Map of Hawaii
Although not specified on this map, tropical moist forests are located in lowland, mountainous areas of large islands and on mountaintops of some of the smaller islands (Gon and Olson). Spacial system is regional.
Ecosystem Description
The tropical rainforests of Hawaii exist in the elevated, mountainous regions of Hawaii and are characterized by expansive tree canopies and extreme amounts of moisture. Although Hawaii is usually connoted with the picturesque image of tall, green forests, Hawaiian rainforests are also host to swamps and bogs (Gon and Olson). In fact, one of the wettest rainforests on earth is at Hawaii’s Mount Waialeale, with an average of 450 inches of rainfall a year (Johnson). Additionally, the Hawaiian tropical rainforest is home to an abundance of plant and animal species diversity, a majority of which are also endemic.
Hawaiian Rainforest
We chose this ecoregion because it’s amazing! The Hawaiian tropical moist forest possesses such a unique medley of species variety that can only be found in these areas. The high concentration of different plant and animal species in this single area make for a much more interesting ecosystem to study than say, the arctic biome, whose vast amounts of ice and little else lacks the excitement of a densely packed biodiversity hotspot.
Historical Background
For approximately 70 million years, Hawaii’s tropical moist forest were left alone in isolation from outside wildlife influences due to its physical separation from the rest of the world by the Pacific Ocean (Gon and Olson). Because of this, species diversity and endemism flourished, especially in the case of forest birds. For many birds, eg. the Hawaiian crow, Hawaiian hawk and the honeycreeper, the moist Hawaiian forest is where they evolved into their current forms as well as the only place they can be found (Gon and Olson). However, with non-natives’ discovery of this rainforest area came the introduction of forest species, some of which would dominate and wreak havoc on the the native plant and animal species . For example, the arrival of mosquitos to the rainforest spurred on a strain of avian malaria that Hawaiian honeycreepers were not adapted against, and so the virus became a significant contribution to the extinction of many honeycreeper species (Benning, LaPointe, Atkinson, Vitousek). Today, while the Hawaiian tropical rainforest maintains its title as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, it is under massive threat by human expansion and much of the wildlife is currently endangered.
For approximately 70 million years, Hawaii’s tropical moist forest were left alone in isolation from outside wildlife influences due to its physical separation from the rest of the world by the Pacific Ocean (Gon and Olson). Because of this, species diversity and endemism flourished, especially in the case of forest birds. For many birds, eg. the Hawaiian crow, Hawaiian hawk and the honeycreeper, the moist Hawaiian forest is where they evolved into their current forms as well as the only place they can be found (Gon and Olson). However, with non-natives’ discovery of this rainforest area came the introduction of forest species, some of which would dominate and wreak havoc on the the native plant and animal species . For example, the arrival of mosquitos to the rainforest spurred on a strain of avian malaria that Hawaiian honeycreepers were not adapted against, and so the virus became a significant contribution to the extinction of many honeycreeper species (Benning, LaPointe, Atkinson, Vitousek). Today, while the Hawaiian tropical rainforest maintains its title as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, it is under massive threat by human expansion and much of the wildlife is currently endangered.
Human Impacts
Sometimes called “the paradise of the Pacific” (Tep and Gaines), Hawaii’s native forests evolved over million of years to become one of the most remarkable natural assemblages on Earth. Yet since the onset of human arrival, 1,000 years ago, their history has largely been one of loss and destruction (Timmons). The worst damage occurred during the 19th century, when cattle and other introduced livestock were allowed to multiply and range unchecked throughout the islands, laying waste to hundreds of thousands of acres of native forest (Timmons). Today, the Hawaiian rainforests is threatened by invasive species and development, such as geothermal energy development.
"Paradise of the Pacific"
One of the greatest threats today in Hawaiian rainforests is the destruction wrought by invasive plants and animals (Timmons). In Hawaii, “roughly half of all organisms are non-native, and approximately 120 plant species are considered highly invasive” (Asner). Undisturbed Hawaiian rainforests are often dominated by the ohi’a lehua tree (Mestrosideros polymorpha), meaning “many forms” (Timmons). Known for its bright red, orange, or yellow brush-like flowers, two or more forms of ohi’a lehua trees can grow next to each other, often looking so different in nature that they look to be entirely different species (Timmons). The slow-growing ohi’a lehua, however, are losing ground to invasive species, such as the tropical ash (Fraxinus uhdei) and the Canary Island fire tree (Morella faya), which form significantly denser canopies than the native ohi’a trees. Because less light reaches lower forest levels, native understory plants are suppressed (Asner). Introduced trees can also pave the way for more invaders by altering soil fertility. The Moluccan albizia (Falcataria moluccana) fixes atmospheric nitrogen, concentrating it in the soil, which speeds the growth of a smaller invasive tree, the Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum).
Ohi’a lehua tree
Another invasive species that threatens Hawaiian rainforests is the feral pig (Sus scrofa), “first introduced to Hawaiian Island around 1,500 years ago by Polynesians” and later in the 18th century by Europeans (Tep and Gaines). For the rainforests on the Hawaiian Island, feral pigs are an invasive species because they eat massive amounts of vegetation, leading to native plant extinction. Through their tracks, they also accelerate soil erosion and soil compaction, spread weeds in their droppings, and pollute the water supply with eroded silt, feces, and foreign diseases (Timmons). The pigs also eat the nestlings of ground nesting birds, and their wallow create breeding sites for foreign mosquitoes, which spread diseases to Hawaii’s endangered forest birds (Timmons).
A feral pig
The geothermal energy project, undertaken by True Geothermal Company, had invaded the Wao Kele O Puna rainforest in Big Island, the largest intact tropical lowland rainforest in the United States. In 1989 True Geothermal company bulldozed twice the area “approved” for development (Faulstich), completing the KA1-1 geothermal exploratory well in 1990 (Big Island Video News). While only about one percent (300 acres) of the rain forest will be directly destroyed bulldozing, the rest will be fragmented by a network of roads, pipes, and power lines, making the forest more vulnerable to invasion of harmful non-native species (Faulstich).
How to improve human impacts
The first step in improving Hawaiian rainforest is removing the invasive species. Feral pig removal is an important first step in a restoration of native rainforest because forest plant recovery depends on the favorable condition of soil, preventing native plants to thrive where pigs are grazing and rooting. (Tep and Gaines) Through it, forested areas will hopefully reserve the degradation of soil and allow the native species to return (Vtorov). Fencing and snaring, the main control method used on the Hawaiian Islands, provides the most effective method of managing feral pig population because they limit its dispersal as well as remove a large number of pigs (Tep and Gaines). In addition, invasive plant species can spread across protected areas without the help of land use changes or other human activities (Asner). Thus, prevention, that is stopping invasive species before they get to the Hawaiian tropical rainforests or before they spread, is the most cost-effective means of invasive species control (Timmons). Other ways to help reduce human impact include supporting watershed protection and reforestation of native species. Individuals can help protect the rainforest by volunteering, picking up your trash, avoid releasing animals or introducing non-native species, conserve water, and keep fires out of forests (Timmons).
Human Impacts:
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Effects of Impact:
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How to Improve:
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Feral Pig
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-Eat massive amounts of vegetation, leading to native plant extinction (Tep and Gaines).
-Accelerate soil erosion and soil compact, spread weeds in their droppings, and pollute the water supply with eroded silt, feces, and foreign diseases (Timmons).
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-Remove feral pigs through fencing and snaring (Tep and Gaines).
-Prevent invasive feral pigs before they get to Hawaiian tropical rainforests.
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Invasive plant species
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-Invasive plant species form denser canopies than the native ohi’a trees, causing less light to reach lower forest levels, which suppresses native understory plants (Asner).
-alters soil fertility and pave way for growth of other invasive species (Asner).
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-Prevent invasive plant species from reaching Hawaiian tropical rainforests.
-Avoid releasing animals or introducing non-native species.
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Geothermal energy development
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-bulldozed tropical rainforest area for geothermal energy development.
-fragmented it through a network of roads, pipes, and power lines, making the forest more vulnerable to invasion of harmful non-native species (Faulstich).
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-Stop geothermal energy development in tropical rainforest areas.
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Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of the Hawaiian tropical rainforest is its function as a watershed, that is an area of land that catches and collects water. In Hawaii, as warm ocean air moves inland, it is forced upward by the mountain terrain where it cools and condenses onto upland forests as rain, mist and fog. The tall, closed canopy shades out the sun resulting in less water lost to evaporation and transpiration, while the dense vegetation blocks wind, which can pull moisture from the land. The many layers of vegetation blunt the erosive effects of rain and buffer the release of stored water, reducing loss in wetter times and maintain it during dry seasons. By anchoring the soil and tempering the erosive effects of heavy rain, the forests also serve to prevent pollution of streams, destruction of coral reefs and degrading coastal fishing resources (Timmons). Because of its function to collect and store water, protection of the Hawaiian rainforest is essential providing a dependable source of clean drinking water for humans. When the Hawaiian rainforest are destroyed or allowed to degrade, our future prosperity and quality of life is put at risk.
One of the biggest benefits of the Hawaiian tropical rainforest is its function as a watershed, that is an area of land that catches and collects water. In Hawaii, as warm ocean air moves inland, it is forced upward by the mountain terrain where it cools and condenses onto upland forests as rain, mist and fog. The tall, closed canopy shades out the sun resulting in less water lost to evaporation and transpiration, while the dense vegetation blocks wind, which can pull moisture from the land. The many layers of vegetation blunt the erosive effects of rain and buffer the release of stored water, reducing loss in wetter times and maintain it during dry seasons. By anchoring the soil and tempering the erosive effects of heavy rain, the forests also serve to prevent pollution of streams, destruction of coral reefs and degrading coastal fishing resources (Timmons). Because of its function to collect and store water, protection of the Hawaiian rainforest is essential providing a dependable source of clean drinking water for humans. When the Hawaiian rainforest are destroyed or allowed to degrade, our future prosperity and quality of life is put at risk.
Another Hawaiian Rainforest
Impact and Human-Environment Relationship
The tropical rainforests in Hawaii has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. It breeds more than 10,000 native species that more than 90% of which are endemic (Timmons). However, as stated above, human activities, including introducing feral pigs, non-native plants (Timmons) and developing geothermal energy projects, imposes threatening impact to the rainforests.
Nowadays, Hawaii tropical rainforests have officially become one of the most endangered forests in the world.
The rainforests are the main sources of freshwater on the islands and the watersheds in the rainforests are invaluable non-renewable assets that we must conserve. The forests not only help the people to survive, but also protect the coastal landforms, such as reefs and beaches, from erosion. They also act as a defense against flooding and droughts (Timmons). Therefore, both public and private sectors must carry out long-term sustainable measures to conserve the rainforests.
The joint partnership between the public and private sectors led by The Nature Conservancy of Hawai’i to conserve the forests has proven to be an effective and sustainable measure. Most of the lowland and foothill moist forests are under critical circumstances of being extinct (Gon and Olson). As the ownership of the forested areas in Hawai’i is evenly distributed between public and private sectors, joint cooperation is crucial to achieve successful conservation (Timmons). The East Maui Watershed Partnership in 1991 serves as a prototype for the following watershed partnerships that had been developed since then. By building fences around the preserved forestlands, 40,000 acres of the native forests are protected from feral pigs and invasive weed miconia (Timmons). Undoubtedly, such joint partnership should be continued to improve the human-ecosystem relationship in the long run.
The joint partnership between the public and private sectors led by The Nature Conservancy of Hawai’i to conserve the forests has proven to be an effective and sustainable measure. Most of the lowland and foothill moist forests are under critical circumstances of being extinct (Gon and Olson). As the ownership of the forested areas in Hawai’i is evenly distributed between public and private sectors, joint cooperation is crucial to achieve successful conservation (Timmons). The East Maui Watershed Partnership in 1991 serves as a prototype for the following watershed partnerships that had been developed since then. By building fences around the preserved forestlands, 40,000 acres of the native forests are protected from feral pigs and invasive weed miconia (Timmons). Undoubtedly, such joint partnership should be continued to improve the human-ecosystem relationship in the long run.
Currently, the Nature Conservancy has preserved around 200,000 acres of tropical rainforests in different islands: Island of Hawaii, Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i (Timmons). However, given that roughly two-thirds of the original rainforest land has vanished, the conservation status remains bad.
Protected Areas
The map of preserves and areas protected by The Nature Conservancy:
Island of Hawai‘i
Kona Hema Preserve is located on Island of Hawai`i, in south Kona on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
- Kohala Watershed Partnership
- Kona Hema Preserve
- Ka'ū Preserve
- Three Mountain Alliance
Island of Maui
Waikamoi Preserve is located in East Maui, on the slopes of Mt. Haleakalā.
- East Maui Watershed Partnership
- Waikamoi Preserve
- West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership
- Kapunakea Preserve
Island of Lāna‘i
Lāna'i Forest is located on the island of Lāna‘i.
- Lāna'i Forest and Watershed Partnership
Island of Moloka‘i
Pelekunu Preserve is located on the island of Moloka’i and protects lowland forest.
- East Moloka'i Watershed Partnership
- Pelekunu Preserve
- Kamakou Preserve
- Mo'omomi Preserve
Island of O‘ahu
Ko'olau Mountains is located on the island of O’ahu and protects native plants.
- Ko'olau Mountains Watershed Partnership
Island of Kaua‘i
Wainiha Preserve is located on the island of Kaua’i and is Hawaii’s thrid largest private nature preserve.
- Kanaele Bog
- Kaua'i Watershed Alliance
- Wainiha Preserve
- Palmyra Atoll
Future of Conservation
Contrary to popular opinion, deforestation is no longer the biggest threat faced by Hawaiian Tropical Rainforests. Two-thirds of the native forest cover has lost due to the aforementioned human activities (Gon and Olson) and nearly 60% of the native flora and fauna is endangered (Timmons). We must adopt both hard and soft preventive strategies to help conserve the rainforests: strengthen the preventive measures in preserved areas and increase public awareness.
Funding is an important element in initiating the watershed partnership. The Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources presently receives less than 1% of the state budget to preserve the 1 million acres of forestland (Timmons). Increase funding is suggested to employ professionals and manpower operate regular inspection in the preserved areas. Additional funding is also necessary to carry out sustainable and scientific risk assessment for imported plants to protect native plants (Timmons). Therefore, financial support is crucial to strengthen prevention programs in the rainforests.
On the other hand, forest protection also requires cooperation and effort of the public. Forest conservation should be adopted in the curriculum of schools in Hawaii to raise awareness (Timmons). Young people are the future pillars of the society. By educating youngsters of the importance of protecting watershed and conserving biodiversity of Hawaii Tropical Rainforests, the negative impact of human activities will likely be alleviated. Moreover, more young people would be motivated to be trained as professionals to work on the field of forest conservation. The above soft preventive strategy is suggested to promote a harmonious human-ecosystem relationship.
Works Cited
A feral pig [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.abcbirds.org/picts/
conservationissues/threats/feral_pig-Dzurisin.jpg
conservationissues/threats/feral_pig-Dzurisin.jpg
Asner, G. (2008, March 3). Invading Trees Put Rain Forests at Risk. Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://carnegiescience.edu/news/invading_trees_put_rain_forests_risk
Faulstich, P. (1990, January 1). Hawaii's Rainforest Crunch: Land, People, and Geothermal Development. Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/hawaiis-rainforest-crunch-land-people-and-geothermal-development
Gon, S., & Olson, D. (n.d.). Hawaii tropical moist forest. Retrieved from WWF website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/oc0106
Gon, S., & Olson, D. (n.d.). Hawaii tropical moist forest. Retrieved from WWF website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/oc0106
Hawaii rainforest national park [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.photoeverywhere.co.uk/west/usa/hawaii/hawaii-rainforest-national-parkDSC_3739.jpg
Hawaii rainforest panorama [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wildernessphotographs.com/images/large/Hawaii%20rainforest%20panorama%203_900px.jpg
Hawaii tropical moist forest (OC0106). (n.d.). Retrieved from WWF website: http://web.archive.org/web/20100308080151/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/oc/oc0106.html
Johnson, T. (2013, May 30). Where, Exactly, is the Wettest Place on Earth? Retrieved from http://www.weather.com/news/science/nature/wettest-place-earth-20130529
Kona Hema Preserve [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from:
Ko'olau Mountains [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from:
Lāna'i Forest [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from:
[Map of Hawaii]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ezilon.com/maps/images/usa/hawaii_phy.gif
Tep, P., & Gaines, K. (2003). Reversing the impacts of feral pig on the Hawaiian tropical rainforest ecosystem.University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, http://purl.umn.edu/60237.
VIDEO: Officials Discuss Lava Impacts on Geothermal Wells, Plants. (2014, September 3). Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2014/09/03/video-officials-discuss-lava-impacts-geothermal-wells-plants/
Ohi’a lehua tree [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://earthengirl.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/ohia-lehua-tree-flower-2.jpg
"Paradise of the Pacific" [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://ian-coe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iancoe-hawaii-forest-web.jpg
http://ian-coe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iancoe-hawaii-forest-web.jpg
Pelekunu Preserve [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from:
Timmons, G. (n.d.). Last Stand: The Vanishing Hawaiian Forest. Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://www.nature.org/media/hawaii/the-last-stand-hawaiian-forest.pdf
Waikamoi Preserve [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from:
Wainiha Preserve [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from:
http://www.nature.org/cs/groups/webcontent/@web/@hawaii/documents/media/prd_014076.jpg
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