HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE ECOLOGY LAB
HUMAN-WILDLIFE DIMENSIONS
Scope of work
We explore the human–wildlife dimensions of conservation by examining how people perceive and interact with wildlife across the islands. This work considers the cultural significance of species and landscapes in Hawaiʻi. By studying community perspectives, land-use patterns, and the social factors that influence coexistence, our lab seeks to understand how human activities shape wildlife outcomes and how conservation efforts can better align with local priorities and cultural knowledge. These projects draw on interviews, participatory research, and collaborative planning to identify pathways for reducing conflict and supporting thriving human and wildlife communities.
Project Highlights
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The role of indigenous practices in expanding waterbird habitat in the face of rising seas
Sea level rise is projected to eliminate nearly 29% of all existing Hawaiian waterbird nesting habitat by 2100, with 1,847 ha lost to marine inundation and 136 ha lost to groundwater flooding. However, restoration of Indigenous wetland agro-ecosystems (lo‘i) offers a powerful solution: after accounting for sea-level rise, 11,698 ha remain suitable for lo‘i restoration—more than enough to replace all projected losses—and 11,677 ha of this area represents entirely new potential waterbird habitat. The study shows that restoring even 20% of viable lo‘i landscapes could fully offset statewide habitat losses, demonstrating how Indigenous Resource Management can simultaneously address biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and food security.
Understanding the co-evolutionary relationships between Indigenous cultures and non-native species can inform more effective approaches to conservation: the example of pigs (pua’a; Sus scrofa) in Hawai‘i
Analysis of more than a century of Hawaiian-language newspapers showed a 19th-century shift from domestic pig husbandry to hunting as pigs became feral. The earliest references to wild goats (1835), wild pigs (1846), and pig hunting (1861) marked the emergence of feral ungulates and the adoption of hunting as a new subsistence practice. Review of over 11,800 pig-related articles found no pre-contact mention of wild pigs or pig hunting, indicating these practices arose after major ecological and social change. The results show hunting as an adaptive Indigenous response and emphasize the need for conservation policies that protect ecosystems while supporting constitutionally protected Native Hawaiian practices.
Understanding local pig hunter values and practices as a means toward co-management of feral pigs (Sus scrofa; pua'a) in the Hawaiian Islands
Interviews with 30 pig hunters on Oʻahu and Maui documented the cultural values that shape hunting and identified pathways toward co-management of feral pigs. Hunters emphasized pigs as an important food source (n=18) and described additional benefits such as peace of mind (n=9), excitement (n=7), and exercise (n=6). Major barriers to pig hunting included limited stakeholder engagement and education (n=12) and restricted access to hunting sites (n=9). Recommendations priotitized community engagement (n=14), education, finding common ground, and expanding hunting areas (n=8). These perspectives offer a foundation for stronger collaborative management and reduced conflict over feral pig management in Hawaiʻi.