ENDANGERED TREES OF KAUAI: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

There are many trees that are native to the island of Kauai that are in danger of becoming extinct. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most endangered trees on the island and what is being done to save them. In order to protect and preserve Kauai’s natural beauty for generations to come, it is important to learn about these trees and how you can help protect them!

Endangered or Extinct Pendant Kihi Fern

The plant in question is pendant kihi fern, or adenophorus periens. It is endangered by climate change, which is exacerbating droughts while simultaneously competing for space with invasive weeds.

In 2015, the fern was evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List and classed as critically endangered, with a possibility of extinction. There were 1,280 known plants in the wild on Kauai, Molokai, and the Big Island at the time. In 2004, the last plant on Molokai was discovered dead. In 2015, botanists sighted what they believed to be the final plant on Hawaii’s Big Island. By 2019, experts had been unable to locate it on Kauai.

The Melicope Stonei

As the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is home to deeply worn drainages, smooth-cut canyons, and towering coastal cliffs. It’s the most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands, with Melicope stonei being the 249th endemic plant species found only on Kauai and nowhere else on the planet.

Ohia Tree

The Ohia tree is a vital part of the Hawaiian ecosystem. Not only does it provide shade and shelter for native birds and animals, but its wood is also used to build canoes and homes. Unfortunately, the Ohia tree is now being threatened by a devastating fungus.

What makes this fungus so dangerous is that it spreads quickly and easily. It only takes one infected tree to start an outbreak. In just a few years, thousands of Ohia trees have been lost. If something isn’t done soon, the Ohia tree may soon disappear from Kauai entirely.

The disease known as rapid ohia death was discovered on Hawaii island back in 2014. It wasn’t until 2018 that state officials found the fungus on Kauai, but it has since spread to both Oahu and Maui.Why Are Kauai’s Forests In Danger?

On the island of Kauai, many native plants and animals are in danger of disappearing forever. The main cause of this is habitat loss, as native forests are cleared to make way for development. Climate change is also playing a role, as rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns make it difficult for some species to survive. As a result, many of Kauai’s unique plants and animals are at risk of extinction.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help preserve these species. For example, we can support organizations that are working to protect Kauai’s native habitats. We can also be mindful of our own impact on the environment, and work to reduce our carbon footprint. By taking action, we can help ensure that Kauai’s native species will continue to thrive for years to come.

Some Tips To Keep Kauai’s Flora & Fauna Safe

• Don’t post or share rare plant locations on social media or with anyone but conservation organizations. People like to gather and sell rare or endangered species.
• Don’t collect seeds or plant material, as this may hurt the plant’s ability to grow, reproduce, and thrive.
• Practice safe hiking protocols by staying on the trail and cleaning your hiking gear thoroughly before heading out for a hike. This means checking your shoes, backpacks, and clothes for any plant matter that is not natural to the environment. This is most important for shoes.
• Keep your distance! There’s no reason you should be going off-trail or getting closer to endangered plant species. Leave it to the trained professionals.

See Kauai’s Beautiful Trees & Plants with Koloa Zipline!

Kauai is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii, and its forests and trees are a big part of what makes it so special. If you’re interested in seeing all that the island has to offer, Koloa Zipline is a great place to start.

Ziplining is an eco-friendly way to explore Kauai’s unique ecosystems, and it’s also a lot of fun. The staff at Koloa Zipline are experts at making sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, and they’ll help you get the most out of your trip. You can also rest assured that your ziplining adventure will be helping to preserve Kauai’s precious natural resources and endangered species.

Thank you for reading and we hope to see you soon!