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

Natural Processes
(biotic and abiotic processes
responsible for habitat conditions) Limiting Factors
annually. Heavier rainfall occurs invasive plants, and
October-March.
diseases).
Population/Habitat Attributes
(age class, structure, serial stage, species
composition)
Habitats (plant
communities that represent
existing BIDEH)
and mixed ferns.
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 this habitat.
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 ‘alalā, the ‘ōpe‘ape‘a, endangered
plants, and an endangered invertebrate.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Trampling or the
release of pest species
from human
disturbance, rats, or
breaches in the lava
tube ceiling could
destroy the entire
invertebrate community
and destroy sub-fossil
and archeological
resources.
During periods of active volcanism,
flowing lava often times created
subterranean channels where molten
lava flowed. When flowing lava
subsided, a hollow channel or lava tube
was formed, the opening to which
creates a lava tube cave.
Lava tube caves Lava tubes contain an endemic subterranean,
invertebrate faunal community. Moisture,
moist air, relatively constant moderate
temperature, and lack of light are required
attributes of these cave systems.
Within the confines of the cave,
invertebrates have evolved in this
unique habitat. These mostly blind
invertebrates feed on ‘ōhi‘a roots that
penetrate the lava tube roof.
Sub-fossil bird remains found in the detrital
soils inside the cave systems are a valuable
resource which can be used to document premodern
Hawaiian avifauna.
Lava tube caves found throughout the Island
of Hawai‘i supported use by Native
Hawaiians. Insufficient study has occurred on
the Refuge to document archeological
resources. However, there is the potential that
cultural resources do exist in Refuge caves.
F-8 Appendix F: Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health and Resources of Concern