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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
them to thrive within the protected units, ultimately providing a safe haven for these critically
imperiled native plant species.
The Plant Extinction Prevention program (PEP) (formerly the Genetic Safety Net) operates under
several directives of which the chief directive is to secure seeds and/or cuttings (propagules) of the
rarest and most critically endangered native plant species regardless of their Federal status listing.
The most critically imperiled native plant species are ones that are currently known to have less than
50 individuals in the wild and are on-the-brink of extinction. Surveying, monitoring, and collecting
material for propagation from the remaining wild individual(s)/population(s) of PEP species are the
primary activities mandated by this program. The preservation of these species through collection,
storage and propagation ensures genetic representation for the future.
Another goal of this program is to ensure that these on the brink of extinction plant species are
protected from major threats in a manner consistent with Federal and State laws and regulations.
Working cooperatively and developing long term partnerships with the Hawai‘i Department of Land
and Natural Resources, National Park Service, U.S. Army, The Nature Conservancy, Three Mountain
Alliance, Kohala Watershed Partnership, and private landowners will help to identify potential
refugia and recommend (and provide) the implementation of conservation management actions
(fencing, nonnative animal and plant removal, restoration, outplanting, and monitoring). These newly
identified protected sites can serve as the repatriation point sources that will ensure the long term
potential survival of these species.
Cost Estimate: $25,000
L) Investigate the impact of rats on forest birds and habitat and develop indices for
rat population monitoring and control methodology for the Refuge
Studies to investigate the impact of rat predation on forest birds at Hakalau Forest and development
of appropriate site specific rat population indices and control measures for Hakalau are needed to
assist refuge management in addressing this threat. Previous efforts have not been conclusive and
require follow up. In addition, no exclosure design has been applied at Hakalau to assess the efficacy
of rat control and exclusion as a means of enhancing nesting success for forest bird species.
Cost Estimate: $ 100K/year for 3 years
M) Remove invasive rats from an 1,000 acre area in Unit 2
Rats are known to be predators of native forest birds as well as waterbirds. They are also known to
consume native seeds. Removal of this threat will aid in recovery of these listed species as well as
inform on project L above.
Cost Estimate: $ 195,000 (FY08-6055)
Monitoring CCP Implementation
Successful implementation of this CCP relies on our ability to secure funding, personnel,
infrastructure, and other resources to accomplish the strategies identified. Monitoring of CCP
implementation has been described in part of the costs analysis above as well as part of the strategies
where a time element is identified. Additional ways in which the CCP implementation will be
integrated with existing Service processes include budget requests tied into CCP goals, objectives,
C-22 Appendix C. Plan Implementation