Circling the wagons: agriculturalists and conservation biologists must cooperate to protect endemic Hawaiian invertebrate diversity and control invasive species.

Abstract

Conservation of native Hawaiian insects and suppression of invasive species are intrinsically connected propositions. The isolation of the Hawaiian Islands has produced a large endemic insect fauna that is ill equipped to compete with the onslaught of species that have been intentionally or inadvertently unleashed. However, most of the data needed to effectively preserve natives and control invasive species is lacking. Research on the impacts of invasive species, the mechanisms of the impacts, and control methods has just begun. Funding efforts have likely been hampered by legislation which ignores, or gives very low priority to insect conservation. Better cooperation and support between insect conservationists, biological control specialists, botanists, and other branches of research are needed. Additionally, Hawaiian entomologists must inspire the public at a grassroots level in order to increase support for insect conservation. Biologists concerned with preserving Hawaiian ecosystems and agriculture must recognize the extensive common ground we share, and identify ways to support each other towards the accomplishment of common goals.