Pacific Rim Conservation

We’re so excited to introduce you all to the newest member of the PRC ʻohana, Lydia Best! 💙🐣

Lydia joined our Oʻahu team in June as a Conservation Technician. In her role, she’ll be working to protect native wildlife by removing invasive predators within the new mammalian exclusion fence at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, as well as monitoring native waterbird and seabird species.

Lydia earned her BS in Zoology from North Carolina State University in 2021, along with a double minor in Wildlife Science and Environmental Science. Since graduating, she’s gained fieldwork experience through seasonal positions in North Carolina, Hawaiʻi, Colorado, and Georgia.

Most recently, Lydia worked as a Kupu CLDP intern with USFWS at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. We’re so lucky to have her on our team where she continues to play a vital role in conservation efforts across the refuge!

Please join us in giving Lydia a warm welcome to PRC! 🌊🫶🌿💙

Koa'e 'ula surveys continue at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge! ❤️

As of mid-May, our biologists are monitoring 164 nests across the refuge. The majority of these nests are within the 168-acre predator exclusion fence, but there are several pairs of Koa'e 'ula (Red-tailed tropicbirds) nesting near the lighthouse, where refuge staff undertake extensive predator control activities to protect nesting seabirds.

The average incubation period for Koa'e 'ula is about 44 days. After hatching, chicks will remain in or near the nest for approximately 82 days before fledging. Our team visits each nest monthly, allowing them to monitor chick development throughout the season and document nest outcomes.

📸: Talia Soalt