Ecosystems
Ecosystems vary in the native species that they encompass, and the details of what threats they face. For students, community members and practitioners, we invite you to explore through the lens of ecosystem type most interesting to you.
Coastal
Coastal ecosystems–found along coastlines and often adjacent to the high water line–include dune and strand communities, anchialine ponds, wetlands, and estuaries. Coastal ecosystems feature hardy plants that can tolerate high heat, wind, salinity and inconsistent water. Marine wildlife relies on coastal strand for breeding and resting and anchialine ponds are home to unique animals. Coastal habitats are a living connection to the kūpuna islands, harboring many of the same plant species and providing examples of some of the birds that call Papahānauokuākea home.
Dry Forest
Dry forests, forests that receive less than X mm of rainfall annually, are considered to be the most endgangered ecosystem – globally. The trend follow here in Hawaiʻi with less estimates of 1-9% of dry forest intact today and high levels of endangerment in dry forest flora. Largely found on the leeward side of all the islands, Hawaiʻi features both lowland dry forests, and highland dry forests on the islands of Maui and Hawaiʻi.
Mesic Forest
Mesic forests receive x-x mm of rainfall annually, and may also get much of their moisture from clouds. Hawaiʻiʻs mesic forests feature the most diversity in plant life, but also may see some of the greatest contractions with climate change.
Wet Forests
Wet forests receive upwards of X mm of rainfall annually. This rainfall is largely driven by tradewind patterns–air picks up moisture as it moves northeast across the Pacific Ocean. When it reaches the islands, it is forced upwards, moving along the face of the windward side of all of the islands. These air masses cool as they lift, condensing until they are fully saturated and rainfall occurs.
Bogs
Bogs are ecosystems with highly saturated soils. They are often found across the mountain regions of the islands, places with poor drainage, sometimes indicative of historic calderas.
Subalpine and Alpine
Though not widespread, the young volcanos found high islands of Maui and Hawaiʻi Island are so large that they support alpine, and subapline, ecosystems. These are harsh environments with plants and animals uniquely adapted to low moisture and high radiation.