Predator control management plan Haleakalā National Park

Kaholoaa, Raina; Bailey, Cathleen; Kekiwi, Erika; Purdy, Kayla; Judge, Seth; Tamayose, Joy; Schwarz, Carl

Executive Summary This management plan provides guidance and techniques for the control of non-native, mammalian predators at Haleakalā National Park (HALE) to protect endangered ground-nesting ʻuaʻu (Pterodroma sandwichensis, Hawaiian petrel) and nēnē (Branta sandvicensis, Hawaiian goose). This plan incorporates information on predator trapping at HALE from 1979 to 2018, analysis of trapping data from 2000-2014 provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and an evaluation of trapping methods and recommendations from Island Conservation. The goals are to increase endangered bird survival by decreasing predator impacts, and to increase efficiency of trapping effort at HALE. The plan considers minimizing incidental capture of endangered species, increasing efficacy in capturing predator species, staff and funding constraints, visitor encounters with traps, and attention to humane methods for lethal removal. While this plan focuses on predator control to protect ʻuaʻu and nēnē at HALE, concepts within this plan can be used to develop trapping programs in other areas of the park and areas outside the park to protect other endangered species. This document is not intended to fulfill requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and is not a compliance document. Chapter 1 includes background information on the park’s trapping program, species descriptions, and location descriptions. Predation by introduced mammals, including feral cats, mongooses and rats, is one of the major limiting factors for ʻuaʻu and nēnē. The park's trapping program mainly consisted of transects of cage traps set in lines (traplines) that border endangered bird nesting habitat in the Summit District of HALE, and have been modified over the years to incorporate different trap types. Trapping focuses on protecting endangered, ground-nesting ʻuaʻu and nēnē by removing rats, mongooses and feral cats. Chapter 2, the Decision Making Process for Predator Control, is the foundation of the plan and serves as a guide that provides managers with an adaptive management process for executing and evaluating trapping methods. The Decision Making Process is a 6-step guide. • Step 1: Survey for predator activity Survey for predator activity by conducting extensive on-the-ground surveys and by camera trap surveillance. • Step 2: Identify predator hot spots Combine information from surveying (Step 1) and historical trapping data, which shows locations where predator catches were highest, to identify predator “hot spots.” A predator “hot spot” is an area with a high predator activity (relative to surrounding areas) that is naturally attractive to predators and will continue to attract predators over time. • Step 3: Assess characteristics of the hot spot For each hot spot, assess the predator activity, endangered species activity, visitor use, and remoteness. • Step 4: Create and execute a local trapping plan Develop plans according to location characteristics identified in Step 3. Set traps in clusters, grids, or lines. A variety of traps, baits and lures may be used. The number of traps and types of traps used are based on target predator species, endangered species activity, visitor use, remoteness of the area, and staff availability. Baits and lures used in conjunction with traps are based on target species, trap type and trap placement. • Step 5: Monitor traps and predator activity Monitor traps regularly to reset, rebait and refresh traps sets. All traps, including lethal traps, should be checked as frequently as possible. Minimally, baits and lures need refreshing weekly. Monitor the trapping area for predator activity by conducting on-the-ground surveys and by camera trap surveillance. • Step 6: Evaluate Evaluate the trapping plans using data on trap and predator activity monitoring. Conduct short-term evaluations of predator monitoring and trapping data yearly. Long-term evaluation of predator monitoring and examination of trapping data should....

Predator control management plan Haleakalā National Park

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