2000: Lloyd Loope
Research Scientist, USGS, Haleakala Field Station,
Haleakala National Park

Lloyd Loope has been a botanist (with National Park Service and later US Geological Survey) working in the Hawaiian natural areas for the past 3 decades. During that time he has become the most effective scientist-champion in developing and pursuing practical strategies to protect native island ecosystems from invasive and destructive alien biota. Lloyd has long been the principal scientist and advocate confronting and convincing managers to concentrate on key invasive species which pose the highest risk--and remove them entirely at the time of their earliest arrival when small populations are the most vulnerable. He has been the leader and stalwart scientist in demanding effective interception if invasive alien species before they arrive, of attacking first arrivals immediately with aggressive swat teams, and awakening us to the huge threat of invertebrates—particularly alien ants.

Lloyd is tireless in this quest to protect native ecosystems from destruction by alien invaders—through research, scientific publication, public involvement, and counsel and advice to active natural area managers. A few examples of his knowledgeable persuasion include the delay in expanding the Kahului Airport runway unless effective quarantine inspections are employed; early detection and complete removal of rabbit populations at their first discovery in Haleakala; his analytical warnings and evaluation of Miconia invasion into Hawaii; and his help in establishing the Hawaii Ecosystems At Risk (HEAR) website.

Lloyd is a constant and skillful member of the group who is actively managing to protect Pacific island native ecosystems from destruction by invasive alien species.