In late September, our team at HWF was thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate <<10 years>> with Ke Kai Ola, the only hospital in Hawaiʻi dedicated to the conservation and care of critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals (ʻīlio holo i ka uaua, Monachus schauinslandi)!
With all of the recent discussion and news about store-bought soil/compost products and the growing invasion of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) into the outer Hawaiian islands, we wanted to share some simple tips for easy home composting.
Did you know that Hawaiʻi has more than 80 species of coral reef huʻakai or ʻūpī (sponges)? Some types of sponges are an important food source for endangered honuʻea (hawksbill) sea turtles, and in general, sponges are a key resident on a healthy coral reef ecosystem (although some varieties will overgrow coral).
Last week, our team at Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund joined experts from across Hawaiʻi Nei and beyond at the Hawaiʻi Predator Control and Wetland Workshop held in Kahului, Maui to share practical management expertise and help preserve our precious wetland habitats and associated native species.
This month, we are featuring the beautiful, bright yellow lauʻīpala, also known as lāʻī pala, yellow tang, or Zebrasoma flavescens. Similar to many other types of surgeonfish, lauʻīpala are an important reef grazer, and can help promote coral reef resiliency by removing algae from reef substrates.
Grubs of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) were found at a Hawaiʻi Island residence, likely transported within store-bought soil or compost products. These beetles are known for boring into unopened fronds of palms to feed on sap, eventually killing the “tree” (technically a perennial flowering plant). On Hawaiʻi Island, these invasive beetles pose a serious threat to our five endemic species of loulu palms, of which three are already designated as endangered or critically imperiled. Please help prevent the spread of these beetles in your area by reporting any sightings of grubs or beetles to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline: (808) 643-PEST (7378).
Grazers, also referred to as herbivores, help keep coral reef areas healthy and resilient by consuming and removing most types of algae. This regular clearing of algae creates space for corals to grow and also opens up the reef for new larval corals to settle. Be sure to weigh in on the new proposed rules to protect reef grazers in Hawaiʻi.
As we approach the beginning of the coral spawning season for many of Hawaii’s coral species, we wanted to feature the once common and critically important habitat architect, Pocillopora meandrina, commonly known as cauliflower coral. Unfortunately, we learned in 2015 that cauliflower coral is highly susceptible to heat stress and bleaching. Spawning events play a key role in the recovery of this species.
In December 2022, the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved a new, temporary rule prohibiting the take of pāku‘iku‘i (Acanthurus achilles) within the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area (WHRFMA) on Hawai‘i Island. This is the first time that the Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR-DAR) has adopted rules under the adaptive management rulemaking authority, which allows for temporary management measures in response to observed population declines.
During this joyful and festive season, please remember to include Hawaii’s native wildlife in your RESOLUTIONS FOR 2023! As we move into a new year, here are some of our favorite green resolution ideas.
