Project Profile: Apply Early Detection Rapid Response to Eradicate Goats in Hawaii Parks

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Invasive Species | FY24 - $291,419

A goat in Gateway National Recreation Area playing hide and seek with park visitors.

Jeff Mondlock

The National Park Service (NPS) will protect and restore ecosystems by detecting and removing invasive feral goats from national parks in Hawai’i. The project will support Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in detecting and mapping goat populations to inform removal plans. The project employs rapid response removal techniques (such as trapping, fencing, and live removal) to yield immediate results for the affected natural and cultural resources in these parks.

Why? Feral goats are damaging park infrastructure, cultural and natural resources, and threatening the integrity of cultural sites. In addition, they harass park visitors. Managing populations of invasive species, like these feral goats, is important for protecting the ecosystems in the national parks. The NPS will manage these goats for better visitor experiences and conservation of the sites.

What else? This project builds on successful goat management in Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. In 2021, after reaching 800 goats in the boundaries, the park removed 458 through a partner agreement for herding and live removal of the goats. The project will leverage the successful partnerships and approaches as part of these plans.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests.