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Post by linsi on Jul 21, 2011 3:14:31 GMT 10
A snake invasion would have far-reaching effects on the islands, permanently changing its landscape, Duvall said.
First they'd eat bird eggs and small birds, including 34 species of endangered forest birds found in Hawaii such as the Maui parrotbill, crested honeycreeper and Hawaiian crow, he said. Spider webs would drape trees and darken forests without birds to kill them.
Insect populations would boom. Power outages would increase as snakes hung from electricity lines.
These consequences have already occurred on Guam, according to Campbell, saying the snakes there established themselves across the landscape in about three decades.
;D
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Post by linsi on Jul 21, 2011 3:15:43 GMT 10
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii has been largely successful in preventing snakes from entering the island paradise over the years and avoiding the grave danger they present to tropical birds, colorful plants and the vibrant environment that draws millions of tourists to the state each year. But the recent capture of escaped pet snakes — illegal in Hawaii — and the infestation of Guam by brown tree snakes, which could easily make it here via cargo ship, have alarmed wildlife and agriculture officials. read full article- news.yahoo.com/snakes-threaten-hawaiis-fragile-island-ecosystem-093254000.html
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