Influence of restored koa in supporting bird communities
Deforestation of Hawaiian forests has adversely impacted native wildlife, including forest birds, bats and arthropods. Restoration activities have included reforestation with the native koa (Acacia koa), a dominant canopy tree species that is easy to propagate, has high survivorship, and has fast growth rates. We review recent research describing the ecological benefits of koa restoration on wildlife colonization/use, plant dispersal, and native plant recruitment. In general, planting monotypic koa stands can provide forest habitats for species that need them but does not automatically lead to natural regeneration of a diverse forest species assemblage and may require additional restoration activities such as outplanting of other native plants and alien grass control to achieve more natural forest systems. Although early signs of forest and wildlife recovery have been encouraging, the goals of restoration for wildlife conservation versus commercial grade harvesting require different restoration methods.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2017 |
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Title | Influence of restored koa in supporting bird communities |
Authors | Richard J. Camp, Eben H. Paxton, Stephanie G. Yelenik |
Publication Type | Conference Paper |
Publication Subtype | Abstract or summary |
Index ID | 70189982 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center |