History of Wildlife Research at the Hawaii Field Station
Establishment of the Hilo, HI, Field Station
The current NWRC Hilo, HI, field station was initially established as a DWRC (Denver Wildlife Research Center) Wildlife Damage Research Station, within the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife, Animal Damage Control Program.
The station was funded by a congressional appropriation in response to concerns raised by the Hawaiian agricultural industry concerning rat damage losses. For example, at the time the station was established, it was estimated that rat damage to sugarcane resulted in the loss of 45,000 tons per year, an amount worth $5 million. The macadamia nut crop was also impacted by rats, with losses estimated at more than $400,000 per year.
The field station's mission, then, at the time of establishment, was to research and develop methods to alleviate rat damage to agricultural crops. Field station personnel often worked closely with members of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association (HSPA).
1967-1972: Rat Damage-Sugarcane Research
Early work at the field station centered on ways to reduce rat damage to sugarcane. Protocols were established to test standard, and possible new, lethal agents. Scientists evaluated the acceptance and efficacy of treated baits and carriers. Studies on basic rodent biology and sugarcane damage characteristics were also undertaken.
1973-1983: Expanding Research
Zinc phosphide and modeling.
In cooperation with the HSPA, scientists initiated studies to evaluate the use of zinc phosphide oat baits to reduce rat damage in sugarcane fields. Zinc phosphide was the first rodenticide (1970) registered in the United States for in-crop use. The baiting program was eventually operationally adopted by both Hawaiian and Floridian sugarcane growers. Also, during this period, sampling protocols and models were developed to quantify damage distribution and yield losses.
Nonlethal control approaches evaluated.
Nonlethal approaches to rat control were also evaluated. Techniques tested included manipulation or modification of non-crop habitats to reduce rodent population reservoirs; incorporation of “rat-resistant” traits into HSPA's sugarcane varieties; and early cropping to reduce damage at harvest time.
Additional emerging vertebrate pest problems.
New wildlife damage problems were also emerging in Hawaii at this time:
- Feral pigs, goats, and sheep were damaging forest regeneration efforts
- Rats were impacting native forest bird survival and watershed quality
- Cattle egrets foraging at the Hilo Airport began to pose hazards to aircraft
Macadamia nuts.
Rodent control research was also initiated to assist the rapidly expanding macadamia nut industry in reducing crop losses to rats.
1983: Congressional action closed the Hilo, HI, field.
1984-1989: Research Efforts
The Denver Wildlife Research Center maintained a small presence at the field station facilities and initiated research to reduce mongoose depredation on native Hawaiian ground-nesting birds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a diphacinone hamburger bait for control of mongooses in 1989.
1989-2001: Research in a Changing Economy
The Hawaii field station was re-established through congressional funding in 1989 as part of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Denver (later renamed National) Wildlife Research Center.
Studies again evaluated new, and refined old, methods to alleviate rodent losses in sugarcane, macadamia nuts, and other emerging agricultural crops.
Due to falling sugar prices, stiffer environmental requirements, and rising land, labor, and operational costs, the Hawaiian sugar industry was faced with major belt-tightening decisions, and many plantations closed. By 1998, only four plantations remained. Vacant sugarcane fields were gradually replaced with a variety of other agricultural crops.
Additionally, the field station, in coordination with state and other federal agencies, conservationists, and private landowners, worked to develop control strategies for reducing rat depredations in native conservation areas. Studies were also initiated to support registration of diphacinone rodenticide baits in Hawaiian forests.
Current and Future Research Challenges
The Hawaii field station continues to have a major role in research to address existing and emerging invasive vertebrate problems in the region. For example, extensive screening of lethal agents (as well as other control research) is being conducted to reduce the rapid spread of and island colonization by recently introduced Caribbean tree frogs
Also, ongoing studies in Guam aim to develop control strategies for the brown treesnake to reduce its population on the island and prevents its spread elsewhere.
Future challenges for NWRC scientists in Hawaii include bird problems at airports, new vertebrate pest problems in in diverse agricultural crops, and impacts of mesopredators (i.e., mongoose, feral cats) on native threatened and endangered species.
