Scanning Invasive Species
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Islands like Hawaii are often invaded by nonnative plants and animals.

Recently scientists flew a unique instrument over Kilauea volcano to map its invasive plants.

The instrument used infrared light to locate three plants:

a native tree, an aggressively invading tree, and a hidden invader that grows under the forest canopy.

The instrument measured the plants’ chemicals and water content to distinguish between species. This novel, powerful tool can monitor invasives before they become established.

Photo Credits:
Hedychium gardnerianum and Kilauea volcano region- Greg Asner
Metrosideros polymorpha - Forest & Kim Starr (USGS)
Myrica faya - K. W. Bridges

Satellite and Sensory Data:
Hawaii - NASA
Infrared mapping - PNAS and Greg Asner