MULTI-TROPHIC INVASION RESISTANCE IN HAWAII: BIOACOUSTICS, FIELD SURVEYS, AND AIRBORNE REMOTE SENSING.

The article determines how a plant species invasion affects avian abundance and composition across a range of submontane ecosystems in Hawaii. In doing so, the researchers use airborne imaging spectroscopy and scanning light detection and ranging (LiDAR), along with bioacoustic recordings. Results showed that total avian abundance and the ratio of native to exotic avifuana were highest in habitat with the highest canopy cover and height. Comparing biophysically equivalent sites, stands dominated by native Metrosideros polymorpha trees hosted larger native avian communities than did mixed stands of Metrosideros and the invasive tree Morella faya. Other significant analyses relative to the matter are provided.