Images

This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

A myriad of plants can be seen from above in this photograph taken at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Acquired in 2009, the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been an area that multiple USGS PIERC researchers study in, including Dr. Steven C.

A Hawaiian Hoary fits in the palm of one's hand.

Nene geese are the state birds of Hawai‘i and endangered species. Their populations were threatened by invasive predators including rats, cats, and mongoose. The USGS aided in the recovery of nene on Hawai‘i Island through population monitoring and movement patterns. 

An adult male mouflon stands broadside to the camera in a grassy field on Hawai‘i Island. Mouflon were introduced to Hawai‘i for trophy hunting in the 1950s. 

A large male mouflon sheep stares head-on at the camera of Dr. Steven C. Hess as he stands atop a‘a lava and among shrubs on Hawai‘i Island. 

Palila possess large, strong bills which help them crush open māmane seed pods, their diet of choice. One of the many threats to palila was loss of habitat and their number one food source, māmane. 

Just after sunrise on a beach in eastern Maui.

Hawaiian Monk Seal on a sandy beach near the western tip of the Hawaiian island of Moloka´i.

Just after sunrise on a beach in eastern Maui.

Just after sunrise on a beach in eastern Maui.

An adult palila perches in a māmane tree on the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano. Palila are a finch-billed Hawaiian honeycreeper who are considered critically endangered.  

A very young palila nestling is given unique color bands and it's body measurements are taken on Mauna Kea volcano, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i. In a multi-decadal study of palila and the factors influencing their population, Dr.

‘I‘iwi are one of the most charismatic Hawaiian honeycreepers extant today. Their long, curved bill allow them to reach nectar deep inside specially evolved Hawaiian flowers. As they mature, juvenile ‘i‘iwi will go from these mottled, multi-colored feathers to bright red coloration. 

A US Army helicopter from Pohakuloa Training Area flies overhead of palila researchers on Mauna Kea volcano, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i. 

A mating pair of adult nēnē (Branta sandvicensis) keep a close watch on three young goslings. An endangered species and the state bird of Hawai‘i, nēnē are the last remaining species of Hawaiian goose.    

A VHF radio receiving tower is set up on the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano on Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i. This setup allowed researchers to track radio tagged palila over large areas to determine where they were spending their time. 

Beautifully striking contrast between the pale Maui silversword plant and the red volcanic rock of Haleakalā volcano. 

A view of the stark landscape on Haleakalā volcano, Maui Island, Hawai‘i. Silverswords are an endangered endemic plant group threatened by browsing from invasive ungulates.

A nene goose, Hawai‘i's state bird and an endangered species, stands among coastal vegetation on O‘ahu island. USGS researchers have tracked nene movements using GPS transmitters to determine where they spend their time and to inform policy and decision making regarding their continued protection under the Endangered Species Act. 

Hawaiian Coot swimming in a wetland marsh. Listed as an endangered species in 1970. Dark gray with a white bill and frontal shield that varies from white, pale buff, and pale blue to deep red.