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A Walk in the Rainforest
Dateline: 04/08/98
Yesterday I went for a walk in the forest near Kilauea Volcano at Kipuka Puaulu, otherwise known as Bird Park. This kipuka is an island of older lava which has been surrounded by more recent lava flow. Sometimes during an eruption from the volcano a small island of life will remain untouched by the flow. While it may look very barren and lifless around the kipuka, old growth trees, birds, lizards and other creatures inhabit the forest island.Kipuka Puaulu is a wonderful place to visit. As I walked along the loop trail I listened to the songs of the rare native birds, the 'Elepaio Fly-Catcher and Amakihi Honey-Creeper. Other birds in the forest included the Hill Robin, Japanese White-Eye, House Finch and Apapane. The tall trees were so dense it was difficult to see any birds; I could sure hear that they were all around me!
The kipuka is also home to many native trees, Ohia, Koa, Maile, Mamani and Kolea.
Ohia, or ohi'a-lehua, is the most common tree found in Volcanoes National Park. It can be found from the ocaen coastline to high on the mountain tops. When seen among the lava it may look like a scraggly and short bush. In the kipuka the Ohia grows to be a tall, straight magestic tree. The Ohia has bright red blossoms, although yellow blossoms can be found as well.
Koa is an important wood in Hawaii. Koa forests are an important for native habitats where many endangered species live. Some of the Koa I saw at the Kipuka were massive trees, some hollowed and others with big winding roots.
The Kipuka is an island of life surrounded by by barren lava flow, a sanctuary which has been left intact by the natural destruction of the rainforest around it. Throughout the world we could find may examples like the kipuka. Sections of forest and rainforest still intact while the surrounding areas of forest have been transformed into something else, through natural forces and human development.
As these islands of life become fewer and smaller it is important that we protect them, so that species, enadangered or not will still be able to claim a home on our planet.
More About Hawaii and the Volcano Area
Hawaii - A World Apart
There are many enigmas associated with
the plant and animal species in the islands.
Air Photo's of Pu'u O'o
A view from the air of the active volcano vent.
Southeast Island Landsat Image
This is a Landsat MultiSpectral Scanner (MSS) image from P. Mouginis-Mark of the Southeast portion of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Notice the areas the lava has missed?
More About Endangered Species in Hawaii
Hawaii's Endangered Species
Balancing on a thin line.
About The Nene
Hawaii's State Bird is an endangered species.
List of Endangered Hawaiian Species
Hawaii has more endangered species than any other state.
Frequently Asked Questions of the Hawaii Natural Heritage Program
Answers to questions you may be wondering about.
More About the Rainforest
Listen to the Forest
Listen to the Forest is an environmental
documentary that focuses on rainforest preservation against the backdrop of traditional Hawaiian values. Requires Real Media Player.
Rainforest Facts
Background information on the rainforest.
Rainforest Action Network
Your actions CAN change the world!
More About the Ecoregions
Critical Ecoregions Program
The Sierra Club program offers a practical, long-term strategy to buttress the "web of life" on Earth.
North America's Living Legacy
A new WWF study reveals that North America's natural treasures are both richer and more endangered than previously believed.
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