Fencing is Key to Native Plant Restoration in Hawai‘i

Abstract

Fencing creates safety barriers for restoration projects in Hawai‘i. Without fencing and intensive management of feral mammals and nonnative plants, restoration efforts would not be possible. Hawai‘i’s long evolutionary isolation created unique species having few defense mechanisms. Today, its modern position as the commercial hub of the Pacific makes native species especially susceptible to destruction by alien species. Many nonnative plant species occupy modified forests after feral mammals have eliminated native species. Establishment of nonnative plants is rapid in exposed mineral soils and feral mammals and birds aid their dispersal. The construction of ungulate-proof fences and the elimination of feral mammals create recovery areas for both native habitats and rare and endangered species.