Starting up again... for real.

I guess this blog is long over due for an update. A lot has happened.

At this moment the United States is in the midst of a Federal government shutdown. The event is largely manufactured by the new Tea Party backed Republicans who have coupled funding the government with defunding the Affordable Healthcare Act (aka Obamacare).

I, thankfully, don't work for the Federal Government at this time but many of my colleagues do. I am hopeful for a reasonable and swift end to the political standoff that has created this mess. 

As for me...
I'm currently working on invasive mammals. More specifically, small-mammals like mice, rats, and mongoose. I'll admit, I have paid more attention to the plant side of invasive species over the years but my knowledge and experience has included some work on rodents.

Why? Well rodents, more than anything, are extremely good survivors. They eat a wide variety of food and can survive in almost every habitat Hawaii offers. Every seed, egg, and insect is a potential meal for these small but determined predators. Hawaii's ecosystem is highly impacted by small-mammals and I am on the job to see them removed from the landscape in a safe and effective way. It may not be easy, but it has to be done.

Many of Hawaii's native species are in serious need of help. The means of small-mammal removal needs to be safe, effective, and sustainable.

The time is now.