Ecosystems in Hawaii

Types of Ecosystems

• Ecosystems in Hawaii are both terrestrial and marine. Terrestrial ecosystems include alpine deserts, like on the summit of Mauna Loa, lowland dry forests, brackish anchialine pools, subalpine grasslands, tropical dry forests and subterranean lava tubes. Marine ecosystems include coral reefs, tidal pools and hydrothermal vent systems. These ecosystems are found very close to one another, though species living in them aren't found crossing into ecosystems they are not accustomed to.

Hawaii's Wildlife

• Only approximately 10 percent of the plant and animal species in Hawaii are indigenous. Many of those that are native to Hawaii are so unique as to be found nowhere else on the planet. This is because, before humans encroached onto the Hawaiian Islands, the ecosystems that compose them were kept isolated for tens of millions of years. During that time, evolution created unique ecosystem inhabitants. When endemic species first started arriving, they had to adapt to these unique living situations.

Invasive Species

• Not all nonnative species are invasive. Those that are spread quickly and flourish at the expensive of native species. Hawaii's invasive plant species are found in many Hawaiian ecosystems, especially in forested and grassy areas, and have become such a problem that they have helped cause hundreds of native plant species to be added to the endangered species list. Efforts are in place to urge farmers to plant native species and to get rid of invasive species so that they are not able to permanently alter the islands' ecosystems.

Ecosystems in Danger

• Hawaii has 380 species on the U.S. Endangered Species List, which is more than any other state. That is one sign that the ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands are in danger. This is especially true of the low-lying ecosystems and those close to the coast because they are closest to human populations. Conservation efforts are in place to protect Hawaii's ecosystems, wildlife and natural beauty, but human encroachment on the land and environmental changes are taking their toll.