ʻĀina Informatics (PCR/ Gel Electrophoresis Lab- Wolbachia in Mosquitoes)

Working with ʻĀina Informatics- community member who also works with San Diego Zoo & does a project with the Palila- students set up traps to collect mosquito larvae- we make a map of where mosquito larvae were and then identify the species and sex of the collected mosquitos. Then test the gut bacteria for the presence of Wolbachia- to see if we might be able to test the incompatible mating technique on the mosquitos. 

MISC (Maui Invasive Species Committee)

Bringing in a guest speaker who is an expert in the field of invasive species on Maui. They explained the impact the invasive species have on Mauiʻs native species and the ʻāina itself. They also explained the history of all the species and how they got to Hawaiʻi (wing, wave, or wind) and evolved to be the species we know today.  In addition, they talked about the frequency of species arriving in Hawaiʻi, and the difference between before where a new species might arrive every several thousands of years and now being every few days. They talked about different invasive species and the threats to Hawaiʻi and our native species. Things also mentioned: coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ants, miconia, coqui frogs, and several others. Plus, they brought a map of the places that were affected and the efforts to stop the spread of these invasives.