Forget
putting up paper flyers for lost valuables—entomologists William Haines and
Daniel Rubinoff are using Facebook and smartphone apps to search for and
recover an even more prized quarry. Their Pulelehua Project, funded by the
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, is a citizen science
initiative that encourages the public—especially hikers with smartphones—to
report and hopefully photograph the elusive Kamehameha butterfly, Hawai‘i’s
state insect, so researchers can map its population throughout the state.
The
Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)
is endemic to Hawai‘i, meaning it lives nowhere else in the world. Although it
has been historically found on all the main Hawaiian islands, it’s disappearing
from areas where it used to be common. “It’s one of only two native butterflies
that we have in Hawai‘i,” Dr. Haines said. “It’s a component of the
biodiversity that would really be a shame to lose.”
The
project offers a website and Facebook page where the public can learn how to identify
the Kamehameha butterfly, or pulelehua, in all its developmental life stages,
as well its favorite plants and habitats. The caterpillars feast on the leaves
of the ma¯maki plant, or Hawaiian nettle, which is found in remote areas like
high- elevation forests or the very back of deep valleys. This is why the
scientists need help from those who venture into these places. The butterflies
and caterpillars should not be collected, since they are protected as native
wildlife; a photo is all that’s needed to document them.
Anyone
who spots one can submit their information to the project. Interested butterfly
chasers can also check on the most up-to-date number of confirmed sightings on
each island. “Every single person that gives us data makes that picture clearer
and clearer,” said Dr. Rubinoff. “Once we have a really clear picture of how
it’s doing, we’ll be able to identify the threats that it’s facing and help it
face those threats more effectively.”
And
getting the public actively involved has already paid off. The project has
received over 100 submissions, leading to confirmations on five islands. These
include residential areas of Windward O‘ahu and low elevations on Moloka‘i,
where Dr. Haines and Dr. Rubinoff did not expect the butterfly to be found. It
turns out the butterfly may have more friends on Facebook than anyone knew, and
they may be a key to its survival.