Images

Wood boring beetle tunnels inside of an ‘ōhi‘a log. Researchers are investigating if the spread of beetle frass (excrement) is a pathway for movement of a fungus that causes Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death.

A panoramic view as seen from Honouliuli Preserve in the Waiʻanae mountains shows some of the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found on Oʻahu.

A panoramic view as seen from Honouliuli Preserve shows some of the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found on Oʻahu.

A view across the Waiʻanae mountains of West Oʻahu shows some of the diverse landscapes and ecosystems found in Hawaiʻi.

A Cyanea calycina, or haha, growing in the Wai‘anae Mountains on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Haha is a rare and endangered plant endemic to Hawai‘i.

"Lab in a Suitcase" set up in the field to test samples for the fungus (Ceratocystis fimbriata) responsible for Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death.

Dry coastal habitat at Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, Big Island, Hawai‘i.

Mosquito larvae being reared to identify species. Samples collected at the Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i. 

Hawai‘i ‘Elepaio

Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).

A female mosquito (Aedes japonicus) reared from larvae collected from the Kawaikoi Stream, Kauai.

Overlooking the Alaka‘i Plateau from the Alaka‘i Swamp trailhead, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.

Kawaikoi Stream, Kaua‘i

Kawaikoi Stream crossing in the Alaka‘i Swamp, Kaua‘i

Research projects with the USGS take scientists to beautiful places and Mauna Kea volcano on Hawai‘i Island is no exception. Here is a palila field crew camping site on the north slope of Mauna Kea as the sun sets.  

Palila nestlings, so young their eyes are not even open yet, wait open-mouthed for their parents to bring them food. Palila nestlings face many threats including rats, cats, and mongoose predators. 

Palila, a critically endangered Hawaiian bird found only the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i, have faced several threats including invasive cats, rats, and mongoose, and loss of habitat. Dr. Paul Banko has spent decades of his career studying palila populations and threats. In this photo, Dr.

This radio-collared, ear tagged female mouflon stares back the camera of USGS wildlife biologist Dr. Steven C. Hess among the a‘a lava and shrubs of Hawai‘i Island.  

A bright orange male ‘akepa captured in the Hawaiian rainforest on Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i. Akepa are an endangered species found on only 3 of the 8 main Hawaiian islands. Their geographic range has been restricted by land use change, invasive species, and climate change. 

Mauna Ulu began erupting in May 1969 on Kilauea volcano's east rift zone. Within the first 6 months of erupting 12 lava fountains could be seen, some over 1000 ft high in the air! 

Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).