Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program FY17_FY21

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C. Expected Results and Benefits The reduction in numbers of predators and subsequent increase in game bird reproduction and survival will increase the number of game birds in Kapapala, Mauna Loa, and Kipuka Aina Hou PHA's. Reducing disease and predation by 50% would potentially double game bird populations. Game birds will be checked for pathogens to determine the effects of parasitism and disease as limiting factors. Increased chick production is expected to result in an additional harvest of 2,900 game birds per year and an additional 2,000 hunter recreation days, a substantial increase in wildlife recreation opportunities. Mineral and feed supplements, where warranted, will provide for healthier game martial populations. Control of feral ungulates in sensitive areas, particularly feral cattle, will reduce damage to sensitive ecosystems while providing D. Approach Predators will be reduced by trapping introduced mongooses, rats, feral cats and feral dogs. Disease testing will be done at checking stations and in hunting areas. Game birds will be checked for pathogens to determine the effects of parasitism and disease as limiting factors. Investigations will be conducted in cooperation with the Animal Industry Branch of the State Department of Agriculture. Feed and mineral stations will be placed near water units where feasible. Feral cattle control hunts will be managed for maximum benefit to hunting community and ecosystem protection. E. Location. Predator reduction will be conducted at Kapapala Ranch, Mauna Loa, and Kipuka Aina Hou PHA's. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5-Yr Total $70,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $175,000 Project 11 W-25-GP-02 Game Population Management Hawaii County - West Hawaii District A. Need There are no native mammalian predators in Hawaii. Niches for small and medium-sized predators are filled by introduced Indian mongooses, feral dogs and cats, and rats. In many instances they are the primary limiting factors on ground -nesting birds. There are no naturally occurring large predators to control these introduced predators. Although game bird population levels are closely linked to annual precipitation, predation can be another limiting factor especially during the nesting and brood rearing seasons. Predator population management plays a key role in relieving predation pressure on game bird populations. Where game mammal management is allowed, mineral and feed supplements will be provided to improve the health of the population. In areas where control of game mammals' populations is conducted, the Division implements management practices to increase public access to those game resources whenever safe, feasible, and effective. Those practices include deployment of fences to manage game movement, public harvest of game to reduce population levels, staff control of game where needed, and salvage of harvested game for public use. 24