Kaua‘i County reminds public to report sightings of invasive rose-ringed parakeets

More than 170 responses have been received to a Kaua‘i County survey reporting sightings of the invasive rose-ringed parakeets since the beginning of the year.

Since January, 54% of survey respondents observed the birds in flight, and 18% saw the avian pests roosting, county officials confirmed.

The sightings were reported online to a citizen-science mapping initiative through Kaua‘i County’s Office of Economic Development. This tool, created by the Kaua‘i Rose-Ringed Parakeet Working Group, continues to invite the local community and visitors to track and gather location data on these birds.

Residents, local businesses, and visitors can click here to participate in the survey.

The majority of sightings were reported in areas between Hanalei and Kalāheo. Survey data has informed management actions, leading to the culling of over 2,000 parakeets in Wailua and Līhu‘e.

“This community science mapping effort has been instrumental in helping us identify high-activity areas, enabling us to plan and execute targeted culling efforts effectively,” said Nalani Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development. “We hope that our community will continue to engage with the online survey, ensuring that community-driven data remains up to date. This ongoing participation will enhance our ability to address the invasive population and protect Kaua‘i’s ecosystems and economy. We thank all of you in advance for helping us help ourselves.”

Key features of the citizen-science mapping tool include:

• User-Friendly Interface: The mapping tool is designed to be accessible for users of all ages, allowing residents and enthusiasts to contribute data effortlessly.
• Real-Time Reporting: Participants can report sightings of the invasive birds in real-time, providing crucial information to scientists, conservationists, and local authorities.

For more information, contact OED’s Agriculture Specialist, Niki Kunioka-Volz, at 808-241-4951 or nkvolz@kauai.gov.