Re introduced species. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Hawaii has a
hell of a lot more introduced species than Austrylia. Over 40 exotic bird
species have been introduced with the subsequent introduction of bird
diseases such as avian malaria and competition with endemic birds. Hawaii
has had 26 species become extinct as a result of these and other causes
since 1825 and 40 more are listed as endangered. The Poouli numbers less
than 5 individuals now. Probably the most endangered bird in the world. The
O'o'a'a recently became extinct. Others are hanging on by their toenails.
Just about all species of birds the average visitor to Hawaii sees are
introduced. Hawaii is considered the Endangered Species Capitol of the
world.

Gene Kridler
Retired Endangered Species Coordinator of the Central and West Pacific
Islands
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Dennis Paulson wrote:

> I'm briefly on the Australian birding list, and I thought I would
> forward a few of the more interesting messages. They have even more
> introduced species than we do, but the native predators seem to be on
> the job. Speaking of predators, there's a Cooper's Hawk soaring in
> the afternoon breeze right above my window.
> Dennis
>
> >Hi all
> >
> >I have recently moved to a new house in Chadstone, Melbourne and
> >into what can only be described as the feral capital of the area.
> >The first 7 species on the house list were all introduced and up
> >until yesterday the only natives that had made the grade were the
> >usual culprits of miner, magpie and rainbow lorikeet. I was trying
> >to do some work yesterday when i heard the call of a hobby so i
> >bolted to the window to see a very smart hobby on the back fence
> >with a still twitching starling in one talon which it then proceded
> >to tear apart until the kids from next door disturbed it, causing it
> >to fly off. This morning there was more squawking of starlings and
> >mynas so i looked out again and there was a grey butcherbird beating
> >a sparrow against a branch which it then proceded to eat.
> >
> >Maybe there is hope yet
> >Cheers
> >Tim
>
> --
> Dennis Paulson, Director phone 253-879-3798
> Slater Museum of Natural History fax 253-879-3352
> University of Puget Sound e-mail dpaulson at ups.edu
> 1500 N. Warner, #1088
> Tacoma, WA 98416-1088
> http://www.ups.edu/biology/museum/museum.html