Hidden Histories: The Ecology & Conservation of Pueo: Lessons from Hawaii's Native Owl

Register for the event using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86089755406

Discussion Summary:

Short-eared Owls are a globally distributed species that inhabit a variety of habitat types across five continents and many island chains. Pueo are the subspecies of Short-eared Owl native to the Hawaiian islands, and as one of the only native terrestrial predators in Hawai‘i, Pueo play an important ecological role in the islands. Through adapting to the unique ecosystem of Hawai‘i, Pueo appear to have evolved some notable differences between them and their continental cousins. In addition to their ecological importance, Pueo hold cultural significance to native Hawaiians and appear frequently in mo‘olelo. As the landscapes of Hawai‘i undergo rapid development and change, Pueo face new challenges to overcome.

Biography:

Olivia Wang is currently a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working on migratory bird conservation and research in the Pacific Islands. Originally from Southern California, Olivia found her interest and passion for wildlife conservation while in college at the University of California, Davis. After graduating she worked on a variety of avian research projects throughout California, working with everything from hummingbirds to hawks, and eventually found her way to graduate school at the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa. There, she completed her Master’s research on Pueo (Hawaiian Short-eared Owl) breeding ecology. Olivia is grateful to have the opportunity to continue working in Hawai‘i bird conservation in her role with USFWS.