Measuring Ecosystem Function and Services
Measuring Ecosystem Function and Services
Ecosystems function through a complex matrix of biological, chemical, and physical interactions. The resilience and stability of these interactions is challenged by stressors such as species loss, invasive species, disease, habitat alteration or degradation, and climate change. Current research aims to understand which interactions are vital to ecosystem function and those actively impacted by these stressors.
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eDNA to Inform Invasive Mosquito Distribution
We are using environmental DNA samples to assess habitat occupancy of the invasive southern house mosquito in Kīpahulu Valley, Maui. An understanding of mosquito distribution is critical to developing and implementing tools to prevent the transmission of avian malaria, a primary threat to Hawaiian forest birds.
Mapping Vegetation on Lāna‘i
We are combining high-resolution spatial imagery with ground-collected data to create detailed classification maps of native and non-native plants on Lāna‘i. We are also using the high-resolution maps, historical satellite and aerial imagery to analyze changes in ‘ua‘u - Hawaiian petrel - nesting habitat. For the first time at island scales in Hawai’i, this species-level mapping uses high...
Studies on the Rapidly Eroding Reef
This study focuses on assessing changes in vegetation cover and composition inside and outside a fenced exclosure within the USGS Ridge-to-Reef study area on the island of Moloka‘i. This information will be delivered to federal, state, and private land managers who are trying to determine best management practices to reduce erosion and sediment runoff from this dry habitat which has been heavily...
Monitoring and Researching Bat Activity at Wind Turbines with Videography
The rapid expansion of wind energy nationwide is an important step toward reducing dependence on non-renewable sources of power. However, the magnitude of the wildlife impacts at wind energy facilities is a newly recognized threat, and the cumulative long-term impacts to various bat species are of increasing concern. It is estimated that more than 450,000 bat fatalities now occur each year at wind...