EFFECTS OF INVASIVE RODENT CONTROL ON ISLAND FOREST BIRD DEMOGRAPHY AND HEALTH

Ashley (Cozette) Romero; Colorado State University; Cozette.Rom94@gmail.com; Liba Pejchar, Lisa Crampton, Justin Hite, Chris Lepczyk, Jean Fantle-Lepczyk, Roy Gilb, Kathryn Temple, Tyler Winter, Jeffrey Foster, Lainie Berry

The introduction of rats (Rattus spp.) to island ecosystems has resulted in widespread decline and extinction of birds. Rats impact birds by spreading disease, depredating eggs, chicks, and adults, and competing for food, yet the effect of rats on both the demography and health of these species is poorly understood. Our objective was to determine if rodent control can influence physiological effects and demographics of island forest birds. To address this objective, we examined the sex and body condition of four focal Hawaiian forest bird species residing in Kaua'i’s Alaka'i Wilderness Preserve in relation to proximity and density of rat traps, as well as topographic variables within their home range. Birds were captured within and around areas that have had active rodent control for the past 5-8 years. Data analysis is currently underway and results of three field seasons of data collection from 2021-2023 will be discussed. Over this period, we collected data from more than 570 focal species captures. This information will be important in prioritizing management actions to protect Hawai'i’s ecologically and culturally important avian populations and contribute to a deeper understanding of rat impacts on forest bird health and demography.

Poster Session   Student Paper