There are two ponds which are surrounded mainly by California grass as seen in the photos. According to an ornithological survey by Ahuimanu productions, "kukui, guava, eucalyptus and other large trees borders the ponds." I noticed there were small "islands" in the middle of the pond. Research done by Margaret Elliott and Erin Hall suggests that it is Scirpus Validus and Cladium leptostachyum which usually grow in clumps and form these small islands.
The survey reported that mullet, aholehole, o'opu, milkfish, tilapia, carp, mosquito fish and swordtails were present in the ponds. I was aware that the residents that live near the pond own a restaurant and specialize in the mullet which they raise. I learned from the survey that they also raise milkfish and tilapia, but I am unsure if they serve it or not. I noticed some type of structures on the left of the pond as seen in photo #2. I assumed that they are used for their management of aqua culture. The survey also reported opae, Macrobrachium prawn, and gastropod mollusks.
The survey reported two Hawaiian coots were found in 1977 which are an endangered species. The most common bird found was the 'auku'u which were located in the trees or flooded grass along the edge of the pond. The researchers have assumed that some herons have been shot by the residences as they are a "costly nuisance" in their aqua culture operation. Lokoaka provides a good habitat because of the abundance of food and the undisturbed forest behind the ponds. The only birds that I was aware of were the ones illustrated in photo #4. I was unable to tell which type of bird it was, but it was some type of duck. There were five swimming on the right side of the pond in a single file formation with the mother duck leading. On the left, there were three smaller ones swimming together. I didn't see any other forms of wildlife on the "islands" or the surrounding edges of the pond.
Lokoaka faces several problems such as mongooses and dogs which eat the bird eggs. As I drove on a back road behind Lokoaka, I noticed some cattle grazing which made me wonder if it had an effect on the ponds. I contacted Michael Molina from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Wetland Branch to inquire about the cattle. I asked him if it was a problem for the pond ecosystem. He explained to me the concept of "overgrazing". If the cattle eat the vegetation down and kill the grass, when it rains hard, the grass wonÕt be able to "hold" the ground because its not thick enough. As a result of this, run-off occurs and may enter the pond, harming the inhabitants. As I reflected on my observations, I could see that the cattle will have an effect on the ponds, as it is downslope from the pasture. I also asked him what are some solutions to these problems. Some wetlands have traps set up for wild cats, dogs, mongoose, and even pigs. Since wetlands have reduced in number and size, they try to do as much as they can on a case by case basis. In asking him why the wetlands have been reduced, he replied that they are targeted for developments such as boat marinas, docks, and breakers. Other agencies that are concerned about the wetlands are the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Division of Aquatic Resources.
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