Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Chapter 4. Refuge Biology and Habitats
This chapter addresses the biological resources and habitats found on Hakalau Forest National
Wildlife Refuge. The chapter begins with a discussion of biological integrity and moves on to focus
on the presentation of pertinent background information for each of the conservation targets
designated under the CCP. Background information includes a description, location, condition, and
trends associated with wildlife or habitats, key ecological attributes, and stresses and sources of stress
(collectively, “threats”) to the target. The information presented was used as the CCP team developed
goals and objectives for each of the conservation targets.
4.1 Biological Integrity Analysis
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (amendment to the Administration
Act) directs the Service to ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health
(BIDEH) of the Refuge System are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of
Americans. Elements of BIDEH are represented by native fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats as
well as those ecological processes that support them. The Service‟s policy 601 FW 3 also provides
guidance on consideration and protection of the broad spectrum of fish, wildlife, and habitat
resources found on refuges, and associated ecosystems that represent BIDEH on each refuge.
The Refuge is adjacent to the Hilo Forest Reserve and Laupāhoehoe Natural Area Reserve (both
State-owned and managed areas by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife), as well as State-owned
and managed lands by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands above the upper elevation
(Figure 1-1). The Refuge‟s lower elevation boundary lines are adjacent to private properties. The
majority of DOFAW lands are forested and range from intact native forest to more degraded
(nonnative) forest. Both DHHL land and some private lands are grazed completely with little to no
forest, while other private lands (particularly the lower boundary in the southeastern corner) are
heavily forested with native species. Of particular note is the section of the Hilo Forest Reserve that
bisects the HFU. This State parcel is also a game management area. Differing land uses by these
adjacent landowners can impact Refuge lands via invasive species, feral ungulates, and mammalian
predator encroachment.
The Refuge includes various native forest habitat types as well as subterranean habitats such as lava
tubes and skylights. The HFU has intermittent streams as well. However, due to former land use
practices (e.g., cattle ranching, logging, and sheep grazing), areas of the Refuge in both units have
nonnative habitats that are composed of grasses and invasive weeds. Such areas at HFU are actively
being restored through outplantings of native plants in order to regenerate the native forest habitats.
The HFU in particular is a shining example of an area that gives hope to the perpetuation of native
forest bird species. A study by the USGS-BRD (Figure 4-1) indicates many of the native forest bird
species are stable or increasing at Hakalau Forest NWR, which is a stark contrast to the other areas
included in the survey. This finding supports continuing the forest restoration activities undertaken
by Refuge staff during the past 25 years.
Chapter 4. Refuge Biology and Habitats 4-1