Predator Control to Benefit Endangered Puaiohi

The endangered puaiohi - a Kaua‘i endemic species integral for a healthy watershed - is estimated to have a population of ~500 birds, based on surveys conducted from 2011-2103.This project conducts standardized monitoring to assess puaiohi population trends and investigates new tools to conduct rat and cat control to benefit nesting puaiohi and other forest birds, while reducing harm to from traps. Objectives are 1) conduct the recommended range-wide monitoring for puaiohi; 2) trial new AT220 cat traps on the Alaka‘i Plateau; and 3) reduce relative rat predation and improve puaiohi occupancy on trapping grids relative to reference grids.