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Hibiscadelphus woodii
| Common Name: |
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Hau kuahiwi |
| Scientific Name: |
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Hibiscadelphus woodii |
| Categories: |
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Endangered |
| Conservation Status: |
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Critically endangered |
Why is this species important?
The genus Hibiscadelphus is found only in the Hawaiian Islands and all of its members are either Critically Endangered or Extinct. H. woodii is one of 37 threatened plant species that occur on Kauai. This island is the northernmost and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands chain and it has the most diverse collection of plant species of any island in Hawaii.
Where is it found?
H. woodii is found only in the Kalalau Valley in the Napali Coast State Park on the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. Only four trees have been found growing on cliff walls in montane rainforest. Since the species was discovered in the 1990s no additional plants have been located. No fruit set has been observed on the known specimens
Why is it threatened?
The habitat of H. woodii is being degraded by the presence of feral goats. The species is also threatened by invasions of alien plants.
What conservation action is needed?
In 1996, H. woodii was listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. It is one of 37 species on the island of Kauai that are included in this act. A recovery plan has been drawn up for all 37 species that form the so-called Kauai Plant Cluster. The aim of this plan is to provide a framework for recovery so that their protection under the Endangered Species Act is no longer required.The plan for recovery begins with the protection and management of current habitats for H. woodii. Current threats are to be addressed through fencing and/or hunting to control ungulates, control of alien plants and a comprehensive monitoring programme. It is recommended that a research programme be established to study things such as growth and reproductive viability as well as a programme of augmentation of very small populations and re-establishment of new populations within the historical range of the species. There is also a recognized need for a public education programme to increase awareness and support for plant protection efforts.
Selected references
Lorence, D.H. and Wagner, W.L., 1995. Another new, nearly extinct species of Hibiscadelphus (Malvaceae) from the Hawaiian Islands. Novon, 5(2), 183-187.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered or threatened status for nineteen plant species from the island of Kauai, Hawaii.
U.S. Federal Register, 61(198), 53070-53089.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997. Draft Kauai II; Addendum to the recovery plan for the Kauai plant cluster. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 80 pp.
Local contacts
National Tropical Botanical Garden
3530 Papalina Road
Kalaheo
Kauai
Hawaii 96741
Tel: 808 332 7324
Fax: 808 332 9765
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