Did you know that there are a number of endangered species among famous Hawaiian flora and fauna? Everyone is familiar with the gracefully beautiful dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchids that are woven into leis or artfully displayed in floral arrangements. But are you aware that there are only three orchid species endemic to Hawaii, one of which is deemed highly endangered?
Hawaii’s state bird
Among the other famous Hawaiian flora and fauna, the nene, Hawaii’s state bird, is being slowly rescued from near extinction. The nene bird, also called the Hawaiian goose, was almost wiped out in the 1940s when laws permitted hunting during their winter breeding season when they were most defenseless.
Fairly similar in appearance to the Canadian goose but for a black face and beak, wild nene is now found only in three areas –in the Haleakala National Park, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Interestingly, it has adapted to life in the harsh and rough volcanic lands by modifying its partially webbed feet into claws. Its wings have been modified to short flights.
Note; The nene is protected and tagged and cannot be touched or pursued.
After more than 50 years of rescue efforts, there is now a relatively stable population of around 800 birds in Hawaii and the outlook is promising.
The endangered Hawaiian monk seal
Less fortunate among other endangered famous Hawaiian flora and fauna is the Hawaiian monk seal. Despite intense conservation efforts, it remains critically endangered and only about 1,300 of these seals, which are only found in Hawaii, are still living.
There are two adult male seals named Nuka’au and Maka onaona in the Honolulu zoo. Especially delightful for kids is to watch them roll in and out of the water for food during their feeding times.
Monk seals are sometimes spotted at play at the Poipu beach in Kauai. However, most have swum away to the remote northwestern Hawaiian islands. With the recent Federal move to expand the critical habitat of the monk seals to include the beaches and waters of all the Hawaiian Islands, the monk seal may finally have a fighting chance of survival.
Here are some interesting facts about famous Hawaiian flora and fauna: -
- The Hawaiian stilt bird or aeo – this is a marshland bird which was the first bird species to be listed in the United States Endangered Species Act. Although found on all the Hawaiian islands except Lanai, the largest numbers are found in a protected wetland in Oahu and at the Kanaha Wildlife Sanctuary in Maui. An elegant bird which walks on pink-colored stick-like legs, it feeds on shellfish in brackish mudflats and shorelines.
- Hoary bat – a brown or gray bat with tinges of white on its fur, its numbers appear to be recovering. It has now been seen in most of the Hawaiian islands other than its natural habitats on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. There have been many individual sightings as well.
- There are several thousand types of trees in Hawaii. On the Big Island itself, there are more than 1.800 types of flowering plants. The vast variety and numbers of captivating flowers and trees in the Hawaiian landscape blind us to the reality that a number of these species are protected and some highly endangered.
Falling into the latter category among famous Hawaiian flora and fauna are:-
- the Hawaiian hibiscus – a yellow hibiscus which is the state flower, it, is considered endangered in its natural habitat. Although the ma'o hau hele grows on all the islands except for the relatively remote islands of Ni'ihau and Kaho'olawe, it is not found in large quantities anywhere.
- the koa tree – prized for its wood and medicinal properties, this is a protected tree. No living trees can be felled and only dead trees can be used for woodworking. A soaring tree often reaching several hundred feet in height, it was popular for canoe building as many canoes could be built from a single trunk. Additionally, the tree has a wide girth and is resistant to salt water.
- the bog orchid – otherwise known as the fringe orchid, sightings are so rare nowadays that its survival has been called into question. It grows best in the bogs, reaching a height of 20 inches. In full bloom, it can have up to 60 flowers on a single stem.
- The other two orchids native to Hawaii are the relatively abundant jewel orchid which is found in the high level rainforests up to elevations of 5,000 ft, and the slightly less common Hawaiian widelip orchid. These can be found at the Makawao Forest Reserve in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Flora galore
It is not all doom and gloom for famous Hawaiian flora and fauna. The protea, a hardy unique plant which looks like a sea anemone, continues to thrive on the slopes of the mountains in Maui and the Big Island. The exotic tuberose, Hawaiian ginger, Birds of Paradise and the perennially popular orchids flourish abundantly everywhere.
There are ferns of all shapes and designs, with spectacular concentrations to be seen at the fern forests in Big Island’s volcano park. The Hapu’u fern, which looks like a multi-coiled crook of a walking stick, can be eaten and its velvety-soft golden hair used as stuffing in mattresses and pillows.
Think tropical paradise and you naturally think of Hawaii. It is a spellbinding destination due to its beautiful natural attractions, countless varieties of famous Hawaiian flora and fauna, its microdiversity and sunny weather. However, it is also the responsibility of the tourist to ensure that this magic is preserved for generations to come. Some care towards not polluting the land and the oceans with garbage should count towards rescuing species in danger.
