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Cause for Concern in Polynesia, Hawaii, Cook Islands, Oceania
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Western Polynesian tropical moist
The original vegetation on most of the Tuvalu and Tokelau Islands has been replaced by coconut plantations, although in some places these have been abandoned and scrubby forest is present. Phosphate mining and sparse settlement last century also disturbed the native vegetation on the Howland and Baker Islands and some of the Phoenix Islands, but these islands are largely uninhabited now. The biggest current threat to the ecoregion is introduced species. Rats, cats, pigs, and other introduced species have all taken a toll on birds and land crabs. The greatest future threat to the islands is rising sea levels caused by global warming. Rising seas may completely submerge these low islands, or force local human communities to move into currently uninhabited areas.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Fiji tropical dry forests
Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been burning the dry forests of Fiji, and subsequently causing erosion, for as many as 2,500 years. Today, most areas have been converted to sugar cane production, exotic tree plantations, or grazing lands. Other areas have been so depleted by burning that very little vegetation grows and downpours cause massive erosion. Only remnant patches of dry forest exist on steep slopes on the large islands. Goats that have been introduced to uninhabited islands are creating a major threat to breeding seabirds. Introduced rats, cats, and mongooses kill many native birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Hawaii tropical dry forests
Although Hawaii is probably best known for its lush rain forests, the islands' dry forests are equally valuable -- and are in greater danger of extinction. An alarming 90 percent of Hawaii's dry forests have been destroyed, and what little habitat remains is highly fragmented. Clearing and burning of the forest began with the arrival of Polynesians, and the last remnants continue to be destroyed today though development, and expansion of agriculture and pastureland. One of the greatest problems in Hawaii is introduced plants and animals such as rats, deer, and pigs, as well as African fountain grass and molasses grass. The pigs were brought to these islands from elsewhere in Polynesia and Europe, and since their arrival they have destroyed native vegetation, caused soil erosion, eaten bird eggs and nestlings, spread weeds and diseases, and polluted water supplies.Most of the dry forest that remains is now dominated by bunch grass and rats.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Marianas tropical dry forests
Humans have had an impact on the Mariana Islands for at least 3,500 years. Forests have been cleared for coconut plantations, fields, and gardens and logged for their timber. A lot of habitat was also destroyed during World War II. But today the biggest threat, especially to birds, is the introduction of non-native species. For example, the brown tree snake has already driven the Guam rail to extinction in the wild and threatens many other native bird species. Fruit bats are widely hunted for food, too.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Yap tropical dry forests
Early inhabitants of the Yap Islands grew crops such as yams, clearing forest until much of it became savanna. Today, the native vegetation is widely replaced by tree gardens and by crops such as coconut palm, breadfruit, betel nut, papaya, bananas, cassava, taro, and a variety of medicinal and ornamental species. And all the native bird species on the island are threatened by introduced species such as the tree sparrow, which may carry diseases. The brown tree snake from Guam could also spell disaster if introduced since native birds have no natural defense against snakes, which eat their eggs.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Hawaii tropical high shrublands
Main threats to this habitat include overgrazing by domestic and escaped livestock, wildfires, and trampling by hikers and other visitors. As in many other ecoregions, the introduction of species of plants and animals from other areas has been harmful to local species. For example, introduced ants kill native insects and other invertebrates, some of which are important pollinators.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Hawaii tropical low shrublands
Over 90 percent of this ecoregion has been lost due to human development and alien vegetation. Fire, weed invasions, feral animals, especially goats and deer, threaten this ecoregion. Only small pieces of natural habitat remain. Some of Hawaii's most endangered species of plants live in these shrublands. Many lowland and coastal shrub species have gone extinct. Many visitors to Hawaii may never see a native plant due to the disturbance of natural habitats.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Northwestern Hawaii scrub
In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt declared one section of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands the "Hawaiian Islands Bird Reservation." Today these islands are still protected as the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and their habitats remain relatively intact. Still, because they are so small, the islands are extremely vulnerable to disturbances. Guano mining in the early 1900s almost devastated Laysan Island, as did the introduction of exotic species, including tobacco and rabbits. Introduced plants still threaten native species on the islands.
