Ecology of alien plants and animals in high-elevation shrubland of Haleakala National Park
Loope LL, Medeiros AC, Cole FR. 1992. Ecology of alien plants and animals in high-elevation shrubland of Haleakala National Park. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 73(2):254
Although the subalpine shrubland and aeolian zone at 2000-3000 m elevation on upper Haleakala volcano retain most native biota, these ecosystems are subjected to an array of alien introductions, and continue to acquire new ones. studies of interaction of alien and native species conducted during the past decade provide a basis for holistic assessment of management needs to maximize chances for long-term preservation of endemic biota. Removal of domestic and feral ungulates has allowed much recovery of native vegetation, but new introductions (e.g. rabbits, Verbascum thapsus, Pennisetum setaceum), facilitated by 2100 human visitors per day and construction of the world's l0th largest telescope at the mountain's summit, could reverse recent positive trends. Rodents (Mus domesticus and Rattus rattus) have a ubiquitous and probably severe impact on invertebrate populations. The Argentine ant (Iridomynnex humilis) has great potential for extensively altering native invertebrate species composition. Alien parasitoids such as Copidosoma bakeri (Encyrtidae) pose a threat which is difficult to evaluate.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Loope, Lloyd; Medeiros, Arthur; Cole, F
- Units
- HALE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Ecology, HI, Mau`i, Plant Studies