LIHUE, Hawaii —  Kauai County’s Office of Economic Development again reminds residents, businesses and visitors to participate in a citizen science mapping initiative as concerns about the invasive rose-ringed parakeets continue to grow.

Launched in January, a tool created by the Kauai Rose-Ringed Parakeet Working Group has helped the public report sightings of the avian pests around the island. The tool allows for population management made necessary because of the bird’s threat to Kauai’s agriculture and ecological balance.

Since its launch, over 170 reports have been made — 54% of them reported birds in flight while 18% observed birds roosting. The majority of sightings were between Hanalei and Kalaheo. The data collected allowed for the culling of over 2,000 parakeets in Wailua and Lihue.

The tool’s user-friendly interface allows all ages to access it and its real-time reporting provides critical information to scientists, conservationists and authorities.

“This community science mapping effort has been instrumental in helping us identify high-activity areas, enabling us to plan and execute targeted culling efforts effectively,” said Office of Economic Development Director Nalani Brun in a release.

“We hope that our community will continue to engage with the online survey, ensuring that community-driven data remains up to date. This ongoing participation will enhance our ability to address the invasive population and protect Kauai’s ecosystems and economy. We thank all of you in advance for helping us help ourselves,” Brun said.

Anyone can report rose-ringed parakeet sightings online.

For more information, the public can contact OED’s Agriculture Specialist Niki Kunioka-Volz at 808-241-4951 or email nkvolz@kauai.gov.