RES 294 Draft 01 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Flora, Fauna and Ecosystems Evi.r /ing Environment The natural vegetation of this part of North Kona was most likel a lowland dry grassland community (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990) dominated by `ohe makai (Re y noldsia sawlvrichensis), alahc`e (Psydrax odoratu), naio (Tlvporwri sandrricense), and lanna (Diosj)yros sandtvicensis), and shrubs, herbs and vines such as maiapilo (Capparis s(Indtivichiana), `ilima (Sider frdlax), and huehue (Cocculus orbicula us), These original communities, however, have been heavily degraded by cattle grazing and colonization and competition by invasive species that now dominate the site. A walk - through botanical Survey of the project site was performed by Reginald L. David on October 22, 2005. Of the 33 different plant species detected, just ten (30 %) are recognized as being native to the Hawaiian Island, with four of these endemic and seven indigenous to the islands. The project site contains individuals of ko'oko`otau (Bidens micraniha ssp. Clenophylla), `ohe makai (Reynoldsia sandwicensis) and maiapilo (Capparis sandivichiana), all of which are Species of Concern. All were located within or on the rim of the collapsed lava tube, where there is partial protection from goats and cattle. Although not protected by any State or federal laws. Species of Concern are considered rare and are important botanical and sometimes cultural resources. One other species, noni (!vlorinda cill V610), is considered to have been an early Polynesian introduction to the islands. The remaining 22 (67 %) species detected are alien species now considered to be naturalized in the islands. A resurvey in February 2008 by biologists Patrick Hart, Ph.D., and Ron'ferry, Ph.D., confirmed the findings of the botanical survey. The large ko`oko'olau present on the rnauka rim of the Lava tube collapse feature appeared to be undergoing natural senescence and may not be alive by the time the project begins construction. The project site was surveyed for fauna by biologist Reginald E. David on November 23 and 26, 2005. While the majority of bird species observed dining this survey were nonnative, including Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Japanese White -Eye (Zosferops japonieus), Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis eardinali.$), House Finch (Curl-iodacus mexicanas) and Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura puncrulata), several indigenous migratory waterfowl were also observed. These included the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fidva), Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus ineanus), and the Ruddy Tumstone (Arenoria interpres). The endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, or'ope'apc'a, as it is known in Hawaiian (Lasiurus einereus semotus), which is the only non- marine mammal native to the Hawaiian Islands, may fly over the project site while foraging. The vegetation of the site does not offer suitable roosting habitat for bats.