Sheldon Plentovich
Department of Zoology,
University of Hawai`i
2538 McCarthy Mall,
Edmondson 152
Honolulu, HI 96822
plentovi@hawaii.edu
Curriculum Vitae

Research Interests:
The isolated and unique native ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands have been in decline since human colonization began around 1,500 years ago. Massive losses of native fauna and flora, largely due to the direct and indirect effects of introduced species, have had detrimental effects. In some cases invasive species have caused the loss and/or replacement of entire communities. The native communities of the Hawaiian Islands are now considered some of the most endangered systems anywhere in the world. In many cases, the future existence of native communities is dependent upon our ability to restore ecosystems through activities such as predator removal, invasive species control, and the reintroduction of native flora and fauna.

There are no ants or other social insects native to the Hawaiian Islands. However, over 40 ant species have been introduced to the Islands. Ant species such as Pheidole megacephala (Big-headed ant) and Solenopsis geminata (tropical fire ant) are suspected of causing major disruptions within a variety of natural communities. Both species are suspected of altering arthropod and plant communities and also of preying on larger animals such as seabirds. However, careful experiments have not been conducted, thus the level of impact continues to be a topic for speculation.

Oahu’s offshore islets offer an opportunity to use experimentation to increase understanding of how introduced ants affect native communities. My doctoral research focuses on how these introduced predators affect native ecosystems in Hawaii. Using a target-specific protein-based insecticide to control ant numbers on two of four offshore islets, I am hoping to learn more about how invasive ant species affect seabird nesting success and plant and arthropod populations. My hope is that the results of this research will allow biologists and managers to conduct ecological restoration in the most meaningful and cost-effective manner possible. The development of useful methods within the field of restoration ecology is critical for the future of native ecosystems. Without restoration, many systems will cease to exist.