Dozens of Hawaiian Plants and Animals Gain Endangered Species Status

Thirty-five plants and three snails native to Hawaii were given endangered species status Friday in a move that conservationists are praising as a great coup for the protection of Hawaiian plants and animals.

The move to place the species on the endangered list is a result of a 2011 federal settlement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Center for Biological Diversity which expedited the protection decisions for hundreds of Hawaii's most threatened species. Hawaii has more endangered species than any other U.S. state. 

"We sought protection for many of these species almost a decade ago, so we're thrilled they're finally getting the help they need," said Tierra Curry, a conservation biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity.

Two species of Lanai tree snails and a Newcomb's tree snail were awarded protective status; they are only found on wet cliffs where they feed on fungus and algae that live on host plants. The Lanai tree snails are up to an inch tall and can live for 20 years, giving birth to four to six live young per year.

The plants awarded species protection include a plethora of colorful geraniums, sunflowers, bellflowers, vines, shrubs and trees that live in a variety of Hawaiian environments. Among the 35 newly protected plants are the hala pepe, popolo, kookoolau, 'awikiwiki and haha nui, among others. For some of the plant species, only a few individuals survive.

Lucienne de Naie, vice-chairwoman of the Sierra Club of Hawaii, said some of the species will benefit from immediate protection efforts

"We are especially concerned about the plants that live in the lowland dry ecosystem, the 'awikiwiki in particular. The [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service] must continue to recognize the biological and cultural importance of this area and protect these irreplaceable plants from multiple threats."

The 'awikiwiki, a striking purple flower in the pea family, is threatened by habitat loss and predation from nonnative species like feral pigs, rats and goats.