News Release

MADISON, WI, DECEMBER 3, 2007 -- Hawaii is a not only a great vacation spot, but also an appropriate place to learn about invasive species. A recent article in the 2007 issue of Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education describes a case study focusing on Hawaii that challenges students to think about invasive speciesñrelated issues from both local and global perspectives, and offers instructors an opportunity to integrate information and understanding from many disciplines.

"Oceanic island systems like Hawaii have been particularly susceptible to invaders and efforts to prevent further invasions focus on reducing the accidental and purposeful pathways by which harmful species arrive," write authors Alison Fox (University of Florida) and Lloyd Loope (USGS, Makawao, HI).

Such pathways can include airplanes. A 1988 proposal that would expand Kahuluiís airport was supported by some who said the proposal would increase tourism, but others argued that the planes could carry in invasive species from a variety of Pacific Rim countries, which could include agricultural pests and threats to natural resource conservation. The Haleakala National Park, which has more endangered species than any other park in the National Park Service, is located just 15 miles from the Kahului airport. On the island of Maui alone, 20 percent of the total area is devoted to uses compatible with conservation of native species.

Using this ongoing real-world scenario as a learning opportunity, the authors created materials so that students can "develop their research, communication, and critical thinking skills through examination of these conflicting ecological and social issues." Integrating disciplines such as biology, geography, social and political science, students learn how local business and conservation interests can influence, and be influenced by, changes in global trade and transportation. The materials can be used as classroom role-playing exercise or as a case study for students working independently.

Created in and used since 2004, the exercises developed from this case study have been used for the last third of an undergraduate course on invasive species, with class sizes ranging from 15 to 60 students.