Animals of Haleakalā

Of all of the animal species in Haleakalā, the most widely present are the bird species. 

One of Haleakalā’s well known species is the Nēnē, or Hawaiian Goose. Nēnē are Hawaii’s state bird. Nēnē are a threatened species, with the population once reaching as low as 30 birds. Haleakalā National Park and other organizations have worked hard to build up the population, and there are now around 300 birds just in Haleakalā National Park, and more around the Hawaiian islands. With Nēnē still being threatened, there is still a lot of work being done by Haleakalā National Park and others to protect this species, and we hope to support that work.

Some endangered bird species in Haleakalā are Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill),‘Ākohekohe (Crested Honeycreeper), and ’I’iwi (Scarlet Honeycreeper). These species are critically endangered and vital work is being done by Haleakalā National Park and other organizations to prevent the extinction of these species. Work is being done to combat two of the biggest threats to these species: predators and avian malaria. The survival of these species is important to Haleakalā Conservancy, therefore we are fundraising to be able to provide support to the National Park in its efforts of predator control and avian malaria research.

The Park also contains species such as wolf spiders, flightless moths, and more.

plant life

Haleakalā contains a multitude of different plant species, with some being endemic, some native, and some invasive.

Invasive- Not occurring naturally in a place, brought in unnaturally

Endemic- found only in one place

Native- Naturally found in one place, but can be found in other places as well

Invasive plants in Haleakalā include Eucalyptus and pine trees. Many of the invasive species are found in Hosmer Grove, or "the alien forest". The National Park works to control invasive species in order to protect the native wildlife.

The plant most commonly associated with Haleakalā is the 'ahinahina, or Haleakalā silversword. The 'ahinahina is a special plant endemic only to Haleakalā. It is a threatened species that is protected by the National Park.

Other native plants include 'Ohi'a, Māmane, and ʻŌhelo. The plants in Haleakalā are vital to the ecosytems, providing food, shelter, and more. Protection of threatened plant species, such as the ahinahina, is important in order to protect ecosystems and other wildlife. Haleakalā Conservancy works to raises funds to support plant species protection and restoration. We hope to support silversword restoration and out planting which will allow for species population growth and preserve this beautiful plant.

 

 

climate change

 

Drawing Connections: Haleakalā National Park