HomeMy WebLinkAboutThesis Proposal Presentation - March 24, 2023: Wild Ungulate Impacts on Ranchlands
Mitchell, Megan
From:Melissa Price <pricemel@hawaii.edu>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 10:30 AM
Subject:Thesis Proposal March 24 12:00 pm HST: Wild Ungulate Impacts to Ranchlands
Attachments:Lauren Katayama Proposal Poster.pdf
Please joi n us for an M.S. thesis proposal presentation by Lauren Katayama on Friday, March 24,
2023 at 12:00 pm in Sherman Rm 103, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental
Management, on the UH Mānoa campus or via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID 958 0755 4092 Passcode: 525400
Committee: Melissa Price (chair), Kirsten Oleson, Karen Steensma, Clay Trauernicht
Title: Wild Ungulate Impacts on Ranchlands in Hawaiʻi
Abstract: Wild ungulates such as feral pigs, feral goats, feral sheep, and wild deer can alter ecosystem functions,
compete with and predate on native species, and spread diseases. In the Hawaiian Islands puaʻa or wild pig (Sus scrofa)
have been present for ~1000 years, but other species such as mouflon sheep (Ovis musimon), feral sheep (Ovis aries),
feral goats (Capra hircus), and Axis Deer (Axis axis) were introduced more recently. Today these wild ungulates are
negatively impacting agricultural production and native ecosystems, but are also valued as game species for food and
recreation. In this thesis research I will quantify the impacts of wild ungulates on ranchlands using motion-activated game
cameras and forage analysis. Additionally, I will identify optimal site-specific management for ranchers through a multi-
criteria decision analysis (MCDA) that considers values, costs, and benefits. Results of this study will inform improved
management of wild ungulates on ranchlands, and the potential for increased collaboration amongst ranchers, other
landowners, hunters, and land management agencies.
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