Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for developing research and rapid response to support brown treesnake (BTS) management in the Pacific Region, in support of insular communities. As a cryptic, nocturnal reptile, BTS are difficult to control, manage, and detect. Additionally, their introduction had major negative effects on the ecology and economics of Guam. Research into measures that enhance control and containment of BTS is therefore critical for the preservation of biodiversity and protection of military readiness in the region. Agencies such as Office of Insular Affairs fund programs related to interdiction and rapid response to protect insular communities from BTS incursions, while Department of Defense funds interdiction and conservation programs to preserve military readiness. This funding agreements provides opportunity to allow USGS to support both agencies missions by providing science support of effective approaches for BTS control, containment, and rapid response in the Pacific Region.