#tohifo

Acacia Koa." Http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/. N.p., 2014. Web. 27 Nov. 2015.

Auwahi. "Auwahi Volunteer Trip 07.19.2014." Http://hawp.org/. N.p., 9 July 2014. Web. 27

Nov. 2015.

Cabin, R.J, S. Cordell, D.R Sandquist, J. Thaxton, and C. Litton. "Restoration of Tropical Dry Forests in Hawaii: Can Scientific Research, Habitat Restoration and Educational Outreach Happily Coexist within a Small Private Preserve?" Restoration of Tropical Dry Forests in Hawaii: Can Scientific Research, Habitat Restoration and Educational Outreach Happily Co- Exist within a Small Private Preserve? (n.d.): 1-8.Biology.uprm.edu. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

"Cultural Medicinal Uses of Hawaiian Dry Forest Plants." Cultural Significance of Hawaiian Dry Forest Plants. N.p., 07 June 2015. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.

Gillespie, Thomas W., et al. "Floristic Composition And Natural History Characteristics Of Dry

Forests In The Pacific." Pacific Science 65.2 (2011): 127-141. Environment Complete. Web. 27 Nov. 2015.

Gon, S., and D. Olson. "Hawaii Tropical Dry Forests." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund,

n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2015.

"Grafting of Acacia Koa for Resistance to Koa Wilt." Http://www.hawaii.edu/. N.p., n.d. Web.

27 Nov. 2015.

"Hawaii." Hawai'i Facts and Figures (2005): 1-14. Http://files.hawaii.gov/. 2014. Web. 27 Nov.

2015.

"Metrosideros 12 X M. Polymorpha Var. Polymorpha. Hawai`i, O`ahu, Wai`anae Mountains,

Palikea Trail. Plant 1. 6994 - a Photo on Flickriver." Metrosideros 12 X M. Polymorpha Var. Polymorpha. Hawai`i, O`ahu, Wai`anae Mountains, Palikea Trail. Plant 1. 6994 - a Photo on Flickriver. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2015.

"Native Plants Hawaii:  Metrosideros Polymorpha." Nativeplants.hawaii.edu. N.p., 2013. Web.

27 Nov. 2015.

Partnerships For Reform Through Investigative Science And Math. "Lesson 1: What Is a Dry

Forest?" Lesson 1: What Is a Dry Forest? (n.d.): n. pag. Http://hilo.hawaii.edu/. Web. 27

Nov. 2015.

Pau, Stephanie, and Thomas Gillespie, et.al. "Tropical Dry Forests of the Pacific - Hawaii."

Tropical Dry Forests of the Pacific - Hawaii. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2015.

These pictures show what one particular ecosystem looked like prior to human invasion compared to what it looks like now. We can see that due to human contact with the island, there has been a large reduction in mainly lowland dry forest and shrubland, and a general reduction in dry forests overall. In contrast with that reduction, there is clearly much more nonnative vegetation currently. 

This is a trailer for a documentary in which Professor Gillespie explores some of the Pacific’s most endangered regions--including the Tropical Dry Forest of Hawaii!

The best way for people to maintain a balance with this ecosystem is to simply stop using it. The forests are not able to support agriculture or grazing that people have been using it for since their arrival on the islands. The species introduced to support human life have devastated the tropical dry forests and are the reason they are disappearing at such a rapid rate. Putting a stop to use of these lands will save what is left of the forest and give conservation groups a chance to save them. People can also be educated on the importance of these forests and volunteer in hands-on projects to help redevelop the forests.

It is unclear what the future holds for the tropical dry forests of Hawaii. Since they are so endangered by deforestation, fires, and alien species invading them it is difficult to see them growing back into what they once were. Several conservation groups have stepped in to assist locals in saving this ecosystem though. They work to curb the damage and spread of fire-promoting grasses and resist other invasive species. Unfortunately, it does not appear like the forests will ever be restored back to their former glory and their is no way to bring back some of the species that are already completely lost. The most we can do now is help to conserve what is left of this incredibly diverse and unique ecosystem.

Tropical Dry Forests in Hawaii have been reduced by 90% from burning and clear cutting and are globally threatened. There are certain areas that are still alive and well and are being protected. These areas include but are not limited to: Pu’u Wa’awa’a on Hawaii, Pu’u O Kali on Maui, Auwahi on Maui, Kanepu’u on Lana’i, and various small stands in the mountains of Oahu. These areas are protected, but they are surrounded by areas that have recently been ruined by burned up slopes and “alien dominated vegetation.” 

There is little to no habitat left, and what’s left is severely fragmented. These remaining dry forests is very poorly represented and in need of heavier protection and strong activism. Although these areas are in danger and aren’t protected well, there are a few important partners that help keep the few remaining areas alive. The key partners are: The Nature Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, and Hawaii Natural Heritage Program, and various others. 

There are several benefits that people gain from the current ecosystem in the Hawaiian Tropical Dry Forests.  About 22% of the native Hawaiian plant species occur within this ecosystem (WWF).  By preserving the dry forests, we would be preserving these native species of plants.  One of the crucial reasons for preserving these native species is that they have cultural significance and purposes.  Many of these plants have medicinal purposes—they can be used as sleep aids, to cure cramps, treat chills and high fever, among several other uses (Cultural Significance).  

One of the reasons for the degradation of the ecosystem is that the tropical dry forests are extremely productive areas.  Because the forest is dry, it is easy to cut down or burn the trees for agricultural purposes.  About half of the wood used worldwide is used as fuelwood, and this wood primarily comes from tropical dry forests (Textbook 330).   Although the ecosystem benefits us, we need to practice sustainability to preserve the natural habitat.  

WWF: http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/oc0202

Cultural Significance: https://hawaiiandryforestplants.wordpress.com/medicinal-uses-of-hawaiian-dry-forest-plants/

A Brief History of Human Impact: 

The disturbances to the native lands first occurred when the Polynesians arrived.  The lowlands were cleared using the slash-and-burn method for agricultural purposes.  Later when the Europeans arrived, they developed large-scale commercialization processes that continued to diminish the tropical dry forests.  They planted large numbers of non-native trees in the early 1900’s in an effort to protect the watersheds for commercial agriculture.  The tropical dry forests of Hawaii were attractive places to settle, and the forests offered an abundance of resources for agriculture. The introduction of non-native species, grazing animals, and fire continue to be some of the biggest threats to the tropical dry forests of Hawaii.