This page last revised 31 August 2006 -- S.M.Gon III
Introduction
Ecoregion
Conservation Targets
Viability
Goals
Portfolio
TNC Action Sites
Threats
Strategies
Acknowledgements
▫
Tables
Maps & Figures
CPT Database
Appendices
Glossary
Sources
Endangered tree snail Achatinella mustelina, endemic to the Wai'anae Mountains, O'ahu.
Endemic lobeliad Cyanea superba in Lowland Mesic habitat, Wai'anae Mountains, O'ahu.
The endangered O'ahu 'elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis ibidis) nests in the forests of the Wai'anae Conservation Area.
Wai‘anae Conservation Area Profile
Major Habitat Type: Tropical Moist
Stratification Unit: O‘ahu (comprised of the single island of O‘ahu, see below) The island is noted for a high level of botanical endemism.
Island: O‘ahu; the third largest island of the archipelago, ca 2.2 million years old, maximum elevation Ka‘ala, Wai‘anae Mountains, 1,220 m (4,003 ft). Bearing two conservation areas: Wai‘anae and Ko‘olau (maximum elevation, Konahuanui, 946 m (3105 ft), corresponding to the two main shield volcanoes that comprise the island. Most populous island in the archipelago, with >85% of the state's human population.
Significance: The Wai‘anae Conservation Area is comprised of ecological systems from lowland to montane elevations. The steep summit area maintains high viability systems, serves watershed functions, and provides habitat for many natural communities and species. The Wai‘anae Mountains rivals Kaua‘i in richness of endemic species of flowering plants.
Conservation Status: The Wai‘anae Conservation Area is protected and managed by a combination of private and public protected areas, including the Mt.Ka‘ala State Natural Area Reserve, the Pahole State Natural Area Reserve, the State Forest Reserve System, The Nature Conservancy's Honouliuli Preserve and the state Conservation District. Active conservation management is also underway via the Army's Ecosystem Management Program, involving endangered species and habitat across the Wai‘anae and Ko‘olau conservation areas. Such actions are included in a discussion of conservation strategies for O‘ahu.
A Conservation Action Plan for Wai‘anae has not yet been drafted.
Native montane wet forest on the summit of Ka'ala, Wai'anae Mountains
Conservation Targets:
Ecological Systems: Three ecological systems of Wai‘anae were selected as conservation targets, each bearing nested natural communities and species (discussed below).
| System | Size | Condition | LC | Overall |
| Montane Wet | POOR | GOOD | VERY GOOD | FAIR |
| Lowland Wet | POOR | POOR | VERY GOOD | FAIR |
| Wet Cliff | POOR | GOOD | VERY GOOD | FAIR |
| Dry Cliff | POOR | FAIR | FAIR | FAIR |
Special Ecological Features:
- Waterbird Concentration
- Natural Communities:
‘Ōhi‘a/Mixed
‘Ōhi‘a/Mixed Shrub Montane
‘Ōhi‘a/‘Ōlapa Montane
Koa/‘Ōhi‘a Lowland Mesic
O‘ahu Diverse Mesic
Mixed Fern/Shrub Wet Cliff Community
Mixed Shrub Dry Cliff Community
- Native species:
There are many constituent native species that comprise the natural communities of the Conservation Area. Highlights include over 60 rare/endangered plant species, over 350 endemic plant species, and likely thousands of endemic invertebrate species.
Major Threats: Uncontrolled feral ungulates (primarily pigs, goats, deer); and a large variety of invasive alien plants, particularly Christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolius), molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora), Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta), and strawberry guava (Psidium cattelianum). Alien grasses and dry to mesic settings contribute to a large wildfire threat.
