InvadeHawaii: A dataset of invasive species of Hawaii

Data Records

The data in this checklist resource has been published as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. The core data table contains 21 records.

1 extension data tables also exist. An extension record supplies extra information about a core record. The number of records in each extension data table is illustrated below.

This IPT archives the data and thus serves as the data repository. The data and resource metadata are available for download in the downloads section. The versions table lists other versions of the resource that have been made publicly available and allows tracking changes made to the resource over time.

Versions

The table below shows only published versions of the resource that are publicly accessible.

How to cite

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

Tanalgo K (2024). InvadeHawaii: A dataset of invasive species of Hawaii. Version 1.2. Training Organization. Checklist dataset. https://training-ipt-a.gbif.org/resource?r=invahawaii&v=1.2

Rights

Researchers should respect the following rights statement:

The publisher and rights holder of this work is Training Organization. To the extent possible under law, the publisher has waived all rights to these data and has dedicated them to the Public Domain (CC0 1.0). Users may copy, modify, distribute and use the work, including for commercial purposes, without restriction.

GBIF Registration

This resource has been registered with GBIF, and assigned the following GBIF UUID: bda26b7d-5ffc-4d57-9c10-fdab50989823.  Training Organization publishes this resource, and is itself registered in GBIF as a data publisher endorsed by GBIF Secretariat.

Keywords

Checklist; occurrence

Contacts

Geographic Coverage

The Island of Hawaii

Temporal Coverage

Project Data

This dataset contains comprehensive occurrence data on invasive species recorded across Hawaii, resulting from a collaborative project led by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC), the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC), the University of Hawaii in Maui (UHM), and participating local high schools. The initiative, funded by a federal grant, aims to enhance awareness and documentation of invasive species through a structured educational program integrated into the high school curriculum. The project seeks to increase local knowledge, improve data collection, and produce accurate records of invasive species occurrences. The Hawaii Invasive Species Council oversees the project, ensuring effective coordination among all partners. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee manages the central database and data portal, facilitating the integration and accessibility of data from various island committees. The University of Hawaii in Maui contributes to data validation through its botany students, who verify the accuracy of species identifications as part of their academic coursework. Local high schools play a crucial role by engaging students in field surveys and data collection efforts. Field surveys were organized by high school students, who, with guidance from ISC Early Detection Technicians and Student Mentors, conducted community surveys using GPS-enabled mobile phones to capture photos and record observations of invasive species. The data, recorded through a digital form adapted from the HISC pest reporting form, includes detailed information on 21 key invasive plant species, including photographic evidence and GPS coordinates for precise location documentation. UHM botany students further validated this data collection to ensure quality and accuracy. The dataset provides valuable insights into the distribution and impact of invasive species in Hawaii, contributing to expanded data coverage in previously under-reported areas. Managed by BIISC, the central database integrates all collected data into a unified, searchable portal, making it accessible to government agencies, researchers, and the public. This centralized repository supports ongoing research and informed decision-making in invasive species management. Overall, the project enhances understanding of invasive species, supports public accessibility to critical data, and fosters community involvement in environmental conservation efforts. For more information and to access the dataset, please visit the. Contact details for the project manager, HISC Fiscal Associate, BIISC Coordinator, and UHM Botany.

The personnel involved in the project:

Sampling Methods

The sampling for this project was designed to systematically capture a comprehensive representation of invasive species occurrences across various locations in Hawaii. The process began with selecting two high schools on each island, chosen for their locations in areas with limited or non-existent documentation of invasive species. Specific survey routes within these target areas were then predefined to maximize coverage, considering the distribution of known invasive species and accessibility. High school students were trained as part of the project, served as Student Mentors, and were assisted by local ISC Early Detection Technicians in guiding community participants through the sampling process. Community members, including residents, were engaged in day-long survey events organized by the students. Participants followed assigned routes, using GPS-enabled mobile phones equipped with a digital data collection form to record their observations. During the surveys, participants identified target invasive species and captured 1-3 photos of each sighting to document different aspects of the species for accurate identification. Based on the HISC pest reporting format, the digital form required input of species details, location coordinates, and additional notes. Observations were recorded and submitted in real time using mobile phones, with data including photos and GPS coordinates. To ensure the accuracy of the data, submissions were reviewed and validated by botany students from the University of Hawaii in Maui, who cross-referenced the information with known species characteristics. The collected data was then aggregated into a central database managed by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC), which integrates information from all participating Invasive Species Committees (ISCs). This data is accessible through a unified, searchable portal, allowing researchers, government agencies, and the public to access and analyze the comprehensive dataset easily. This structured sampling approach ensures thorough documentation of invasive species occurrences and supports ongoing research and conservation efforts through accurate and reliable data.

Method step description:

1. Documentation of invasive species from the field.
2. Reviewing of the initial identification of the species.
3. Validation of the species and occurrence records.
4. Organizing the species occurrence records and associated metadata following Darwin Core Standards in Microsoft Office Excel format (.csv).
5. Curating species occurrence in Quantum GIS.

Additional Metadata