Hobbies And Interests
Reasons Species Are Endangered.
Many of Hawaii's species have been endangered by a variety of threats. The habitats of mammals and birds have been destroyed by commercial, residential and agricultural development. Remaining habitats have been damaged by introduced species such as deer, pigs, goats, cattle and sheep. Many species fall prey to aggressive alien predators such as cats, mongooses and rats. Aquatic species suffer from pollution, overfishing and excessive collecting by aquarium owners and shell collectors.
Mammals.
Some of Hawaii's endangered mammals include the Hawaiian hoary bat, the Hawaiian monk seal, the humpback whale, the short-finned pilot whale, the false killer whale, the bottlenose dolphin, the spotted dolphin and the spinner dolphin. Bats are threatened by pesticides, habitat loss and disturbances to roosting areas. Monk seals are threatened by the fishing industry, sharks, competition from other predators that eat the same animals as the seals and disease. Dolphins and whales face threats from the fishing industry and over-hunting.
Birds
Endangered birds found in Hawaii include the Nene or Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian hawk, the Hawaiian short-eared owl, the Hawaiian duck and the Hawaiian thrush. Hawaii's bird population is primarily threatened by loss of habitat, predation from aggressive alien mammals and disease. The Hawaiian hawk is also susceptible to human activities such as trapping, shooting, harassment and poisoning. However, according to Hawaii's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy which was implemented in 2005, further study is needed in some of these areas, especially poisoning.
Fish And Other Sea Life.
Hawaii's endangered species of fish and sea life include the Hawaiian ladyfish, the goatfish, the parrotfish and several species of invertebrates such as coral, lobsters, squid, octopuses and oysters. It also includes various marine reptiles such as green sea turtles, leatherback turtles, loggerhead turtles and yellow-bellied sea snakes. Sea creatures are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss and pollution. In addition, sea turtles are vulnerable to the illegal shell trade, consumption of turtle eggs, beach-dredging, beach recreation and other activities that either prevent turtles from reaching the shore or endanger their eggs and young.
Plants
Many of Hawaii's endangered plants are found only in Hawaii. Some plants are limited to a single island. For instance, the Pai'iniu is only found in bogs on the island of Kaua'i. Plants are endangered by land development, invasive species and grazing. Plants such as Hiddenpetal Indian Mallow, the Blunt Chaff Flower, 'Ala'alahua and hundreds of others have been reduced to fewer than 50 known specimens each.