HAWAI'I'S ENVIRONMENT
Snakes pose threat to Islands
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Columnist
Hawai'i's reputation as a snake-free paradise is at considerable risk.
There are no native snakes, but one worm-size snake is well established, and it is possible quite a few other species are also present.
"An examination of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture records from 1990 to 2000 indicated hundreds of credible snake sightings in the state, mostly of free-roaming animals that were not recovered," write Fred Kraus and Domingo Cravalho in the journal Pacific Science. Cravalho is an aquatic specialist with the state Department of Agriculture. Kraus is a former Department of Land and Natural Resources employee now with Bishop Museum.
Although the brown tree snake, which has severely damaged native bird life in Guam, is considered the major threat to Hawai'i, other snakes get in more frequently.
There is a concern that brown tree snakes as well as other snakes can get here accidentally, in cargo or as hitchhikers on planes.
But a lot of snakes get here on purpose, "primarily through smuggling of pet animals," they write.
The authors suggest that the government's single-minded focus on the brown tree snake may be misplaced, and that stronger measures are needed to prevent any kind of snake arrival. There are lots of snakes other than the brown tree snake that have devastating potential for native species, they write.
The small, blue-black blind snake, which lives in soil, was brought to the islands decades ago in potting soil from Asia. It is well established, but no threat to birds and most insect species.
But the authors write that the Department of Agriculture listed 236 credible sightings of other snakes during the past decade. Twenty-two were found dead, 41 were captured and 74 were surrendered voluntarily by owners.
"This leaves 99 presumptive snakes roaming free but uncaptured," they wrote.
The ones showing up most frequently are garter snakes, boa constrictors and two species of pythons.
The snakes would find Hawai'i a perfectly acceptable home.
"Released snakes generally find themselves in areas favorable to their growth and reproduction. Furthermore, food items occur in abundance throughout the lower elevations of the state," the authors wrote.
Most of the ones captured here feed on birds, and some could also feed on native fish.
Kraus and Cravalho argue that the state needs tougher enforcement of snake importation bans and more rigorous inspection of luggage and cargo.
"It is not biologically inevitable that ecologically destructive snakes colonize Hawai'i, but human activities, if allowed to maintain their current course, make it highly likely," they write.
Jan TenBruggencate is The Advertiser's Kaua'i bureau chief and its science and environment writer. You can call him at (808) 245-3074 or e-mail jant@honoluluadver tiser.com.
