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The isolation of the Hawaiian archipelago coupled with the way ocean currents circulateand the unique water temperature has resulted in Hawaii having some of the most unique plants and animal species worldwide. Hawaii is the endemic species capital of the world. In general it was very hard for plant and animal species to colonize the archipelago. Species arriving in Hawaii tended to have long larval stages, and arrived through a number of mechanisms. Polynesian settlers introduced around 30 different species of plants for food, medicine and other practical purposes. Other species were introduced in modern times for ornamental and agricultural reasons. While still others were transported to the islands via wind, ocean currents, attached to birds or internally by birds.
The marine life found in Hawaiian waters is very diverse. Again some species found in Hawaiian waters were transported here through ocean currents. However in modern times some species were introduced for aquaculture or for sport fishing.
Hawaii is home to some of the most interesting bird species. Some species of birds like the Cattle Egret were introduced in order to try to control insect populations. Hawaii is home to a number of different species of ground nesting birds that have recently fallen prey to another introduced species the mongoose. Mongoose were introduced to try to control the rat populations. However rats are nocturnal animals, while mongoose are diurnal. This is an example of how alien species if not properly managed can have serious detrimental effects on native species. Hawaii is also home to a number of different species of migrating birds like the Kolea or Pacific Golden Plover.
For more information on species found in Hawaii click below:
© 2003-2004 Hanauma Bay Education Program, University
of Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Service
100 Hanauma Bay Road ~ Honolulu, HI 96825 ~ Ph: (808) 397-5840 ~ E-mail: hanauma@hawaii.edu
Last updated June 3, 2004