#Hawaii Department of Land Natural Resources Plant Extinction Prevention Program

[mauitime]

Maui Forest Birds Critically Threatened

Maui Forest Birds Critically Threatened

The kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, is only found in East Maui. There are less than 312 remaining in the wild

A new interagency monitoring report on Hawaiian forest birds indicates that remaining populations of at least two native endemic species of Maui forest birds are in rapid decline.

The surveys conducted in the report were the largest and most comprehensive interagency effort to research East…

[usfwspacific]

Hope Hatches for Hawaiian Bird

First Hatch Gives Hope for the Future of an Endangered Hawaiian Bird 

ʻAkikiki chick peaks out from a nest. Photo by SZDG

Conservationists in Hawai‘i are rejoicing over the first successful breeding of ‘akikiki in captivity. The ‘akikiki is a critically endangered species found only in the remote forests of Kaua‘i, and the young fledgling represents a significant step in efforts to save this small Hawaiian honeycreeper.

ʻAkikiki occupy an increasingly small rang on the island of Kauai. There are fewer than 500 birds left in the wild. Gif shows an ʻakikiki in a nest and a map of the ʻakikiki range. 

“The parents that produced this offspring came from eggs collected in the wild.” said Jennifer Pribble, Research Coordinator, Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, San Diego Zoo Global. “So this is the first offspring ever produced in captivity. It was parent-reared, raised completely by its mother, without any human intervention. The parents are a 3-year old male and 2-year old female.”

ʻAkikiki nests in the wild are very hard to find due to their small size and remote forest locations. Photos of ʻAkikiki nests by SDZG.

Eggs from ‘akikiki have been collected from native forest habitat since 2015 as part of an effort to preserve the species from extinction. The eggs were brought into human care to start a breeding population through a collaborative effort by the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project, State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, and San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

“The ‘akikiki population has shown steep declines over the past 10 to 15 years, and now number fewer than 500 birds in the wild,” said Lisa “Cali” Crampton, Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project Coordinator. She adds, “We hope that one day this young bird and its kin will be released on the Alaka‘i Plateau to help turn this number around.”

“The future of forest birds on Kaua‘i depends on all of us working together and is especially important for critically endangered birds like the ‘akikiki,” said Michelle Clark, Kaua‘i Partnerships Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “A panel of experts in Hawaiian forest bird conservation identified the initiation of a conservation breeding program as an essential step to prevent extinction of ‘akikiki. Being able to reproduce in captivity is another step forward for the species.”  

About the ‘Akikiki

The ‘akikiki is a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper found only on the island of Kaua‘i. This small bird species has been severely affected by introduced diseases such as avian malaria, as well as loss of native forest habitat, hurricanes, and the introduction of non-native predator species in the wild. Very little is known about ‘akikiki and they have not been raised in an intensive care setting before. Conservationists with the Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program have successfully cared for a number of other similar native Hawaiian birds and are using these and new techniques to help this endangered species thrive.

An ʻakikiki on a feeding scale in captivity. Photo by SDZG.

“After collecting the first ‘akikiki eggs and hand-raising the chicks, it is exciting to have confirmation that our artificial incubation and hand-rearing techniques are successful with this milestone of ‘akikiki reproducing in captivity,” said Jeremy Hodges, Research Coordinator, Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, San Diego Zoo Global.

Partners in Conservation

This effort has also been supported by the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, American Bird Conservancy, Hawaiian Airlines, Kaua‘i Realty, Bryan and Tanya Tanaka, and anonymous donors.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes onsite wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.

The Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is a collaboration between the Pacific Studies Cooperative Unit of the University of Hawai'i and the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Its mission is to promote knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of Kauai’s native forest birds, with a particular focus on the three endangered species: Puaiohi, ‘Akikiki and ‘Akeke‘e. For more information, please see www.kauaiforestbirds.org. The mission of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife is to responsibly manage and protect watersheds, native ecosystems, and cultural resources and provide outdoor recreation and sustainable forest products opportunities, while facilitating partnerships, community involvement and education.  

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The mission of the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office is to conserve and restore native biodiversity and ecological integrity of Pacific Island ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations through leadership, science-based management, and collaborative partnerships.  

More Photos available at https://sandiegozoo.box.com/s/iju13j7bozxx2k6p4241bnb0mu2epqr3

[sciencespies]

A newly described Hawaiian flower is the only one of its kind in existence

https://sciencespies.com/nature/a-newly-described-hawaiian-flower-is-the-only-one-of-its-kind-in-existence/

A newly described Hawaiian flower is the only one of its kind in existence

Despite several cliff-scaling efforts to locate another of its kind, so far this native Hawaiian flower appears to be unique.

Found on one of the steep forested slopes of Helu that loom over Lahaina in West Maui, Hawaii, Cyanea heluensis was first discovered back in 2010 but it has only just been formally described.

Botanist Hank Oppenheimer and biologist Jennifer Higashino located it in a remote and deeply shady spot. Oppenheimer since used a specially developed paste to encourage new growth, from which they took a cutting in the hopes of propagating it at Olinda Rare Plant Facility.

After many attempts they managed to germinate a single seed from a fruit collected from the plant last year.

(Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/Facebook)

C. heluensis belongs to a group of plants called Cyanea, the most species-rich genus in Hawaii, that originated from a single introduction 8-10 million years ago. It has since diversified into 80 different species – some of which are found only on a single volcano.

“Dozens of native plants like this one are now only kept alive in nurseries,” said Matthew Keir, Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources Botanist on Facebook. “Just one natural disaster, like a hurricane, hitting a nursery could cause the extinction of many rare plants.”

Oppenheimer recognised the leaves of C. heluensis were different to others of its genus when they first spied it from a distance through binoculars, and confirmed its uniqueness on closer inspection.

From mid-summer to October this tropical plant produces several hands’ worth of finger-like white flowers, followed by fruits that start green and then mature into orange berries.

(Oppenheimer, Phytokeys, 2020)

“Cyanea heluensis easily falls into the critically endangered category, which designates species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild,” Oppenheimer explains in his paper.

Plants like this one are also facing “probable loss and decline of most or all of its avian pollinators and dispersal agents, threats such as landslides and treefall, herbivory by alien slugs and rats, and competition with alien plants.”

Conservation groups have been working hard to control some of the threats to this very lonely species, including weeding of invasive South American grass Cortaderia jubata, trapping rats and trying to control the goats and feral pigs that are encroaching on the area.

“Conservation of our ecosystems and the species that depend on them is vital to mankind’s survival too,” said botanist Steve Perlman from Plant Extinction Prevention Program.

“So few people study and know the flora and fauna well enough to recognize when a new species of plant, insect or bird lies in front of them… The age of discovery is not over!”

This research was published in Phytokeys.

#Nature

[usfwspacific]

National Award Recognizes Local Scientists’ Efforts to Save Endangered Hawaiian Snails

Inside two unassuming trailers off the Pali Highway on the island of O‘ahu, scientists with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources are fighting to save the state’s smallest endangered species. 

Achatinella sowerbyana on a leave in the mountains. Photo by David Sischo.

The trailers are home to the Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program run by Cynthia King and the Snail Extinction Prevention Program run by David Sischo.

In recognition of their leadership and innovation in conservation of Hawaiʻi’s snails and insects, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has presented the 2017 Recovery Champion Award to King and Sischo.

In Hawaiian culture and oral history, the snails - called kāhuli in Hawaiian -  are the voices of the forest and are described as singing as they travel up and down the trees. But over the past century, nearly 60% of these unique Hawaiian species have been lost to invasive predators, habitat destruction and over collection.

Staff and volunteers with SEPP hike the knife-edge mountain ridges of Oʻahu looking for, collecting, and returning the endangered snails. Photo by David Sischo. 

“Recovery champions advance the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species,” said Mary Abrams, Field Supervisor for the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “King and Sischo have been champions of invertebrate conservation. Invertebrates play a key role in Hawaiian ecosystems and thanks to King and Sischo’s efforts, and Hawaiʻi's DLNR, Hawaiian snails and arthropods are the focus of a strategic approach to prevent extinction and promote their recovery.”For the past nine years, King has built the Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program from the ground up and kept many of Hawaii’s imperiled invertebrates from extinction. Invertebrates like snails, bees, and spiders play a crucial role in maintaining the health of Hawaiian ecosystems and support native bird and plant populations. The Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program funds on-the-ground conservation programs like captive rearing, habitat protection, and species translocation programs.

Top: Kamehameha Butterfly. Photo by Will Haines / DLNR;

Bottom: Species of Achatinella. Photo by David Sischo

For the past nine years, King has built the Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program from the ground up and kept many of Hawaiʻi’s imperiled invertebrates from extinction. Invertebrates like snails, bees, and spiders play a crucial role in maintaining the health of Hawaiian ecosystems and support native bird and plant populations. The Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program funds on-the-ground conservation programs like captive rearing, habitat protection, and species translocation programs.

The Snail Extinction Prevention Program (SEPP) is a part of the Hawaiian Invertebrate Program and is charged with protecting and recovering Hawaiʻi’s endemic snail species. The Hawaiian Islands were once home to over 750 species of terrestrial snails - one of the most stunning examples of species radiations in the world.

Sischo’s work with SEPP continues to produce significant advances in snail conservation and captive rearing techniques, in addition to providing regular reliable data and new information that helps inform the conservation community.

“When visitors come to the islands, they look up at the beautiful lush green mountains, completely unaware that our incredible plants and animals, found nowhere else in the world, are being quietly erased from the landscape, due to a variety of human-induced factors,” said Sischo.

Top: Kamehameha butterfly caterpillar on mamaki plant. Photo by Will Haines

Bottom: The entire known population of Achatinella fulgens. Photo by David Sischo

Prior to the creation of the Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program, the majority of efforts focused on monitoring the decline of species, but through the work of King and Sischo the program has been able to halt some species declines and improve the status of others. Rare and endangered snail and insect populations on the islands are very small and isolated so there is a high risk that a species could go extinct suddenly. Since populations occur across property boundaries, the Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program works closely with other organizations to coordinate conservation and to exchange information.

“Conserving and recovering Hawaiʻi’s native and endangered species requires all of us to work together,” said Suzanne Case, Chair of the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources. “Thanks to work by Cynthia and David, and support from partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we are making great advances for these incredible species, and helping to ensure that they have a future in Hawaiʻi,” said Case.

For photos and video, please visit:

Link to photographs:   https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/albums/72157694355781270

Link to video:  https://vimeo.com/179760822

[usfwspacific]

Species Spotlight: Oahu Tree Snails - The Voice of the Forest

Scientific name: Achatinella spp  Hawaiian name: Kāhuli / Pūpū kani oe

The Hawaiian Islands were once home to over 750 species of terrestrial snails - one of the most stunning examples of species radiations in the world. But over the past century, nearly 60% of these unique Hawaiian species have been lost to invasive predators, habitat destruction and over collection.

The entire genus Achatinella - which consists of 41 species of small, colorful tree snails - is endemic to O‘ahu. Of those, 22 species are believed to be extinct and 18 are near extinction.

In Hawaiian culture and oral history, the snails are known as the voices of the forest and are described as singing as they travel up and down the trees. Though their voices may have grown dim, we are still working to keep their song alive.

An tree snail (Achatinella sowerbyana) on a leaf high in the mountains of Oahu. Photo by David Sischo. 

Habitat and Range

Currently, O‘ahu tree snails are restricted to remnant native forest on the highest ridges of the Ko‘olau and Wai‘anae ranges on the island of O‘ahu. 

Historically, the genus was widely distributed from near sea level along the windward coast to the central plains and throughout the Ko‘olau and Wai‘anae mountains. 

Species of Achatinella. Photo by David Sischo

Diet and life cycle

O‘ahu tree snails are nocturnal and graze on a fungus that grows on the leaves of native plants. During the day they seal them selves up against leaves or tree trunks.

Although native snails are sometimes found on non-native plants it is not known if the fungus on these introduced species is sufficient to support healthy populations. 

Adult snails are hermaphroditic and long-lived. Their life span is thought be at least 11 years, although growth rates and reproductive rates are very low. 

The snails give birth to live young, and can reproduce anywhere from 4 to seven times a year.

Tob and Bottom: Achatinella byronii. Photos by David Sischo. 

Threats to the species

In the recent past, the introduction of  rat species, over-collection, and the introduction of the carnivorous snail Euglandina rosea have resulted in declines in the genus. 

Current threats include the continued degradation of habitat by non-native, invasive vegetation, especially strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum), Christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolius), silk oak (Grevillea banksii), shrub verbena (Lantana camara), and Koster’s curse (Clidemia hirta). 

Pigs (Sus scrofa) also degrade habitat and predation by rats and introduced snails continues to be a problem. Low reproductive rates and limited dispersal abilities increase the vulnerability of this genus.

The entire known population of Achatinella fulgens. Photo by David Sischo. 

Reason for hope

Inside two unassuming trailers off the Pali Highway on the island of O‘ahu, scientists with Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources are fighting to save the Oahu tree snails. The trailers are home to the Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program run by Cynthia King and the Snail Extinction Prevention Program run by David Sischo.

The programs, which are partly funded by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service not only work to protect current populations and key breeding habitats, but also to establish additional populations, thereby reducing the risk of extinction. 

Saving the snails from extinction is no easy job. SEPP staff and volunteers hike the impossibly steep mountain slopes and knife ridge trails of Oahu to survey, collect, and return the snails - often in heavy rains and wind. Photos by David Sischo. 

Prior to the creation of SEPP, the majority of efforts focused on monitoring the decline of species; since the creation of SEPP, they have begun to halt species loss and actually improve the status of the snails. 

Conserving and recovering Hawaiʻi’s native and endangered species requires partnerships and dedication. Together with the state of Hawaii, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is helping to ensure that the voices of the forest continue to sing in Hawaii. 

[usfwspacific]

Chat With a Scientist: Hawaiian Pollinator Edition

Dr. Plentovich examines a species of yellow faced bee that has only been observed on O’ahu a couple of times in the last decade. Photo by Cynthia King

In the early 1900′s the yellow-faced bees were some of the most commonly found insects in Hawai’i. By the early 2000’s they were in sharp decline, and in 2015 seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bee were added to the federal Endangered Species List.

Hawaiian Yellow faced bees can only bee found in the Hawaiian islands. Photo by S. Plentovich.

We spoke with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Dr. Sheldon Plentovich about what makes the Hawaiian yellow-faced bees so special, why they are in trouble, and what you can do to help.

Oʻahuʻs north shore may be most famous for its world class surf breaks, but it is also home to some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Hawaii.

Spend a day exploring O’ahu’s north shore and you could find yourself face to face with an endangered Hawaiian monk seal or Hawaiian green sea turtle basking on the beaches (be sure to be a respectful wildlife watcher). 

You could visit the albatross colony at Ka’ena Point during fledging season and watch as some of the most magnificent flyers on the planet learn how to use their wings, or you could dip below the surface in one of the north shore’s amazing snorkeling spots and swim with all the fishes.

But hidden away on the eastern corner of the shore is one of the lesser known wildlife communities in Hawaiʻi. There along the quiet coastal strand of James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge is one the last remaining habitats for the endangered Hawaiian Yellow-faced bee, and itʻs where Dr Sheldon Plentovich and scientists from the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources and the University of Hawaii are working to keep the bees from going extinct. 

What is so special about Hawaiian yellow-faced bees?

SP: Hawaiian yellow-faced bees are special because they are Hawaii's only native bees and all of the species are endemic - meaning that Hawaii is the only place on the planet where they can be found. There are about 60 species of these bees that all descended from a single species ancestor who arrived on the islands approximately one million years ago.  

Hawaiian yellow-faced bees can be found in a variety of habitats from coastal to montane environments. They nest in hollow tubes sometimes in soil or rocks on the ground and sometimes in the hollow stems of plants. 

The bees depend on healthy intact native plant communities and have struggled to cope with habitat loss and the threats of invasive species. 

Non-native plants have pushed out the native plants the bees use for food and habitat, while invasive ants attack the bees nests and exclude the bees from their food source, flowers. 

There are 7 species of Hawaiian yellow faced bee that are endangered, including H. anthracinus, pictured here. Photo by J. Graham.

What are the threats to Hawaii's endangered bees?

SP: Arguably the biggest threat to Hylaeus are invasive ants (and all ants in Hawaii are introduced).  Invasive ants have likely shaped the distribution of Hylaeus today.  For example, H. anthracinus probably nested on the ground a lot more often in the past. But when the invasive Big-headed ant was introduced to Hawaii, it likely excluded H. anthracinus from  places where it had been living. 

Now at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, H. anthracinus does not nest on the ground because of high densities of Big-headed ants and other species. Other threats include habitat loss and competition with introduced bees and wasps

Invasive ants are a major threat to Hawaiian yellow faced bees. The ants attack the bees’ nest sites and eat the larvae. Photo by S. Plentovich

What can people do to help Hawaii’s endangered bees?

SP: One of the biggest things we can do is protect coastal habitat and be aware of where these bees live. H. anthracinus, for example nests in hollow twigs in coastal vegetation, so protecting coastal vegetation in large intact patches is very important. A number of volunteer groups in Hawaii work to protect coastal habitat, so volunteering is another way folks can help get involved.

Hawaiian yellow faced bees rely on native plants like the coastal Naupaka, Akoko, Ilima and for their survival. Photo by Jason Graham. 

What is the U. S. Fish and Wildlife studying at James Campbell right now?

SP: We are working on a study to help understand the effects of invasive ants on nesting Hylaeus, and we are testing artificial nest blocks that are designed to prevent the invasive ants from getting in and eating the bee larvae and pupae. We are hoping we can expand the Hylaeus population at James Campbell by improving habitat and providing more nesting opportunities.

An experimental nest tube. Scientists are working to see if they can help the bees by creating safe places for them to nest. 

How will this research help the bees in the future?

SP: This research could help us understand what kinds of concrete actions we can take to protect Hawaii’s endangered bees. Right now we don’t have a lot of tools to help protect Hyleaus because we know so little about the things that limit their population.  

What are some of the more exciting recent discoveries about Hawaiian yellow-faced bees?

SP:  There is still a lot to learn about these bees. Earlier this year we found one of the endangered bee species, H. longiceps, at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. That particular species had not been on that part of the island in many years so seeing one there was really exciting. These bees have such small and restricted ranges that each patch of habitat is incredibly important. 

The shoreline of James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge.

Just a few weeks later, we discovered a large population of that same species at the Mo`omomi Preserve on Molokai. While we knew that the bees were there, that was the first time we were able to find and see where they nest.

Researcher examines Hawaiian yellow faced bee burrows on Molokai. 

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program is working closely with universities and community groups to help understand and protect Hawaiian yellow faced bees and their habitat around the state of Hawaii.

Dr. Sheldon Plentovich is the Pacific Islands Coastal Program Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.