Images

Turbines at a wind energy site on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.

A group of feral pigs leaves the forest and approaches the photographer at the side of the road. Many parts of Hilo and Hawaii Island are experiencing increased interaction with feral wildlife.

Māmane (Sophora chrysophylla), a native Hawaiian plant, in bloom on Mauna Kea, Island of Hawai‘i.

Geneticist, Kylle Roy, extracts DNA from samples to detect Ceratocystis, a fungal pathogen that causes Rapid Ohia Death. Samples have been acquired using aerial spore traps, by collecting wood shavings from ohia trees, or by collecting frass (excrement) of wood-boring beetles.

A trap designed for collecting airborne particulates deployed on the Hāmākua Coast of the island of Hawai‘i. The traps appear to be an effective method for monitoring airborne fungal spores as hundreds of fungal taxa were identified from a handful of samples screened by second generation sequencing.

Wood boring beetle tunnels inside of an ‘ōhi‘a log. Researchers are investigating if the spread of beetle frass (excrement) is a pathway for movement of a fungus that causes Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death.

A panoramic view as seen from Honouliuli Preserve shows some of the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found on Oʻahu.

A view across the Waiʻanae mountains of West Oʻahu shows some of the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found in Hawaiʻi.

A panoramic view as seen from Honouliuli Preserve in the Waiʻanae mountains shows some of the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found on Oʻahu.

A Cyanea calycina, or haha, growing in the Wai‘anae Mountains on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Haha is a rare and endangered plant endemic to Hawai‘i.

"Lab in a Suitcase" set up in the field to test samples for the fungus (Ceratocystis fimbriata) responsible for Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death.

Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).

Hawai‘i ‘Elepaio

Dry coastal habitat at Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, Big Island, Hawai‘i.

Mosquito larvae being reared to identify species. Samples collected at the Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i. 

Kawaikoi Stream crossing in the Alaka‘i Swamp, Kaua‘i

A female mosquito (Aedes japonicus) reared from larvae collected from the Kawaikoi Stream, Kauai.

Overlooking the Alaka‘i Plateau from the Alaka‘i Swamp trailhead, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.

Kawaikoi Stream, Kaua‘i

Palila nestlings, so young their eyes are not even open yet, wait open-mouthed for their parents to bring them food. Palila nestlings face many threats including rats, cats, and mongoose predators. 

Research projects with the USGS take scientists to beautiful places and Mauna Kea volcano on Hawai‘i Island is no exception. Here is a palila field crew camping site on the north slope of Mauna Kea as the sun sets.