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Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Research at the Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center focuses on providing the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support and implement sound management and conservation of our Nation's biological resources occurring in Hawai'i and other Pacific island locations.

Featured Research

Image: Iiwi on Mamane

Learn more about research on genes involved with bird immunity and avian malaria infections in Hawaiian forest birds.

Avian Malaria Genomics

PIERC Quick Links

News

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Secretary Haaland, Leaders Celebrate New U.S. Geological Survey / University of Hawai’i Facility to Support Volcano Monitoring & Ecosystem Restoration

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Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Available for the USGS Hilo Research Facility

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Public input sought on environmental assessment for proposed USGS Facility in Hilo

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Publications

Empirical estimation of habitat suitability for rare plant restoration in an era of ongoing climatic shifts

Accurate estimates of current and future habitat suitability are needed for species that may require assistance in tracking a shifting climate. Standard species distribution models (SDMs) based on occurrence data are the most common approach for evaluating climatic suitability, but these may suffer from inaccuracies stemming from disequilibrium dynamics and/or an inability to identify suitable cli
Authors
Paul Krushelnycky, Lucas Fortini, Jeffrey Mallinson, Jesse Felts
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Seasonal and elevational differences by sex in capture rate of ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Lasiurus semotus) on Hawai‘i Island

The study of nocturnally active bats is difficult even for those species that seasonally congregate. This challenge is particularly acute for ‘ōpe‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat; Lasiurus semotus) because of its solitary foliage-roosting behavior. Yet surveys are essential for conservation and management of this endangered species and only land mammal endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. We surveyed for ‘ō
Authors
Julia P. S. Hoeh, Aaron A. Aguirre, Flor A. Calderon, Sean P. Casler, Sarah G. Ciarrachi, Karen Courtot, Kristina Montoya-Aiona, Corinna A. Pinzari, P. Marcos Gorresen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Avian malaria and the extinction of Hawaiian forest birds

No abstract available.
Authors
Carter T. Atkinson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
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Science

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A large, dark leaf of an invasive miconia with its purple fruits.

Modeling First Records to Guide Invasive Species Biosurveillance in Hawai‘i

Early detection of invasive species can enable their successful eradication. With climate change and dynamic patterns of global trade, it is difficult to predict which new invasive species will next get introduced and where introduction and establishment will occur. We are analyzing where non-native species have first established in Hawai‘i to develop mapped predictions of the relative risk of new...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
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Modeling First Records to Guide Invasive Species Biosurveillance in Hawai‘i

Early detection of invasive species can enable their successful eradication. With climate change and dynamic patterns of global trade, it is difficult to predict which new invasive species will next get introduced and where introduction and establishment will occur. We are analyzing where non-native species have first established in Hawai‘i to develop mapped predictions of the relative risk of new...
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This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

Population Assessments of the Pacific Sheath-Tailed Bat and Mariana Swiftlet

Using thermal cameras, we are determining the population size and cave occupancy of the Mariana swiftlet and Pacific sheath-tailed bat. Both species face extirpation from the Northern Mariana Islands and are listed as endangered. Understanding the species' population status can assist in planning recovery efforts for both species.
By
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
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Population Assessments of the Pacific Sheath-Tailed Bat and Mariana Swiftlet

Using thermal cameras, we are determining the population size and cave occupancy of the Mariana swiftlet and Pacific sheath-tailed bat. Both species face extirpation from the Northern Mariana Islands and are listed as endangered. Understanding the species' population status can assist in planning recovery efforts for both species.
Learn More
link
Mamane branch with yellow flowers

Climatic and Ecological Scenarios to Guide Development of a Spatial Resist-Accept-Direct Portfolio at Nāpuʻu, Hawaiʻi

Climate change and invasive species are transforming ecosystems. The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework organizes management objectives into those that seek to Resist change and maintain historical ecological communities, those that Accept some or all aspects of ecological transformation, and those that Direct an ecological community to a preferred state. We are evaluating risks posed by climate...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
link

Climatic and Ecological Scenarios to Guide Development of a Spatial Resist-Accept-Direct Portfolio at Nāpuʻu, Hawaiʻi

Climate change and invasive species are transforming ecosystems. The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework organizes management objectives into those that seek to Resist change and maintain historical ecological communities, those that Accept some or all aspects of ecological transformation, and those that Direct an ecological community to a preferred state. We are evaluating risks posed by climate...
Learn More
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