2011_9: Mark Chynoweth "Feral Goats in Hawaiian Dryland Ecosystems - Ecology and Impacts"
Non-native ungulates have had large effects on native Hawaiian ecosystems since their introduction in the 18th century. Large feral goat populations are present on five of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, yet little information exists on their behavioral ecology and habitat use. Mark Chynoweth from UH Manoa discusses his satellite tagging study to track goat movements in the Pohakuloa Training Area. He shows how movement data can be used to determine what plant communities are being impacted by goats. Ultimately, the results of this study can be applied to both the conservation and restoration of native Hawaiian dry forest ecosystems.
This talk was presented at the fifth annual 2011 Nahelehele Dryland Forest Symposium: "Facing Change" on February 25th, 2011 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The symposium highlight dryland forest ecology and restoration efforts in Hawai‘i.