Millions of years of evolution in isolation. Thousands of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. Introduced pigs, goats, deer and sheep roaming freely over public lands. More than 265 extinctions and counting.

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A: Because it is hard. Complicating factors include:

Lack of understanding by government and the public of the true financial cost of game mammal damage--past, present and future.

Opposition by those who approve of large numbers of free-roaming game mammals.

Lack of coherent public policy governing these highly destructive invasive species. Existing rules, statutes and official reports are a hodgepodge of conflicting ideas, both decrying the damage the animals do and protecting them as a game resource, with no meaningful attempt to reconcile the two.

Lack of coordination among agencies and landowners. Since introduced game mammals have infiltrated all but the most urban areas, no single entity can be responsible for control. A statewide control effort must involve large and small public and private landowners and managers, and many individuals willing to participate in both control activities and public outreach.

Designation of the animals as "game mammals." This definition makes it difficult for various agencies and property owners to aggressively control the animals as the invasive species they are. However, there are statutes limiting landowner liability for invasive species control, which can be correctly applied to these animals.

There are numerous individuals ready, willing and able to perform animal control who are hamstrung by outdated restrictions that protect harmful invasive species. When the restrictions are removed, this pool of citizen volunteers can make a significant contribution to protect the islands' land and water, just as they did in the first half of the 20th century.