Tiffani Keanini; KISC
“The Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee (KISC) is a voluntary partnership of government, private and non-profit organizations, and concerned individuals working to prevent, control, or eliminate the most threatening invasive plant and animal species in order to preserve Kauaʻi’s native biodiversity and minimize adverse ecological, economic and social impacts.” website
On Tuesday April 25th, Tiffani Keanini of KISC educated 7th grade students of Island School about invasive plants and animal species. She discussed native, non-native, and invasive species, levels of invasion in Hawaii, characteristics of invasive species including high dispersal ability and fast growing and the impacts of invasives.
Students inspected a target species Miconia an invasive plant spread by birds, and by unintentional pathways including hikers and hunters muddy boots, pigs and goat hooves, and tires. Miconia grows very quickly and close together, shading out nearly all other forest plants with the and has no natural enemies.
The previous weekend students set fire-ant traps to collect data. During class students examined the ants they found under the microscope and conducted a quick sort to determine if characteristics of the Little Fire Ant ant were present. LFA nest in trees, leaf litter, and small cavities. They affect domesticated animals. Agriculture, wildlife, and disturb quality of life. KISC is working to prevent the spread of the LFA on Kauai and citizen science opportunities can assist them in this.
On Tuesday April 25th, Tiffani Keanini of KISC educated 7th grade students of Island School about invasive plants and animal species. She discussed native, non-native, and invasive species, levels of invasion in Hawaii, characteristics of invasive species including high dispersal ability and fast growing and the impacts of invasives.
Students inspected a target species Miconia an invasive plant spread by birds, and by unintentional pathways including hikers and hunters muddy boots, pigs and goat hooves, and tires. Miconia grows very quickly and close together, shading out nearly all other forest plants with the and has no natural enemies.
The previous weekend students set fire-ant traps to collect data. During class students examined the ants they found under the microscope and conducted a quick sort to determine if characteristics of the Little Fire Ant ant were present. LFA nest in trees, leaf litter, and small cavities. They affect domesticated animals. Agriculture, wildlife, and disturb quality of life. KISC is working to prevent the spread of the LFA on Kauai and citizen science opportunities can assist them in this.