Conservation implications of introduced game birds in high-elevation Hawaiian shrubland
Cole RF, Loope LL, Medeiros AC, Raikes JA, Wood CS. 1995. Conservation implications of introduced game birds in high-elevation Hawaiian shrubland. Conservation Biology. 9(2):306-313
The ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the chukar (Alectoris chukar) were studied in Haleakala National Park, Maui, to determine their food habits, ecological niche, and what effects these birds were having on the native biota. Food items were generally selected according to their relative availability, although food choice of certain items was influenced by other factors. Fruits of native, woody dicots, and leaves and flower parts of alien, herbaceous dicots were predominately consumed. Invertebrates were a minor component of their diet. These introduced birds facilitate seed dispersal and germination of native plants and thus are beneficial in restoring degraded ecosystems.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Cole, Russell; Loope, Lloyd; Medeiros, Arthur; Raikes, Jane; Wood, Cynthia
- Units
- HALE , PACN
- Keywords
- chukar, Food Habits, game birds, Introduced Species, ring-necked pheasant