Pa'auilo Final Enviromental Assessment

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PA`AUILO LANDS FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 3.8 FAUNA Rana Productions conducted an avifaunal and faunal survey of the project site in July 2006 (Appendix B). The survey was conducted to determine if the Pa`auilo Lands contain avian or mammalian species currently listed as endangered or threatened, or that are proposed for listing, under either federal or State of Hawai`i endangered species programs. Avifauna. Birds were observed from 20 systematically placed count stations, between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the peak of daily bird activity. Additional observation was conducted over two evenings to detect nocturnally flying seabirds. During time not spent counting, observers searched the remainder of the study site for species and habitats not detected during count sessions. Avian diversity and densities were typical of the habitat present within the study area. The survey recorded 501 individuals comprising 24 avian species over two days. Four species, Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata), House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis), and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) accounted for 59 percent of the total number of birds recorded. The Japanese White-eye was the most common avian species recorded, accounting for slightly less than 20 percent of the total individual birds recorded. One species recorded, the Hawaiian Hawk (Buteo solitarius) is an endemic, endangered species. Two species detected, Hawaii `Amakihi (Hemingnathus virens) and `Apapane (Himatione sanquinae) are relatively common endemic forest birds usually found in native vegetation. These birds were all recorded at the upper reaches of the property in very small numbers. Two indigenous, resident species were also recorded, the Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus sanwichensis). The remaining 19 species detected were alien to the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Hawks are found in nearly all island habitats with large tree components. They are regularly seen foraging in the Hamakua area. Hawk densities are highest in mature, native species dominated forests, with grassy understories and extensive forest edges. This habitat supports numerous prey species for the hawk and also provides numerous perches and nesting sites. Although not detected during this survey, it is possible that small numbers of the endangered endemic Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and the threatened Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli) over-fly the project area between the months of May and November. Feral Mammals. A mammalian survey was conducted by means of visual and auditory detection and the observation of scat, tracks, and other animal signs. A running tally was kept of all vertebrate species observed and heard within the project area. A survey for bats was conducted during the evenings of July 6 and 7, 2006. Bats were detected visually and by electronic scans with specialized equipment. Nine mammalian species were detected during the course of this survey, including Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), known locally as `Ope`ape`a, which were seen on both nights of the survey. Other mammalian species detected were European house mouse (Mus domesticus), dog (Canis f.familiaris), small Indian mongoose (Herpestes a. auropunctatus), cat 25