Kalij Pheasants Thrive while Wild Turkeys Stay Away from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
While wild turkeys strut their stuff across much of the Big Island, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park seems to have a different set of feathered residents: the colorful kalij pheasants.
Introduced in the 1960s, these distinct birds, not native to Hawaiʻi, have found a welcoming home in the park. Visitors often mistake them for the endemic Hawaiian goose, or nēnē, the official state bird, but the kalij pheasant is a different species altogether. In fact, wild turkeys (introduced even earlier in 1788) prefer the drier, higher elevations of Waimea, Waikōloa, and the Kohala Coast.
"A big mahalo to the volunteers, Guardians of the Trail, our park staff, and cooperating partners who keep the heritage in your World Heritage Site!" exclaimed a recent social media post from the park, highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect this unique ecosystem.
That’s because casually admiring these colorful pheasants comes with a hidden cost.
“Unfortunately, kalij also spread the seeds of invasive non-native plants,” acknowledged the park in its Thanksgiving Day message, reminding us that the beauty of their presence doesn’t come without a challenge.
The park is committed to removing these invasive plants, which threaten native Hawaiian flora. Park staff and an army of dedicated volunteers are constantly on the lookout, ensuring native plants have the space to thrive.
Whether it’s Koster’s curse, Himalayan ginger, faya, or any other unwelcome invader, the dedicated team works tirelessly to keep these botanical interlopers at bay.
Want to be part of this vital effort?
Join the Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration program. Every Saturday (December 7th, 14th, and 21st this month) volunteers gather at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center to combat invasive plants. Regardless of your age – even keiki are welcome (with parental consent for those under 18) – everyone can contribute.
Just come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, a hat, rain gear, snacks, water, and a spirit of conservation. Gloves and tools are provided.
By participating, you’ll be directly contributing to the preservation of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, ensuring future generations can experience its unique and fragile beauty.
It’s a reminder that even seemingly innocent guests like the kalij pheasant can unintentionally bring challenges. The park’s commitment to this delicate balance shines through in its dedication to protection and restoration.
Support the park’s mission today!
Visit the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website (https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm) for more information on volunteering and upcoming events. Stay connected on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps/), X (https://x.com/Volcanoes_NPS), and Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/144356245@N06/).
## Kalij Pheasants Thrive While Wild Turkeys Shy Away from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: An Expert Interview
Wild turkeys are a common sight across much of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, but within the confines of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, they are conspicuously absent. This raises a fascinating question: why are these adaptable birds avoiding the park, while another non-native species, the Kalij pheasant, seems to flourish there?
To shed light on this ecological puzzle, we spoke with Dr. Leilani Kekoa, a wildlife biologist with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and an expert on avian ecology in the islands.
**World Today News:** Dr. Kekoa, thank you for joining us. Can you give us some background on the arrival of both turkeys and pheasants in Hawaiʻi, and why they are considered non-native species?
**Dr. Kekoa:** Certainly! Both wild turkeys and Kalij pheasants were introduced to Hawaiʻi in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, likely for hunting purposes. They are classified as non-native because they originated in north America and Southeast Asia, respectively, and don’t naturally occur in Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.
**World today news:** We know turkeys are abundant on the Big Island, but they are notably absent from Volcanoes National Park. What could explain this discrepancy?
**Dr. Kekoa:** It’s a fascinating observation! There could be several factors at play. One possibility is predator pressure. Volcanoes national Park is home to a healthy population of feral cats,mongooses,and rats,which are known to prey on ground-nesting birds like turkeys.
Additionally, the park’s volcanic landscape, with its lava flows and dense undergrowth, might not offer the ideal habitat for turkeys, which prefer open woodlands and grasslands.
**World Today News:** interestingly, Kalij pheasants seem to be thriving in the park. What makes them more successful in this surroundings?
**Dr. Kekoa:** Pheasants have a distinct advantage: they are adept climbers and are comfortable dwelling in forested habitats. They are also known to be more aggressive and better equipped to defend their nests from predators compared to turkeys. This resilience might allow them to thrive in the park’s challenging terrain.
**World today News:** What are the potential implications of these contrasting population trends for the overall ecosystem?
**Dr. Kekoa:** This situation underscores the complex interplay between non-native species and their environment. While both pheasants and turkeys can impact native flora and fauna through competition and predation, understanding their distribution patterns allows us to better manage their impact and protect Hawaiʻi’s unique biodiversity.
**World Today news:** Do you see any possibility of wild turkeys returning to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in the future?
**Dr.Kekoa:** While it’s always possible, it’s unlikely. Unless important changes occur in the park’s predator-prey dynamics or habitat structure, turkeys are likely to continue avoiding this area. It’s significant to remember that introducing non-native species has unintended consequences, and managing these populations is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr. Kekoa, for sharing your insightful outlook. Your expertise sheds light on the unique ecological dynamics unfolding within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
