Summary
Mākaha Valley
Invasive Species
Remote Sensing Basics
Model
Model Results
Map
Vegetation Map Results
Derived Map Results
Links
Acknowledgments
References

The invasive species problem in Hawai‘i

In 2003, the State legislature found that invasive species were the “single greatest threat to Hawai‘i’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawai‘i’s people (Senate Bill 1505 2003).”

Invasive species compete with native species

Strawberry guava has been named the worst invader in Hawaiian forests. It is an example of an invader which easily displaces native species and forms monotypic stands (Smith 1985). Invasive plants are a major reason why over 1000 native species are extinct.

Invasive species can change ecosystem processes

Invasive species not only compete with native species, they can also change ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and disturbance regimes. For example, several invasive grasses such as broomsedge, bush beardgrass, and molasses grass are known to increase fire frequency and intensity in Hawaiian ecosystems.