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

Natural Processes
(biotic and abiotic processes
responsible for habitat conditions) Limiting Factors
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 leeward west-facing slopes of the
Kona Forest Unit are protected from the
majority of tradewind-dominated
rainfall which occurs throughout the
year. The lower elevation gradient of
this habitat type receives approximately
80 inches of rainfall annually. The
upper gradient receives approximately
60 inches of rainfall. Heavier rainfall
occurs October-March.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Kona Forest Unit
Montane wet ‘ōhi‘a forest Upper and lower elevation gradients occur in
this habitat type. The lower gradient occurs
2,000-3,000 ft elevation. The lower gradient
upper tree canopy is dominated by 60-80 ft
mature closed canopy ‘ōhi‘a. The midcanopy
is dominated by nonnative Christmas
berry, strawberry guava, and a mix of
flowering and fruiting tree species (e.g.,
‘ōhi‘a, hame, kōlea), tree ferns (up to 15 ft),
the vine ‘ie‘ie, and epiphytes. Ground cover
is dominated by nonnative Clidemia sp.,
thimbleberry, a mix of nonnative and native
ferns, and areas of dense matted ferns.
Past human
disturbances include
traditional farming and
ranching practices and
fire. The effects of this
past activity include
increased grasslands
and a loss of native
plant species.
Moderately steep slope and relatively
young lava flows are found along with a
thin layer of organic soil. Surface water
streams are not present in either the
upper or lower elevation gradient.
The upper gradient is found between 3,500-
4,500 ft elevation. The upper gradient tree
canopy is also dominated by 60-80 ft mature
closed canopy ‘ōhi‘a. The mid-canopy is
dominated by a mix of flowering and fruiting
tree species (e.g., ‘ōhi‘a, pilo, Clermontia sp.,
‘ōlapa, kāwa‘u, kōlea, pūkiawe), tree ferns
(up to 15 ft), the vine ‘ie‘ie, and epiphytes.
Ground cover is dominated by nonnative
grasses, mixed nonnative and native ferns,
and areas of dense matted ferns.
The primary differences between the upper
and lower elevation gradients in this habitat
type are the increased plant diversity in the
mid-canopy of the upper gradient, and the
F-6 Appendix F: Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health and Resources of Concern