Invasive ungulate policy and conservation in Hawaii

Abstract

Feral Cattle Bos taurus, Goats Capra hircus, Sheep Ovis aries, and Pigs Sus scrofa have been modifying Hawaii’s native ecosystems since being introduced more than 200 years ago. Controlled rigorously in the early 1900s as pests, the animals have been increasing in number and range since the 1950s, when the rise of sport hunting resulted in take restrictions and the introduction of additional game species. Presently, free-roaming Pigs, Goats, Cattle, Sheep (both O. aries and the more recently introduced Mouflon O. gmelini mouflon) and deer Axis axis, Odocoileus hemionus are described in state reports and plans as high-threat invasive species, while simultaneously being protected under the law as game mammals. This study examines the statutes, rules and management practices pertaining to invasive ungulates in an island state with highly imperiled native ecosystems. This analysis reveals that Hawaii’s invasive-animal policy and management framework does not support the ungulate control needed to further state plans and mandates to preserve native species and watersheds. Lacking are laws that have been passed by other governments to reduce the spread and impacts of invasive vertebrates, such as maintaining a comprehensive vertebrate pest list, facilitating the control of such pests on all land ownerships, prohibiting the feeding and transport of vertebrate pests without a permit, and prohibiting the release of introduced vertebrates into the wild.