Early Detection of Invasive Plant Species

PACN staff record early detection data for monitored invasive plant species.

NPS Photo

Description and Rationale

Nonnative plant species invasions present a serious threat to Pacific island ecosystems. They reduce native plant diversity and abundance and alter important habitat. Ecologically disruptive species (such as nonnative grasses, faya trees, miconia, strawberry guava) can also have economic and cultural costs. For example, nonnative grasses fuel fires that can threaten urban areas, agricultural lands, and culturally significant landscapes.

Early detection is the process of surveying for, reporting, and verifying the presence of a biological threats, such as non-native species, before the founding population becomes established or spreads so widely that eradication is no longer feasible. Early detection limits the ability of the biological threat to become established in the new habitat, spread to additional areas, and become ecologically and economically destructive. Management actions informed by early detection increase the likelihood that eradication or control efforts will be successful and cost effective, especially compared to scenarios when the biological threat has become well established.

Monitoring Objectives

1. Survey dispersal corridors and other high-risk sites for incipient populations of potentially invasive plants.
2. Provide timely information to park managers regarding the presence of new and potentially invasive plant species in order to facilitate a rapid management response.
3. Update and maintain NPSpecies, the plant species database for each park, including new species detected during field surveys.
4. Develop and distribute invasive plant outreach materials to park staff to increase awareness and reporting capability.

For more information on PACN I&M early detection of invasive plant species contact: Jacob Gross

Monitored At

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  American Memorial Park

  See what's monitored at Memorials at American Memorial Park.

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  Haleakalā National Park

  See what's monitored at Haleakalā National Park.

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  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

  See what's monitored at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

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  Kalaupapa National Historical Park

  See what's monitored at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

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  Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP

  See what's monitored at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.

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  National Park of American Samoa

  See what's monitored at National Park of American Samoa.

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  War In The Pacific NHP

  See what's monitored at War In The Pacific National Historical Park.