DOCSLIB.ORG

Reintroducing Hawaii's Silverswords

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Reintroducing Hawaii's Silverswords Reintroducing Hawaii’s by Robert Robichaux, Steven Bergfeld, Marie Bruegmann, Joan Canfield, Patrice Moriyasu, Tanya Silverswords Rubenstein, Timothy Tunison, and Frederick Warshauer Of the many endangered plant lates, however, the Mauna Loa species in the Hawaiian Islands, silversword suffered a severe decline. silverswords have the highest profile The surviving individuals, numbering due to their radiant beauty and the fewer than 1,000 plants, are confined to severity of the threats confronting them. three small natural populations widely The large-scale reintroduction of scattered across Mauna Loa. greenhouse-grown seedlings is raising In addition to direct threats from hopes for the recovery of these spec- alien ungulates, Mauna Kea and Mauna tacular endemic species, although Loa silverswords may face serious serious challenges remain. indirect threats from alien insects, The Mauna Kea silversword especially ants and wasps. These alien A Mauna Loa silversword being planted at Kulani Correctional (Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. predators have the potential to decimate Facility. Inmates from the facility sandwicense) had an historical range populations of native bees and moths have participated in an innovative that encircled Mauna Kea volcano at that serve as pollinators, thereby greatly volunteer program to help with 8,500-12,500 feet (2,600-3,800 meters) limiting seed set in silverswords. silversword reintroduction. elevation on the Island of Hawai‘i. All photos by Joan Canfield Based on the records of early natural- Partnership for Recovery ists, this silversword grew in abundance Though the threats are daunting, the and was a dominant plant of the outlook for recovery of Mauna Kea and subalpine and alpine ecosystems. In the Mauna Loa silverswords has brightened late 1700s, European voyagers intro- considerably in recent years. Key to this duced sheep and other alien (non- reversal of fortune has been a public/ native) ungulates to the island. The private partnership between the Volcano (Opposite page, bottom) Members of alien animals spread rapidly, with the Rare Plant Facility, Hawaii Division of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), sheep population on Mauna Kea Forestry and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife silverswords have a rosette form, eventually exceeding 40,000. As alien Service, National Park Service, Biologi- with dagger-shaped leaves that are ungulate populations increased, cal Resources Division of the U.S. densely covered by silvery hairs. silverswords declined severely in Geological Survey, and Hawaiian Most silverswords flower only once, distribution and abundance, presumably Silversword Foundation. The Rare Plant after growing for 30-50 years, with due to heavy browsing. The small the majestic flowering stalks of Facility has grown the large number of large rosettes often exceeding 1.5 natural population of silverswords that silversword seedlings destined for meters in height. persists on Mauna Kea now contains reintroduction, closely tracking the only 42 plants, all of them confined to pedigree (or parentage) of each one. cliffs and rock faces that are inacces- Different agencies in the partnership sible to ungulates. have then overseen the outplanting The Mauna Loa silversword effort in different parts of the historical (Argyroxiphium kauense) suffered a ranges. The non-profit Silversword similar fate. Historically, this species was Foundation has worked closely with all common in moist to wet ecosystems of the partners to facilitate the collabo- between 5,000 and 8,900 feet (1,500 rative initiative. By sharing expertise, and 2,700 m) on Mauna Loa and resources, and enthusiasm, and by Hualalai volcanoes. Following the emphasizing on-the-ground actions, the introduction and spread of pigs, partnership has made major strides mouflon sheep, and other alien ungu- recently with silversword reintroduction. 22 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2000 VOLUME XXV NO. 3 In 1999, we outplanted more than The major threat to the recovery of 2,500 silverswords on Mauna Kea, silverswords (and many other endan- bringing the total reintroduced popula- gered plant species in Hawaii) contin- tion to about 4,000. (About 1,500 ues to be alien ungulates. Even at low Mauna Kea silverswords were success- numbers, these animals can have severe fully outplanted by the Division of impacts. On the upper slopes of Mauna Forestry and Wildlife between 1973 and Kea, for example, where alien ungulate 1998.) We planted the seedlings at populations have been greatly reduced multiple sites in the State Forest Reserve. by a court-ordered removal program, Survivorship has varied among the sites browsing still caused significant seedling and with the time of planting, but has mortality, and serious damage to adult been exceptionally high in some cases. silverswords, at some of the outplanting Of the 1,200 seedlings planted in late sites in 1999. Because alien ungulates fall on the east slopes of Mauna Kea, are still abundant on Mauna Loa and for example, more than 99 percent have Hualalai, all of our outplanting sites for survived their critical first 9 months on Mauna Loa silverswords must be the volcano. protected by fencing, which ultimately We also outplanted more than 1,000 constrains the scope of the reintroduction silversword seedlings on Mauna Loa effort. Alien insects may also continue and Hualalai in 1999. They went to to pose a significant threat to the health The Volcano Rare Plant Facility is part of the Center protected sites in Hawaii Volcanoes of native pollinator populations. for Conservation Research and Training of the National Park, Kulani Correctional The large-scale reintroduction University of Hawaii. In addition to growing Facility, and State Forest Reserves. strategy for silverswords, implemented thousands of silversword seedlings for Again, survivorship has varied among through our public/private partnership, reintroduction each year, the facility has the sites, but has exceeded 90 percent at highlights both the opportunities and successfully propagated more than 70 other endangered and threatened plant species from the some locations. challenges for recovery of other Island of Hawai‘i. To ensure high genetic diversity in endangered plant species in Hawaii. the reintroduced silversword popula- tions, we have implemented a con- Robert Robichaux is President of the trolled crossing program in which we Board of Trustees of the Hawaiian hand-pollinate flowering silverswords in Silversword Foundation. Steven Bergfeld both the field and greenhouse to is a Forester with the Hawaii Depart- produce seeds (see Bulletin Vol. XXIII, ment of Land and Natural Resources, No. 2-3). Although hand-pollinating the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Marie plants can be challenging at times, Bruegmann is a Botanist with the Fish especially on Mauna Kea, where we and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Islands must perch precariously on steep cliffs Ecoregion Office. Joan Canfield is and rock faces, the program has Deputy Director of the Pacific Island enabled us to significantly increase the Ecosystems Research Center (USGS/BRD/ number of founders (or parents) for the PIERC), U.S. Geological Survey, Biologi- reintroduction effort, and to balance cal Resources Division. Patrice Moriyasu their genetic representation among the is a Horticulturist with the University of seedlings that are outplanted. Hawaii, Center for Conservation Over the next year, we plan to Research and Training, Volcano Rare outplant another 2,000 silverswords on Plant Facility. Tanya Rubenstein is Mauna Kea and 8,000 silverswords on Olaa-Kilauea Partnership Coordinator Mauna Loa and Hualalai. Thus, we will at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park soon be about 40-60 percent of the way (HAVO). Timothy Tunison is Chief of towards achieving our long-term goal of Resources Management at HAVO. reintroducing more than 15,000 Mauna Frederick Warshauer is a Botanist with Kea and Mauna Loa silverswords USGS/BRD/PIERC. throughout their historical ranges. ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2000 VOLUME XXV NO. 3 23.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Life in Mauna Kea's Alpine Desert
    Life in Mauna Kea’s by Mike Richardson Alpine Desert Lycosa wolf spiders, a centipede that preys on moribund insects that are blown to the summit, and the unique, flightless wekiu bug. A candidate for federal listing as an endangered species, the wekiu bug was first discovered in 1979 by entomologists on Pu‘u Wekiu, the summit cinder cone. “Wekiu” is Hawaiian for “topmost” or “summit.” The wekiu bug belongs to the family Lygaeidae within the order of insects known as Heteroptera (true bugs). Most of the 26 endemic Hawaiian Nysius species use a tube-like beak to feed on native plant seed heads, but the wekiu bug uses its beak to suck the hemolymph (blood) from other insects. High above the sunny beaches, rocky coastline, Excluding its close relative Nysius a‘a on the nearby Mauna Loa, the wekiu bug and lush, tropical forests of the Big Island of Hawai‘i differs from all the world’s 106 Nysius lies a unique environment unknown even to many species in its predatory habits and unusual physical characteristics. The bug residents. The harsh, barren, cold alpine desert is so possesses nearly microscopically small hostile that it may appear devoid of life. However, a wings and has the longest, thinnest legs few species existing nowhere else have formed a pre- and the most elongated head of any Lygaeid bug in the world. carious ecosystem-in-miniature of insects, spiders, The wekiu bug, about the size of a other arthropods, and simple plants and lichens. Wel­ grain of rice, is most often found under rocks and cinders where it preys diur­ come to the summit of Mauna Kea! nally (during daylight) on insects and Rising 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) dependent) community of arthropods even birds that are blown up from lower above sea level, Mauna Kea is the was uncovered at the summit.
    [Show full text]
  • Association of Unit Owners Contact List
    Association of Unit Owners Contact List Project Name/Number AOUO Designated Officer for Direct Contact/Mailing Address Management Company/Telephone Number `AKOKO AT HO`OPILI Reg.# 8073 1001 QUEEN Reg.# 7675 1001 WILDER EMILY PRESIDENT 1001 WILDER #305 HAWAIIAN PROPERTIES, LTD. Reg.# 5 WATERS HONOLULU HI 96822 8085399777 1010 WILDER RICHARD TREASURER 1010 WILDER AVE, OFFICE SELF MANAGED Reg.# 377 KENNEDY HONOLULU HI 96822 8085241961 1011 PROSPECT RICHARD PRESIDENT 1188 BISHOP ST STE 2503 CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT INC dba ASSOCI Reg.# 1130 CONRADT HONOLULU HI 96813 8088360911 1015 WILDER KEVIN PRESIDENT 1015 WILDER AVE #201 HAWAIIANA MGMT CO LTD Reg.# 1960 LIMA HONOLULU HI 96822 8085939100 1037 KAHUAMOKU VITA PRESIDENT 94-1037 KAHUAMOKU ST 3 CEN PAC PROPERTIES INC Reg.# 1551 VILI WAIPAHU HI 96797 8085932902 1040 KINAU PAUL PRESIDENT 1040 KINAU ST., #1206 HAWAIIAN PROPERTIES, LTD. Reg.# 527 FOX HONOLULU HI 96814 8085399777 1041 KAHUAMOKU ALAN PRESIDENT 94-1041 KAHUAMOKU ST 404 CEN PAC PROPERTIES INC Reg.# 1623 IGE WAIPAHU HI 96797 8085932902 1054 KALO PLACE JUANA PRESIDENT 1415 S KING ST 504 HAWAIIANA MGMT CO LTD Reg.# 5450 DAHL HONOLULU HI 96814 8085939100 1073 KINAU ANSON PRESIDENT 1073 KINAU ST 1003 HAWAIIANA MGMT CO LTD Reg.# 616 QUACH HONOLULU HI 96814 8085939100 1108 AUAHI TODD PRESIDENT 1240 ALA MOANA BLVD STE. 200 HAWAIIANA MGMT CO LTD Reg.# 7429 APO HONOLULU HI 96814 8085939100 1111 WILDER BRENDAN PRESIDENT 1111 WILDER AVE 7A HAWAIIAN PROPERTIES, LTD. Reg.# 228 BURNS HONOLULU HI 96822 8085399777 1112 KINAU LINDA Y SOLE OWNER 1112 KINAU ST PH SELF MANAGED Reg.# 1295 NAKAGAWA HONOLULU HI 96814 1118 ALA MOANA NICHOLAS PRESIDENT 1118 ALA MOANA BLVD., SUITE 200 HAWAIIANA MGMT CO LTD Reg.# 7431 VANDERBOOM HONOLULU HI 96814 8085939100 1133 WAIMANU ANNA PRESIDENT 1133 WAIMANU STREET, STE.
    [Show full text]
  • Determining the Depths of Magma Chambers Beneath Hawaiian Volcanoes
    Determining the Depths of Magma Chambers beneath Hawaiian Volcanoes using Petrological Methods Senior Thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree At The Ohio State University By Andrew Thompson The Ohio State University 2014 Approved by Michael Barton, Advisor School of Earth Sciences Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................... 3 Acknowledgements ......................................................................................4 Introduction ............................................................................................... 5 Geologic Setting .......................................................................................... 6 Methods Filtering ............................................................................................ 9 CIPW Normalization ............................................................................. 11 Classification .................................................................................... 12 Results Kilauea ............................................................................................ 14 Mauna Kea ........................................................................................ 18 Mauna Loa ........................................................................................ 20 Loihi ............................................................................ ................... 23 Discussion ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Outline of Angiosperm Phylogeny
    Outline of angiosperm phylogeny: orders, families, and representative genera with emphasis on Oregon native plants Priscilla Spears December 2013 The following listing gives an introduction to the phylogenetic classification of the flowering plants that has emerged in recent decades, and which is based on nucleic acid sequences as well as morphological and developmental data. This listing emphasizes temperate families of the Northern Hemisphere and is meant as an overview with examples of Oregon native plants. It includes many exotic genera that are grown in Oregon as ornamentals plus other plants of interest worldwide. The genera that are Oregon natives are printed in a blue font. Genera that are exotics are shown in black, however genera in blue may also contain non-native species. Names separated by a slash are alternatives or else the nomenclature is in flux. When several genera have the same common name, the names are separated by commas. The order of the family names is from the linear listing of families in the APG III report. For further information, see the references on the last page. Basal Angiosperms (ANITA grade) Amborellales Amborellaceae, sole family, the earliest branch of flowering plants, a shrub native to New Caledonia – Amborella Nymphaeales Hydatellaceae – aquatics from Australasia, previously classified as a grass Cabombaceae (water shield – Brasenia, fanwort – Cabomba) Nymphaeaceae (water lilies – Nymphaea; pond lilies – Nuphar) Austrobaileyales Schisandraceae (wild sarsaparilla, star vine – Schisandra; Japanese
    [Show full text]
  • Mauna Loa Reconnaissance 2003
    “Giant of the Pacific” Mauna Loa Reconnaissance 2003 Plan of encampment on Mauna Loa summit illustrated by C. Wilkes, Engraved by N. Gimbrede (Wilkes 1845; vol. IV:155) Prepared by Dennis Dougherty B.A., Project Director Edited by J. Moniz-Nakamura, Ph. D. Principal Investigator Pacific Island Cluster Publications in Anthropology #4 National Park Service Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Department of the Interior 2004 “Giant of the Pacific” Mauna Loa Reconnaissance 2003 Prepared by Dennis Dougherty, B.A. Edited by J. Moniz-Nakamura, Ph.D. National Park Service Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park P.O. Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 November, 2004 Mauna Loa Reconnaissance 2003 Executive Summary and Acknowledgements The Mauna Loa Reconnaissance project was designed to generate archival and inventory/survey level recordation for previously known and unknown cultural resources within the high elevation zones (montane, sub-alpine, and alpine) of Mauna Loa. Field survey efforts included collecting GPS data at sites, preparing detailed site plan maps and feature descriptions, providing site assessment and National Register eligibility, and integrating the collected data into existing site data bases within the CRM Division at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO). Project implementation included both pedestrian transects and aerial transects to accomplish field survey components and included both NPS and Research Corporation University of Hawaii (RCUH) personnel. Reconnaissance of remote alpine areas was needed to increase existing data on historic and archeological sites on Mauna Loa to allow park managers to better plan for future projects. The reconnaissance report includes a project introduction; background sections including physical descriptions, cultural setting overview, and previous archeological studies; fieldwork sections describing methods, results, and feature and site summaries; and a section on conclusions and findings that provide site significance assessments and recommendations.
    [Show full text]
  • Topographic History of the Maui Nui Complex, Hawai'i, and Its Implications for Biogeography1
    Topographic History ofthe Maui Nui Complex, Hawai'i, and Its Implications for Biogeography 1 Jonathan Paul Price 2,4 and Deborah Elliott-Fisk3 Abstract: The Maui Nui complex of the Hawaiian Islands consists of the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe, which were connected as a single landmass in the past. Aspects of volcanic landform construction, island subsi­ dence, and erosion were modeled to reconstruct the physical history of this complex. This model estimates the timing, duration, and topographic attributes of different island configurations by accounting for volcano growth and subsi­ dence, changes in sea level, and geomorphological processes. The model indi­ cates that Maui Nui was a single landmass that reached its maximum areal extent around 1.2 Ma, when it was larger than the current island of Hawai'i. As subsi­ dence ensued, the island divided during high sea stands of interglacial periods starting around 0.6 Ma; however during lower sea stands of glacial periods, islands reunited. The net effect is that the Maui Nui complex was a single large landmass for more than 75% of its history and included a high proportion of lowland area compared with the contemporary landscape. Because the Hawaiian Archipelago is an isolated system where most of the biota is a result of in situ evolution, landscape history is an important detertninant of biogeographic pat­ terns. Maui Nui's historical landscape contrasts sharply with the current land­ scape but is equally relevant to biogeographical analyses. THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS present an ideal logic histories that can be reconstructed more setting in which to weigh the relative influ­ easily and accurately than in most regions.
    [Show full text]
  • Hawaiian Volcanoes: from Source to Surface Site Waikolao, Hawaii 20 - 24 August 2012
    AGU Chapman Conference on Hawaiian Volcanoes: From Source to Surface Site Waikolao, Hawaii 20 - 24 August 2012 Conveners Michael Poland, USGS – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, USA Paul Okubo, USGS – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, USA Ken Hon, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, USA Program Committee Rebecca Carey, University of California, Berkeley, USA Simon Carn, Michigan Technological University, USA Valerie Cayol, Obs. de Physique du Globe de Clermont-Ferrand Helge Gonnermann, Rice University, USA Scott Rowland, SOEST, University of Hawai'i at M noa, USA Financial Support 2 AGU Chapman Conference on Hawaiian Volcanoes: From Source to Surface Site Meeting At A Glance Sunday, 19 August 2012 1600h – 1700h Welcome Reception 1700h – 1800h Introduction and Highlights of Kilauea’s Recent Eruption Activity Monday, 20 August 2012 0830h – 0900h Welcome and Logistics 0900h – 0945h Introduction – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Its First 100 Years of Advancing Volcanism 0945h – 1215h Magma Origin and Ascent I 1030h – 1045h Coffee Break 1215h – 1330h Lunch on Your Own 1330h – 1430h Magma Origin and Ascent II 1430h – 1445h Coffee Break 1445h – 1600h Magma Origin and Ascent Breakout Sessions I, II, III, IV, and V 1600h – 1645h Magma Origin and Ascent III 1645h – 1900h Poster Session Tuesday, 21 August 2012 0900h – 1215h Magma Storage and Island Evolution I 1215h – 1330h Lunch on Your Own 1330h – 1445h Magma Storage and Island Evolution II 1445h – 1600h Magma Storage and Island Evolution Breakout Sessions I, II, III, IV, and V 1600h – 1645h Magma Storage
    [Show full text]
  • Quantitative Genetic Variation in Declining Plant Populations
    Quantitative genetic variation in declining plant populations Ellmer, Maarten 2009 Link to publication Citation for published version (APA): Ellmer, M. (2009). Quantitative genetic variation in declining plant populations. Total number of authors: 1 General rights Unless other specific re-use rights are stated the following general rights apply: Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal Read more about Creative commons licenses: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. LUND UNIVERSITY PO Box 117 221 00 Lund +46 46-222 00 00 QUANTITATIVE GENETIC VARIATION IN DECLINING PLANT POPULATIONS Quantitative genetic variation in declining plant populations Maarten Ellmer ACADEMIC DISSERTATION For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Ecology and Systematics, to be publicly defended on October 2nd at 10.00 a.m. in Blå Hallen at the Department of Ecology, Ecology Building, Sölvegatan 37, Lund, by permission of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lund.
    [Show full text]
  • HAWAII National Park HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
    HAWAII National Park HAWAIIAN ISLANDS UNITED STATES RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION N AT IONAL PAR.K. SERIES n A 5 o The world-famed volcano of Kilauea, eight miles in circumference An Appreciation of the Hawaii National Park By E. M. NEWMAN, Traveler and Lecturer Written Especially for the United States Railroad Administration §HE FIRES of a visible inferno burning in the midst of an earthly paradise is a striking con­ trast, afforded only in the Hawaii National Park. It is a combination of all that is terrify­ ing and all that is beautiful, a blending of the awful with the magnificent. Lava-flows of centuries are piled high about a living volcano, which is set like a ruby in an emer­ ald bower of tropical grandeur. Picture a perfect May day, when glorious sunshine and smiling nature combine to make the heart glad; then multiply that day by three hundred and sixty-five and the result is the climate of Hawaii. Add to this the sweet odors, the luscious fruits, the luxuriant verdure, the flowers and colorful beauty of the tropics, and the Hawaii National Park becomes a dreamland that lingers in one's memory as long as memory survives. Pa ae three To the American People: Uncle Sam asks you to be his guest. He has prepared for you the choice places of this continent—places of grandeur, beauty and of wonder. He has built roads through the deep-cut canyons and beside happy streams, which will carry you into these places in comfort, and has provided lodgings and food in the most distant and inaccessible places that you might enjoy yourself and realize as little as possible the rigors of the pioneer traveler's life.
    [Show full text]
  • U-Series Isotopic Constraints on Mantle Upwelling on the Periphery of the Hawaiian Plume Isotope Geochemistry of Haleakala Crater Basanites Erin H
    U-series isotopic constraints on mantle upwelling on the periphery of the Hawaiian plume Isotope geochemistry of Haleakala crater basanites Erin H. Phillips and Kenneth W.W. Sims, University of Wyoming, and Vincent J.M. Salters, Florida State University 1. Introduction 2. Major and Trace Element Geochemistry and Long-lived Radiogenic Isotopes 100 400 ● The Hawaiian islands are part of the age progressive series of 16 Comparison to Haleakala Crater (this study) 90 global alkaline volcanoes that form the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain. At 14 Haleakala SW Rift Zone (Sims et al., 1999) 300 suites Haleakala, on the island of Maui, basanitic lavas of the Hana Haleakala post-shield 80 12 Haleakala shield 200 Volcanics represent end-member rejuvenated stage alkaline 70 Kilauea magmatism (Clauge, 1987). Although shield-stage tholeiitic 100 10 Mauna Loa 60 volcanism predominates in the Hawaiian islands, alkaline lavas O 2 Mauna Kea 0 erupted on the trailing edge of the Hawaiian plume present an 8 Hualalai trachytes 50 O+Na important component to understanding mantle melting and solid 2 Loihi K 40 6 Nyiragongo mantle upwelling. Averages for 30 Leucite Hills lamproites Hawaiian Lavas 4 Ross Island, Antarctica basanites 20 ● We present geochemical data for 13 samples from Haleakala Samoa crater. 14C ages for seven samples range from 870 ± 40 to 4070 ± 50 2 See supplement for full reference list 10 years (Sherrod and McGeehin, 1999). Preliminary data for 5 0 1995) Mantle (McDonough and Sun, Sample/Primitive 0 samples from the Haleakala southwest rift zone (Sims et al., 1999) 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 Rb Ba Th U Nb La Ce Sr Pb Nd Sm Hf Eu Dy Y Yb Lu SiO are consistent with iso-viscous (Watson and McKenzie, 1991) and 2 thermo-viscous (Hauri et al., 1994) fluid mechanical models of 10 plume upwelling in which upwelling rates are slower on the Hawaiian Lavas periphery of plume.
    [Show full text]
  • A Prodromus of the Water Bear Fauna of Haleakala National Park
    A PRODROMUS OF THE WATER BEAR FAUNA OF HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK Samuel M. Gon III Department of Entomology University of Hawai'i Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822 Robert A. Kimsey and Robert O. Schuster Department of Entomology University of California Davis, California 95616 Mark A. Willis Department of Entomology University of California Riverside, California 92507 ABSTRACT: The terrestrial meiofauna of the Hawaiian islands is almost completely unknown to science. Water bears (Tardigrada) represent a phylum that seems preadapted for long distance dispersal to the Hawaiian islands, and here we present, for the first time, 31 species in 10 genera and four families. The diversity of species in an area smaller than 50 square miles means that the Haleakala site is the most tardigrade­ rich location yet found on the planet. These species occupy a highly specialized niche in the Central Crater District of Haleakala National Park that involves alpine and subalpine cryptogams subject to extremes of temperature and desiccation. Several of the Hawaiian species are capable of anhydrobiosis, which is probably the mechanism that allows their occupation of alpine habitats. We present arguments that suggest that the richest habitats for Hawaiian water bears will be in subalpine and alpine settings of Maui and Hawai'i. 15 INTRODUCTION The biota of the Hawaiian islands attracts biologists because of its diversity. We have all came to expect new and exciting things here; new species being among the more engaging discoveries. We report here a first glimpse of a fascinating phylum that has until now passed generally unnoticed in Hawaiian biology. The phylum is Tardigrada, comprised of small (50 to 1200 micron) creatures usually called water bears because of their appearance and deliberate "pawing" form of locomotion.
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawaii
    U.S. Department of the Interior / U.S. Geological Survey Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawaii Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawaii Lava flows entered Kalapana Gardens in December 1986. Front Cover: View of Kapoho village during the 1960 eruption before it was entirely destroyed. (Photographer unknown) Inside Front Cover (Photograph by J.D. Griggs) For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328 ISBN 0-16-038200-9 Preface he eruptions of volcanoes often have direct, dramatic effects on the lives of people and Ton their property. People who live on or near active volcanoes can benefit greatly from clear, scientific information about the volcanic and seismic hazards of the area. This booklet provides such information for the residents of Hawaii so they may effectively deal with the special geologic hazards of the island. Identifying and evaluating possible geologic hazards is one of the principal roles of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. When USGS scientists recognize a potential hazard, such as an impend­ ing eruption, they notify the appropriate govern­ ment officials, who in turn are responsible for advising the public to evacuate certain areas or to take other actions to insure their safety. This booklet was prepared in cooperation with the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency. Volcanic and Seismic Hazards: Interagency Responsibilities Hawaii County National Park } Civil Defense C Service ./ Short-term hazard evaluation for the agencies responsible for public safety. Information on volcanic U.S.
    [Show full text]