Hawaii has more established non-native species of terrestrial mollusks than any other island or archipelago in the Pacific. Many threaten native forests (i.e. damage native plants and seedlings), are agricultural and horticultural pests, and serve as vectors of parasites such as the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) that cause human and livestock diseases. Up to date knowledge of the pest species present and their distributions facilitates the development of strategies to reduce the likelihood that they are inadvertently introduced into Hawaii’s native forests or to other islands.

Bishop Museum Malacologists Norine Yeung, Jaynee Kim, and Tricia Goulding will provide an overview of the diversity and distribution of invasive land snails in Hawaii as well as the currently understood distribution of the Rat Lungworm intermediate hosts.

All programs are subject to change. If you require an auxiliary aid or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days before the program date.