Effects of invasive yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on the distribution of Hawaiian ghost crabs (Ocypode spp.) on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

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22F-MH-15-Aljian.pdf (194.68 KB)
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2022-12-17
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Aljian, Julia
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7
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1
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Sandy beaches are ecologically important coastal ecosystems that are susceptible to the impacts of invasive species, like the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes). On O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, many beaches are impacted by the presence of these invasive ants. There is a large population of these ants at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is also home to the Hawaiian ghost crab (Ocypode spp.). This genus of crab demonstrates burrowing behavior, where locations of burrows are dependent on abiotic and biotic factors. This study examines the effect of A. gracilipes abundance on burrow distribution of Hawaiian ghost crabs. We conducted twenty-five transects along the north shore of Oʻahu, documenting ghost crab burrow abundance and location relative to the shore and berm. Populations of A. gracilipes were sampled to estimate the relative abundance. This study found no evidence to suggest that the abundance of A. gracilipes has any significant influence on the abundance or distribution of Ocypode spp. More sampling should be done to estimate the full effects of this invasive species on a larger scale. It is important to study the relationship between endemic and invasive species in coastal regions to inform effective management and conservation.
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https://hdl.handle.net/10125/104753
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Horizons, Volume 7
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