Did You Know Hawaii Has More Endangered Species Than Any Other US State?
You probably know that Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. You may even know that we’re currently facing a crisis when it comes to protecting Hawaii’s native plants and animals. But do you know exactly how much danger these species are in?
Do you know just how unique is Hawaii compared to other places on earth in terms of location, ecosystems, and endemic and endangered species?
In short -- Hawai'i is a very rare and special place. Hawaii is one of the most isolated places on the planet. This means that the species that evolved here are often very different from their relatives in other places. For example, a Hawaiian species of flying fox has a wingspan of about 2 feet, which is less than half the size of flying foxes in Asia. This is because Hawaiian bats developed in the absence of major predators and had no need to grow large enough to escape from their avian predators. This isolation of Hawaii has made it a kind of “laboratory of evolution,” with many endemic species (that is, species that are found nowhere else). Hawaii’s ecosystems are also highly unique. For example, almost all of our lowland forests have been replaced by sugarcane fields, and our high elevations are covered by alpine grasslands. Hawaii’s isolation and highly diverse ecosystems have also made it home to many endemic species, including plants, insects, amphibians, and birds. Hawaii has more species of birds than any other state in the US. This is because Hawaii’s warm climate is ideal for breeding many species of migratory birds, and because the Hawaiian Islands provide the right habitat for these birds to thrive.
How many endemic species does Hawaii have, and how many are on the US endangered species list? How does this compare per capita to other US states or other countries?
Hawaiʻi has the highest number of endangered plants compared to any other state. Due to its extreme isolation and climactic conditions, Hawaii is characterized by high levels of endemism in both its native animals and plants, with over 10,000 species found nowhere else on earth. While only comprising less than one percent of the Unites States land mass, Hawaiʻi contains 44 percent of the nation's Endangered and Threatened plant species!
Plant extinction crisis in Hawaiʻi is much more urgent and troubling than in any other state. Hawaiʻi has more than twice the number of endangered plants than California does, and most other states are not even on the page. This is an outsized burden for our state that has 0.1% of the land in the entire country. There are over 366 native plants in Hawaiʻi labeled as threatened or endangered by federal and state governments, and 48 species proposed as endangered. Over 100 native plants are extinct because of invasive species.
Why Are Native Species in Hawaii at Risk?
Hawaii’s ecosystems have existed for less than 10,000 years, while California’s ecosystems have existed for up to 50 million years. This means that Hawaiian ecosystems are very young and have not had time to adapt to the presence of humans. The Hawaiian people also arrived on these islands as a relatively small group. This means that there was not a large population to compete for resources. California, by contrast, has been home to humans for thousands of years and has a very large population. This has put many native plants and animals in California at risk. Hawaii’s ecosystems have also been altered by human activities, including the introduction of non-native species. Today, Hawaii’s ecosystems face many threats, including climate change, invasive species, and plans to expand tourism and development in sensitive areas.
Which Hawaiian Animals Are Endangered?
Hawaii’s endangered animals include the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawaiian monk seal, Hawaiian green sea turtle, and Hawaiian anchialine pool shrimp. The Hawaiian stilt is a shorebird that was once found all over the Hawaiian Islands. Today, only a few hundred birds remain, mostly in remote areas of Kauai. Many stilts are killed by feral pigs and axis deer, which have been introduced to Hawaii and now threaten many of the native plants and animals. In order to protect stilts from pigs, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has built high fences around the last few remaining nesting sites. Hawaiian hoary bats live in the mountains of Hawaii, where they are now threatened by the spread of diseases such as white nose syndrome and climate change. Hawaiian monk seals, which are one of the world’s most endangered seals, have been hunted for their meat and pelts. Hunting Hawaiian monk seals has been illegal since 1907, but the seals remain under threat. Hawaiian green sea turtles are often caught in fishing nets, which are now more common as fishing is one of Hawaii’s most important industries.
Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) and ‘īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal) are endangered species protected by strict laws. As they mature, honu will not nest at beaches where they have been disturbed before. Similarly, ‘īlioholoikauaua mothers often abandon preferred beaches, and even their pups prior to weaning, when disturbed by humans. Observers must view these animals from a distance – NOAA recommends 150 feet away from ‘īlioholoikauaua, 10 feet away from honu – and give them the solitude they need to survive. Photos and copy references should identify these animals as endangered species and refrain from showing human interaction or people getting too close. People who violate endangered species are subject to fines up to $15,000 per violation
Which Hawaiian Plants Are Endangered?
Hawaii’s endangered plants include the Mauna Loa silversword, which is one of the rarest plants in the world, and the Hawaiian lobelioid, which is very closely related to the Hawaiian silversword. There are also many other species of Hawaiian lobelioids that are considered endangered or vulnerable, including the Kokee silversword, Kona silversword, and the Pala silversword. The Mauna Loa silversword used to be found all over the Big Island, but wild populations are now restricted to a few remote areas. This plant only grows in the highest elevations of Hawaii and is threatened by grazing animals and climate change. The Hawaiian lobelioid is threatened by invasive weeds, grazing animals, and mistimed wildfires.
What can locals do to Help protect Hawaii ecosystems?
As locals we can help protect Hawaii’s ecosystems by reducing our own negative impacts while taking action that creates positive impacts. Reducing our personal negative impacts includes reducing our use of pesticides and other chemicals, eating less meat, and supporting Hawaii’s clean energy transition. We can also support organizations working to protect Hawaii’s native species and ecosystems, such as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and of course, Livin' Aloha and our mission to plant 1 million trees in Hawaii.
What Can Hawaii tourists do their part to protect Hawaii ecosystems and wildlife?
Follow the law. That means only use reef-safe chemical free sunscreens such as Livin’ Aloha Reef-Safe Sunscreen. It also means don’t touch seals or sea turtles or other wildlife. Before you visit, check out the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This website lists all of Hawaii’s endangered plants and animals, and even includes photos of many species. This information can help you stay away from sensitive areas. If you’re looking to get involved while you’re in Hawaii, there are many organizations that need volunteers. The Nature Conservancy, for example, is always looking for people to help with things such as trail maintenance and native plant propagation. Another organization that welcomes visitors is the Hawaii Wildlife Fund.
What Can Hawaii residents and locals do their part to protect Hawaii ecosystems and wildlife?
If you live in Hawaii, you can do lots of things to support conservation efforts. First and foremost, you can get involved with organizations that are dedicated to the cause. But you can also make changes in your life that protect the local ecosystems: - Support efforts to create new protected areas. Hawaii is currently home to many endangered species. But the state is also home to many people, too—many of whom rely on endangered plants and animals for their livelihoods. This is why it’s important to create protected areas that balance the needs of people with the needs of wildlife. - Limit your use of pesticides and fertilizers. These products help make Hawaii a great place to live. But they also put plants and animals at risk. You don’t need to use pesticides or fertilizers everywhere. And you don’t need to use them at full strength. It’s good to protect the ecosystems we rely on.
Why is planting trees and reforesting Hawaii a great way to protect Hawaii's endangered species?
Hawaiian ecosystems are extremely unique, but they are also extremely young. For thousands of years, the Hawaiian Islands had no native plants. This means that Hawaiian ecosystems have not yet evolved to their full potential. Native trees such as olonias and kukui have not had time to grow tall enough to protect the rest of the ecosystem. This is why it is so important to plant native trees in Hawaii: they provide shelter for birds, serve as homes for insects, and create habitats for other species. It is also important to plant trees in the right places: put forests in areas that have none, and put groves in areas that already have trees.
How can we restore Hawaii old-growth forests?
Hawaii’s native forests are full of beautiful and rare species. Unfortunately, they’re also greatly endangered. In order to protect these forests, we need to restore them. And the best way to do this is to plant native species. You can help to restore forests in your neighborhood by planting native trees and shrubs. If you don’t have the space for a full forest, there are lots of other things you can do, too. You can help to protect native plants in your neighborhood by steering clear of them when landscaping. You can shop with Livin’ Aloha and spread this website with your friends and community to support our mission to plant 1 million trees throughout Hawaii by 2030. Every product plants a tree!
Hawaii has a rich culture and history, but these facts alone don't capture the true essence of the islands. It's also an environmentalist's dream. From the diverse ecosystems to the rich endemic wildlife, the islands are a fragile paradise that needs protecting. Did you know Hawaii has more endangered species than any other US state? Hawaii's ecosystems are also highly unique. For example, almost all of our lowland forests have been replaced by sugarcane fields, and our high elevations are covered by alpine grasslands. Hawaii's ecosystems have existed for less than 10,000 years, while California's ecosystems have existed for up to 50 million years. This means that Hawaiian ecosystems are very young and have not had time to adapt to the presence of humans. The Hawaiian people also arrived on these islands as a relatively small group. This means that there was not a large population to compete for resources. Hawaii's ecosystems have also been altered by human activities, including the introduction of non-native species. Today, Hawaii's ecosystems face many threats, including climate change.