Submission + - Alien birds may be the last hope for Hawaiian plan (nature.com) 1
brajbir writes: "Alien birds, it seems, may be the last hope for Hawaiian plants. Most of the native birds of Hawaii feed on nectar nectar or invertebrates, contributing little to seed dispersion. Many of the alien birds, introduced by humans, are fruit eating, thereby facilitating seed dispersion.
Hawaii is one of the most invaded places in the world, in terms of foreign species. More than 4,600 plant and 140 bird species have been introduced by human activity, with at least 58 types of bird establishing permanent breeding populations there. Most land birds in Hawaii are now exotic.
Is it best to have all invasives removed, even if that means severing the link between seeds and their current dispersers? Or is it best to keep invasive birds and all the trouble they cause? Returning Hawaii to her natural state is not attainable, but ironically, exotic birds appear to be helping.""
