Human-Wildlife Interactions of Hawaiian Waterbirds in Managed Wetlands

Abstract

At-risk Hawaiian waterbirds utilize a variety of wetland habitats, including lo‘i kalo (Indigenous wetland agro-ecosystems used to grow Colocasia esculenta, a staple Hawaiian crop); however, how these systems support species recovery remains understudied. This represents a significant knowledge gap, as the expansion of Hawaiian agro-ecosystems has the potential to provide numerous ecosystem services that benefit both local and Indigenous communities, as well as the environment, while simultaneously supporting the recovery endangered waterbirds in the face of threats such as sea level rise. These benefits include local food production and, in turn, improved food security, cultural (re)connection, and the creation of habitat for endemic and endangered wildlife. Despite these benefits, the management actions necessary to maintain a lo‘i may be perceived as disruptive or harmful to the waterbird species inhabiting them. Actions such as the clearing of vegetation, fluctuations in water levels, and presence during nesting periods, could impact nesting success, so policies that restrict these actions during the nesting season are sometimes imposed on farmers. This study aims to lay a foundation for better understanding the relationships between stewards and the Aeʻo (Hawaiian Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), ʻAlae ʻula (Hawaiian Gallinule, Gallinula galeata sandvicensis), ʻAlae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian Coot, Fulica alai) and pure/hybrid Koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck, Anas wyvilliana). To address this question, I will conduct surveys, inquiring about management and the steward’s thoughts regarding waterbirds at their site, and measure the alert response and flight-initiation distances of waterbirds within their respective wetlands when approached by stewards. To further elucidate these interactions, I will replicate this study at multiple types of sites where waterbirds interact with land stewards, such as state and county parks, and government-managed wetlands. I expect to find that steward perceptions and desired level of interactions, frequency of caretaking, and waterbird species type will be correlated with alert and flight initiation distances when birds are approached by stewards, compared to non- stewards. The findings of this study will help to elucidate the responses of different waterbird species and underscore the contributions of managed wetlands to waterbird recovery.