Hobbies And Interests
The Ohi'a Rain Forest
The Hawaiian hawk makes its home in the high trees and misty air of Koa Island, and feeds on the huge tree snails and small rodents that share this biome. The ohi'a trees that grow in these areas give this biome the alternative name of Ohi'a Rain Forest. This tree rarely grows below an elevation of 2,000 feet and is also a victim of human development and habitat loss. The thick forest canopy of this biome offers the hawks and their young 60 to 100 percent coverage for shelter.
Mesic Habitat
Not all of the Hawaiian rain forest is forest. The Mesic habitat, where most Hawaiian hawks make their home, also consists of temperate forest plants, lowland swamps and dry grasslands. This includes sparse woodland with 10 to 60 percent coverage in the forest canopy. The adaptability of the hawk to the different food sources and shelter available in these different vegetative structures has ensured its survival in increasingly developed Hawaii.
Prairies and Grassland
The part of the Hawaiian biome that doesn't appear on postcards or in photos is farms and pasture land. The bird is not as welcome in these areas, because farmers and ranchers often hunt it. Hawaiian hawks do not hunt from a perch, but can be seen hovering over the ground looking for small prey. Pesticide use in these biomes has also affected the hawks' reproduction and eating habits.
Development and Conservation
According to the National Audubon Society, between 1,700 and 2,700 Hawaiian hawks remain in the wild, as of 2011. The Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1967 listed the Hawaiian hawk as an endangered species. Loss of habitat is the greatest concern facing the Hawaiian hawk. Climate change, pesticide use and the introduction of foreign plant and animal species has exacerbated this by altering the natural biome of Hawaii.