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

Natural Processes
(biotic and abiotic processes
responsible for habitat conditions) Limiting Factors
endangered plants from grazing and loss of native plant
ungulates.
species.
Population/Habitat Attributes
(age class, structure, serial stage, species
composition)
Habitats (plant
communities that represent
existing BIDEH)
Limiting factors
include a lack of native
pollinators and several
pest species (e.g.,
ungulates, rats, mice,
slugs, mosquitoes,
invasive plants, and
diseases).
The windward east-facing Hakalau
Forest Unit receives northeasterly
tradewind-dominated rainfall
throughout the year. This habitat type
receives approximately 275 inches of
rainfall annually. Heavier rainfall
occurs October-March.
Montane mesic koa forest This habitat type contains a mixed age class
of koa-dominated forest and occurs 6,000 ft -
6,600 ft in elevation. The mid-canopy is
dominated by a mix of flowering and fruiting
trees (e.g. ‘ōlapa, ‘ākala, pilo, pūkiawe,
‘ōhelo, kōlea, kāwa‘u), mixed ferns, and
epiphytes.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Mountain slopes are moderate. Soils
are aged, eroded, and volcanic in origin.
Soils are typically poorly drained. The
ground surface is bisected by numerous
streams (surface flow). These streams
create and maintain stream channels
that are highly eroded and steep-sided,
providing protection to native and
endangered plants from grazing
A diverse native bird community occurs in
this habitat type, primarily due to elevations
above mosquito zone and more diverse forest
plant community. Other species of
conservation and management concern
include the koloa maoli, ‘ōpe‘ape‘a, and
endangered plants.
ungulates.
Former mesic koa
forest was historically
reduced to grassland by
grazing, timber harvest,
and fires. Mesic koa
habitat is currently
being restored.
The windward east-facing Hakalau
Forest Unit receives northeasterly
tradewind-dominated rainfall
throughout the year with up to 275
inches annually. Heavier rainfall
occurs October-March.
This park-like habitat contains mixed
nonnative grasses and a native grass and is
found between 5,600 - 6,500 ft elevation.
Scattered mature koa and ‘ōhi‘a trees also
occur. Nonnative grasses include
Anthoxanthum sp., Holcus sp., Pennisetum
sp., and Ehrharta sp. Native species include
the native grass Deschampsia sp., the native
shrub Vaccinium sp. (‘ōhelo), and a native
bracken fern. Mid-canopy vegetation is
primarily absent from this habitat.
Grasslands/forest
restoration area
Limiting factors
include a lack of native
pollinators and several
Mountain slopes are moderate. Soils
are aged, eroded, and volcanic in origin.
Soils are typically poorly drained. The
ground surface is bisected by numerous
Appendix F: Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health and Resources of Concern F-3