Hawaii Early Detection Network Update

The Hawaii Early Detection Network has conducted invasive species identification workshops with the Pacific Whale Foundation, Maui County road crews in Hana, and the nearly 100 U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service baggage inspectors. This partnership between the Pacific Basin Information Node (PBIN), the Island Invasive Species Committees (ISCs), and the state of Hawaii trains members of the public to become the “eyes and ears” on the watch for new invasive pests. All participants in the workshops learned how to conduct tests for little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), one of the newest invaders of Maui County.  The little fire ant is considered one of the “world’s worst” invaders by the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group and has major detrimental environmental and economic impacts on other Pacific islands.  Participants are encouraged to report all suspicious invasive plants and animals to the PBIN invasive species reporting system.

(Photo: Little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata); Image: SM Gallagher, AntWeb, hosted by California Academy of Sciences.