice volume by 2100.
    [Show full text]
  • Maunakea Invertebrate Threats, Identification, Collection, and Processing Guide
    Office of Mauna Kea Management Invasive Species Plan Standard Operating Procedure C Maunakea Invertebrate Threats, Identification, Collection, and Processing Guide Version 1.0, 2/10/2015, Jessica Kirkpatrick & Fritz Klasner Table of Contents 1. Purpose and Scope .................................................................................................................................... 1 Invertebrate Threats ................................................................................................................................. 2 2. List of Common and Targeted Invertebrates ............................................................................................ 2 3. Identification of Common and Targeted Invertebrates ............................................................................ 4 4. Arthropod Collection............................................................................................................................... 14 Collection Supplies .................................................................................................................................. 14 Collecting Potential Threats .................................................................................................................... 14 Hand Search & Haphazard Collections.................................................................................................... 14 Flying Arthropods ...............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]