Pacific Rim Conservation is currently working on a variety of research and management projects that involve field surveys, data analysis, development of management plans and conservation objectives, writing for scientific publications and popular books, and photography to highlight recovery needs of endangered species and the threats they face. Below is a list of current projects, related pdf files, and links to associated websites. Additional publications and reports describing some of these projects in more detail can be found under the “Public Reports” link.
• Field surveys for the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii to update information on the distribution and abundance of the endangered Oahu Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis ibidis) in Honouliuli Preserve (see VanderWerf et al. 2001, Wilson Bulletin 113:10-16 Read PDF).
• Monitoring nest success and survival of Oahu Elepaio populations to measure the efficacy of alien rat control (see VanderWerf and Smith 2002, Pacific Conservation Biology 8:73-81 Read PDF), in collaboration with the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
• Analysis of mark-recapture data on the Oahu Elepaio to estimate effects of predator control and mosquito-borne diseases on annual survival (see VanderWerf et al. 2006, Condor in press Read PDF).
• Analysis of mark-recapture data on the Hawaii Elepaio to investigate environmental, ecological, and behavioral factors that influence survival, dispersal, and recruitment, and comparison of methods for estimating survival (see VanderWerf 2004, Ecology 85:770-783 Read PDF).
• Analysis of mark-recapture data to estimate age-specific annual survival of the Maui Parrotbill (Pseudonestor xanthophrys) and Maui Creeper (Paroreomyza montana), in collaboration with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (see www.mauiforestbird.org).
• Analysis of survey data on birds of Palau using variable circular plot methods to estimate population density and monitor trends in abundance over time, in collaboration with the Palau Conservation Society (see http://www.palau-pcs.org/) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Islands Office (see http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/).
• Mist-netting and banding of the Tinian Monarch in the Mariana Islands to measure annual survival and territory occupancy as part of the post-delisting monitoring plan for this species, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Islands Office (see U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2005 Read PDF).
• Measuring plumage color and size in the Hawaii Elepaio to investigate the environmental causes of morphological variation among bird populations, in collaboration with researchers from Ohio Wesleyan University.
• Development of 5-year recovery work plans for endangered Hawaiian forest birds. Dr. Eric VanderWerf, founder of Pacific Rim Conservation, is also the leader of the Hawaiian Forest Bird Recovery Team, which has produced a series of concise documents to help guide and focus recovery efforts for endangered Hawaiian forest birds.
5-year recovery work plans:
o Oahu Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis ibidis) Read PDF
o Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) Read PDF
o Maui Parrotbill (Pseudonestor xanthophrys) Read PDF
o Akiapolaau (Hemignathus munroi) Read PDF
o Akohekohe or Crested Honeycreeper (Palmeria dolei) Read PDF
o Palila (Loxioides bailleui) Read PDF
• Assisting researchers from the University of Hawai`i (see http://www.hawaii.edu/zoology/students/lyoung.htm) and managers from the Hawai`i Natural Area Reserve System (see http://www.dofaw.net/nars/) with monitoring survival and nesting success of Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) at Kaena Point, Oahu, investigation of genetic population structure and foraging ecology of Laysan Albatross, and development of public outreach materials.
• Monitoring survival and nesting success of Red-tailed Tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda) on Oahu to determine if protection or management is needed.
• Assisting the Offshore Islands Restoration Committee with monitoring sea bird populations on Lehua Islet and other offshore islets, and development of management goals (see VanderWerf et al. 2006, Pacific Science in press Read PDF http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/gradstud/eijzenga/OIRC/).
• Assisting researchers from the University of Hawaii with investigation of genetic population structure in the White Tern (Gygis alba; see ).
