Big Island's Endangered Plants: A Race Against Time

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a diverse array of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, many of these plants are also endangered, facing threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. These endangered plants are in a race against time, and it is essential that we take action to protect them before it's too late.

One of the most endangered plants on the Big Island is the ohai. This small shrub is found only on the island's southernmost tip and is considered critically endangered. The ohai is threatened by habitat loss due to development and grazing, as well as invasive species such as rats, which eat the plant's seeds. The ohai is also threatened by climate change, which is causing the plant's habitat to become drier and more prone to fires.

Another endangered plant on the Big Island is the kauila. This small tree is found only in the island's rainforests and is considered endangered. The kauila is threatened by habitat loss due to logging and development, as well as invasive species such as pigs and goats, which eat the plant's leaves and bark. The kauila is also threatened by climate change, which is causing the plant's habitat to become drier and more prone to fires.

The Big Island is also home to a variety of endangered ferns, including the hapu'u and the 'ama'u. The hapu'u is a large, tree fern that is found only in the island's rainforests and is considered endangered. The hapu'u is threatened by habitat loss due to logging and development, as well as invasive species such as pigs and goats, which eat the plant's leaves and bark. The 'ama'u is a small, terrestrial fern that is found only in the island's rainforests and is considered endangered. The 'ama'u is threatened by habitat loss due to logging and development, as well as invasive species such as pigs and goats, which eat the plant's leaves and bark.

The Big Island is also home to a variety of endangered orchids, including the mokihana and the 'ilima. The mokihana is a small, terrestrial orchid that is found only in the island's rainforests and is considered endangered. The mokihana is threatened by habitat loss due to logging and development, as well as invasive species such as pigs and goats, which eat the plant's leaves and bark. The 'ilima is a small, terrestrial orchid that is found only in the island's rainforests and is considered endangered. The 'ilima is threatened by habitat loss due to logging and development, as well as invasive species such as pigs and goats, which eat the plant's leaves and bark.

In conclusion, the Big Island's endangered plants are facing a race against time. These plants are essential to the island's ecosystem and are an important part of the island's natural heritage. It is essential that we take action to protect these plants before it's too late. This can be done by supporting conservation efforts, reducing our impact on the environment, and controlling invasive species. By working together, we can ensure that these endangered plants will be around for future generations to enjoy.