Hawaii Moist Forests - A Global Ecoregion
Most isolated islands in the world, unusual evolutionary patterns
Snapshot: Ecoregion 50
Size:
6,700 sq. km (2,600 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
North Pacific Ocean-Hawaii Islands
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Is it true that at one time the Hawaiian honeycreepers were a common sight on these islands?
Answer:
The brilliant red feathers of the I'iwi Hawaiian honeycreeper were prized by early Hawaiians, who used them to make feathered capes and helmets for their chiefs. This family of brightly colored birds was once found throughout all of the Hawaiian islands' forests. But now, habitat loss has contributed to the extinction of at least 13 of the 32 species.
About the Area
These moist forests claim an extraordinary percentage of endemic species, including 95% plant species, 99% invertebrates, and all of the honeycreepers, an endemic group of birds that displays specialised adaptations to different foods and plants.
Several groups have radiated into many species - for example, over one-third of the world's fruit fly species are found here.Local Species
Unique species include Hawaiian land snails, Hawaiian lobelias, Eupithecia moths (predatory caterpillars), Hawaiian silversword alliance (Madiinae), Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidae) - believed to have evolved from a single ancestor, in the same way that Darwin's finches evolved in the Galapagos Islands, and a number of beautiful tree ferns and palms.
The once abundant land snails (with 99% endemism) are now over 50% extinct with many of the rest endangered.
Threats
Deforestation, grazing, introduced species, development, and recreational activities are all real problems. Several important areas of relatively intact tropical moist forests currently have no or incomplete protection.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
