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Detrimental effects of two widespread invasive ant species on weight and survival of colonial nesting seabirds in the Hawaiian Islands

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Abstract

Invasive ants are a significant conservation concern and can have far-reaching effects in ecosystems they invade. We used the experimental control of ant numbers on two pairs of small (<5 ha) offshore islets dominated by either the big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala or the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata to investigate the influence of these species on seabird hatching success, fledging success and weight. Limited unpublished observations of both ant species attacking nesting seabirds exist, but the frequency of attacks or how they affect seabird growth and survival are unknown. Island-wide treatments with hydramethylnon resulted in the eradication of P. megacephala and the temporary reduction of S. geminata densities. No difference in hatching success, growth, or fledging success of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus), a common colonial nesting seabird in the Hawaiian Islands was observed on the pair of islets dominated by P. megacephala. On islets dominated by S. geminata, ant control resulted in a temporary increase in fledging success. Injury frequency increased dramatically on the untreated islet (8.3–100%) while remaining the same on the treated islet (27–38%). Severely injured chicks (i.e., chicks that lost >20% of tissue on their feet) weighed significantly less than uninjured chicks and did not fledge. It is unclear if the chicks were being preyed upon or stung in defense of nearby ant colonies. Radical changes in invasive ant populations have been noted, and booming ant populations could cause short-term, but widespread damage to seabird colonies. The negative effects of invasive ants on seabirds may be difficult to detect, and therefore unknown or underestimated throughout the world where the two groups overlap.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Offshore Islet Restoration Committee, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Hawaii State Division of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, and Hawaii Conservation Alliance for funding this project. Chris Swenson, Andy Taylor, Paul Krushelnycky, Al Samuelson, David Preston, and Frank Howarth provided technical assistance ranging from logistical support to insect identification. Don Drake, Dave Duffy, Neil Reimer, Dan Gruner and two anonymous reviewers provided thoughtful comments on drafts of this manuscript. Nori Yeung, Korie Merrill, and Reina Tong devoted enormous amounts of time to sorting insect samples. We are grateful to Jaap and Heather Eijzenga, Alex Handler, Pat Aldrich, Ethan Shiinoki, Norma Bustos, Anneleise Andrews, Anne Devereaux, Meaghan Laut, Clay Trauernicht, Naomi Hoffman, Steph Joe and Mahina Lee-Chung for help in the field.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Hawaii, Edmondson Hall 152, 2538 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96822-2279, USA

    Sheldon Plentovich, Aaron Hebshi & Sheila Conant

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  1. Sheldon Plentovich
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  2. Aaron Hebshi
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  3. Sheila Conant
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Correspondence to Sheldon Plentovich.

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Plentovich, S., Hebshi, A. & Conant, S. Detrimental effects of two widespread invasive ant species on weight and survival of colonial nesting seabirds in the Hawaiian Islands. Biol Invasions 11, 289–298 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-008-9233-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-008-9233-2

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