Summary

Description

Three endemic species, two arthropods and one isopod, are present in the Kauai caves. These species are critical components of the cave ecosystems and are possibly the last representatives of what was once a more diverse and populous cave community. One of the most biologically diverse of the five known Kauai caves is located directly under the fairway of the Kiahuna Golf Course. While the golf course declined to specify the pesticides they use, over 30 different pesticides are commonly used on golf courses in Hawaii, including insecticides to control turf grass pests. This objective of this study was to determine how these chemicals, particularly organophosphates and carbamates, affect the endemic cave species.