BIO-SECURITY

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What and Why: To find out more about the negative impacts of rodents and mongooses on the native species and ecosystems of the Hawaiian islands, please read DLNR’s informational page: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/removerats/home/impacts-of-rodents-mongooses/

In addition to rodents and mongooses, invasive ants are another pest that is important to prevent from being transported to the Northwestern Hawaiian island wildlife refuges.

We have been testing training methods with a variety of dog breeds to prepare for potential operational projects. Our targets include live rodents (mice, rats), mongooses, and yellow crazy ants.

Where: Future applications in the Hawaiian islands may include:

1) Screening boats and cargo in the Hawaiian islands for bio-security purposes;

2) Monitoring of remote atoll wildlife refuges post-treatment;

3) Surveillance for incursions within bird sanctuaries and other areas protected by predator-proof fencing.

Other Locations: CDH is also available to assist other Pacific islands with their bio-security K9 programs. We are currently working with Guam Department of Agriculture to help with their program which targets invasive invertebrates.