Hawaii's Dry Forests - A Global Ecoregion
Found in the world's most isolated islands, reduced by 90%
Snapshot: Ecoregion 60
Size:
10,000 sq. km (3,900 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
Central North Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian Islands
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Did You Know!
Ancient Hawaiians used the wood of the wiliwili tree to make surfboards.
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Hawaii tropical low shrublands; Hawaii tropical dry forests; Hawaii tropical high shrublands.
The Hawaiin dry forests harbour a number of dry forest specialist species including native hibiscus trees and several rare endemics. Approximately 22 per cent of native Hawaiian plant species are found on this ecoregion.Local Species
Examples of extraordinary plant species are members of the extremely rare and endemic Gouanaia genus. Common species include Erythrina sandwicensis, Diospyros sandwicensis, Reynoldsia sandwicensis, and Nothocestrum spp. Also found here - the Palila (Loxioides bailleui), an endangered finch-like bird.
Threats
Clearing and burning of lowland dry forests began with the arrival of Polynesians and the last remnants are being destroyed today through continued development, expansion of agriculture and pasture, and burning.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
