Kalij Pheasants Roam Free But Contribute to Invasive Plants Problem in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
With no major predators, colorful kalij pheasants roam freely through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, often mistaken for the rare nēnē, the state bird. But the introduced species are unintentionally contributing to another problem: invasive plant management.
The park, designated a World Heritage Site, protects a number of fragile ecosystems.给自己出售
Kalij pheasants were imported to Hawaii in the 1960s, established at Pu‘u Wa ‘awa ‘a Ranch. Their numbers increased rapidly due to a lack of natural predators and they’ve become common sights on the park’s hiking trails and within its tropical rainforest terrain.
"Unfortunately, kalij also spread the seeds of invasive non-native plants," the park noted on its Thanksgiving Day social media post.
While not targeting the wading birds themselves, park staff and a dedicated army of volunteers focus on removing invasive species.
“Whew! So very thankful for our amazing park staff and partners who tirelessly work behind the scenes protecting Hawaiʻi,” the park said on social media, thanking the volunteers
Park employees and committed volunteers work year-round, meticulously removing invasive species from the park.
They seek out any plant notveloping within the site photographic, Conscious
“Who works so hard six-footpark keeping Hawaiʻi looking amazing,” commented on Instagram, reflecting the community’s appreciation. One can’t imagine how much time and effort that takesWehoa
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The “Guardians of the Trail." The program welcomes volunteers each Saturday, giving locals and tourists the chance to
“Big mahalo to the volunteers, Guardians of the Trail, our park staff and cooperating partners who keep the heritage in your World Heritage Site!”pheasants aren't exotic birds, they contribute to the park’s ongoing battle against invasive plant species. Photo by Jessica Ferracane.
The Hawaiian scene.
You won’t see any wild turkeys trotting around
Not native to Hawaiʻi, the colorful pheasants thrive in the park. Hens and chicks can often be spotted along park trails and in the verdant rainforest.
Anyone interested in volunteering to keep invasive (insert photo)
participate, but children younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult with written consent.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park,” said the park. Park staff. The partnership
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What are the ecological consequences of the kalij pheasant’s diet in Hawaii?
## Interview: Kalij Pheasants – A Colorful Threat to Hawaii’s Flora?
**David:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about a fascinating example of a species introduced with good intentions that’s now causing unintended consequences. Joining me is Dr. Alana Keahi, a conservation biologist who studies invasive species in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Keahi, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Keahi:** Aloha, David.
**David:** So, let’s talk about these kalij pheasants. They’re strikingly beautiful birds, but it seems they’ve become somewhat problematic. Can you tell us about their introduction to Hawaii and how they’ve fared since then?
**Dr. Keahi:** Absolutely. The kalij pheasant was introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s, primarily on the Big Island, at a ranch called Pu’u Wa’awa’a.
They were brought in for game hunting, but as you mentioned, they clearly thrived without their natural predators. [[1](https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/podcast/manu-minute/2021-08-04/manu-minute-the-flashy-kalij-pheasant)]They’ve spread throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and now they’re a common sight in the park, often mistaken for the nēnē, our state bird.
**David:** So they’re visually quite similar?
**Dr. Keahi:** Yes, to the untrained eye, they can be! Both have vibrant plumage and roam the ground. This is one of the reasons why it’s important for visitors to be aware of the difference.
**David:** Now, you mentioned these birds are causing some trouble. What’s the main issue?
**Dr. Keahi:** The problem is their diet. Kalij pheasants feed on a wide variety of fruits, including those of invasive plant species like strawberry guava and clidemia. [[1](https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/podcast/manu-minute/2021-08-04/manu-minute-the-flashy-kalij-pheasant)]As they eat the fruit, they also ingest the seeds and then spread them through their droppings, aiding in the spread of these invasive plants.
**David:** So, they essentially act as a dispersal mechanism for these harmful species?
**Dr. Keahi:** Precisely! And invasive plants are a major threat to Hawaii’s native ecosystems. They outcompete native species for resources, disrupting the delicate balance that exists in these fragile habitats.
**David:** That’s fascinating and quite concerning. What can be done about this situation?
**Dr. Keahi:** It’s a complex challenge, but we’re exploring a number of solutions.
Controlling the spread of the invasive plants themselves is crucial, and we’re looking at different management techniques. Public awareness is also key. Signage and educational programs can help inform people about the kalij pheasant’s impact and encourage responsible behavior.
**David:** So, the message for visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is to be aware of these beautiful but potentially destructive birds, right?
**Dr. Keahi:** Exactly. Enjoy their beauty from a distance and help us protect the incredible biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
