MANY ALIENS WERE PRUPOSELY INTRODUCED

Alien species have been both accidentally and purposely introduced.

It is estimated that the Polynesians brought with them over 30 plants species, as well as the polynesian pigs, dogs and chickens. It is believed they also accidentally introduced the polynesian rat, land snails, skinks and geckos -- which were stowaways on the voyaging canoes.

The first Europeans intorduced pigs, goats and cattle as a source of food for ships passing throug the islands. They also accidently introduced mosquitoes from shipboard water barrels carrying disease.

Trees such as eucalyptus and various species of pine were introduced for windbreaks and timber. Today, both intentional and accidental introductions continue, but are monitoring closely by State and Federal agencies.