Wildlife Habitat

Protect Native Animals like the `elepaio.

All wildlife including butterflies, birds, and bats are vulnerable to many pesticides and other chemicals. So are children! Protect your family’s health and Hawaii’s wildlife by minimizing chemical use. If you use chemicals, always follow label instructions.

If You Love Birds, Don‘t Feed Them

There is no need to put out bird feeders in Hawaii. There is plenty of food available naturally for birds and feeding them corrupts their natural instincts. Purchased bird seed can contain weed seeds which may escape into the wild to become invasive plants. Large colonies of birds (such as mallards) pollute the water and transfer diseases to humans and other birds. Please don’t feed the ducks! Purchased bird seed, bread and other food can also attract rats, mongoose and non-native birds that spread diseases.

In addition, most of Hawaii’s birds are not cavity nesters and don’t use bird houses (non-native birds and rats use bird houses to look for a dry bed.) Native trees of Hawaii are favorites of birds of all types. These birds are susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases which affect them below 4000 feet elevation and also become predation by cats and rats. It is best not to encourage native forest birds in low elevation/urban environments.
If you live in an upland region there is a good chance that one of Hawaii’s more common native forest birds has visited your yard. Follow the guidelines above and enjoy witnessing some of Hawaii’s exceptional natural heritage.

A Few Tips to Remember:

• Follow instruction on labels for chemical pesticides.
• Avoid overusing chemical products which leach into water.
• Consider natural alternatives to chemical products.
• Look for plants that attract beneficial insects.
• Prevent mosquito growth in standing water

In some instances, practices described in this guide could attract unwanted wildlife, or more of a species than is desirable. If you have problems with any wildlife species, most nurseries or garden stores, and organizations listed in then “Where To Get Additional Assistance” section can provide information on preventing or controlling them. The government agencies listed can provide information on Federal and State regulations regarding protection of wildlife species. Equipped with the right information and tools, most people are able to solve their own problems and live in harmony with wildlife.

Source: "Hawaii Backyard Conservation" (PDF), The U.S. Department of Agriculture.