War In The Pacific

Brown Treesnake Research and Control

Brown treesnake strewn amongst tropical foliage, sticking its face out from the leaves
An invasive brown treesnake on Guam.

M. Hogan, U.S. Geological Survey

About the Project


Brown treesnakes (BTS; Boiga irregularis) were accidentally introduced in Guam shortly after the end of World War II. Over the next several decades, their introduction caused an ecological disaster that led to the loss of almost all of Guam’s native forest birds. Today, only two native forest birds persist on Guam: the Mariana Swiftlet and the Micronesian Starling. After decades of developing tools to control and suppress brown treesnakes, bird restoration efforts on Guam are finally possible! Asan Beach Park is an ideal location for snake eradication and bird restoration for a number of reasons.
 
This map depicts an aerial view of Asan Beach Park. To the left and right side of Asan Ridge, the Pacific ocean acts as a natural barrier to prevent snake reinvasion. The road to the south of the ridge also acts as a barrier.
Aerial view of Asan Beach Park depicting natural and manmade barriers surrounding Asan Ridge.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park, Natural Resources Division

Why Asan Ridge?

Researchers have found that brown treesnakes can be reduced in areas with constructed exclusion barriers. Because Asan Beach Park is a small triangular peninsula that extends into the ocean, it is bound on two sides by a natural sea barrier and further bound by Marine Corps Drive. This presents a great opportunity to take advantage of these natural barriers around Asan Beach, as snake reinvasion may be minimized. Removing snakes from Asan Beach and improving native habitat gives the park the chance to reintroduce native birds.

 
Three representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife service smile for a picture while holding up a long brown treesnake during a night patrol.
Representatives from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service display a Brown Treesnake caught at Asan. From left to right: Amy Yackel Adams (USGS), MJ Mazurek (USFWS), and Timothy Clark (NPS).

National Park Service

Meet Our Partners

Based on the great work of the Friends of Islan Dåno group organized by Olympia Terral and Martin Kastner, the National Park Service (NPS) is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to invite Citizen Scientists to aid in the process of removing invasive species from Asan Beach Park.
 
*insert alt text here, for now: Snake captured at Asan Ridge, etc
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering their support to the Asan Restore Project! Find out more about them here.

*alt text insert here*
U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey is one of our partners for the Asan Restore project. Find out more about them here!

 
Two National Park Service interns hold a small brown treesnake to measure its width and length. Their head lamps light the data sheet, as the night air surrounds them.
National Park Service interns taking metrics of a brown treesnake caught during an Asan Ridge night patrol

National Park Service

Get Involved - Become a Citizen Scientist!

Please join us in our effort to rid Asan Beach Park of brown treesnakes!

The National Park Citizen Science program encourages members of the public to help collect data for scientific research. Beginning in October of 2024, we will have several options for volunteering. This will include twice-weekly nighttime snake hunting, transect maintenance, and daytime snake trap checking. No experience required.

Please email us at WAPA_RestoreAsanRidge@nps.gov to be added to our Citizen Scientist contact list!

 

Updates

We are currently working to complete environmental compliance steps and will be ready for Citizen Science snake hunters starting October 2024.

Over the past few months, NPS interns and our project coordinator, Allison Kelley (USGS) have been hard at work conducting baseline snake surveys. As of July 29, 2024 they have removed 30 snakes from the park!

 

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For more information on this project, please contact us here:
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Voice: (671) 333 4050

Last updated: September 10, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

135 Murray Blvd.
Ste. 100

Hagatna, GU 96910

Phone:

(671) 333 4050

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