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A Hawaiian Tropical Dry Forest Regenerates: Natural Regeneration of Endangered Species under Biocultural Restoration

Author

Listed:
  • Reko Libby

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA)

  • Aimee Y. Sato

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA)

  • Lehua Alapai

    (Ho’ola Ka Makana’ā o Ka‘ūpūlehu, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association, O‘okala, HI 96774, USA)

  • Wilds Pihanui Brawner

    (Aloha ‘Āina, Aloha Ka‘ūpūlehu, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association, O‘okala, HI 96774, USA)

  • Yvonne Yarber Carter

    (Ho’ola Ka Makana’ā o Ka‘ūpūlehu, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association, O‘okala, HI 96774, USA)

  • Keoki Apokolani Carter

    (Ho‘ohele Mea Lā‘au, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association, O‘okala, HI 96774, USA)

  • Kekaulike Tomich

    (Ho’ola Ka Makana’ā o Ka‘ūpūlehu, Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association, O‘okala, HI 96774, USA)

  • Tamara Ticktin

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA)

Abstract

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are among the most at-risk ecosystems globally. In Hawai‘i, more than 45% of TDF species are threatened or endangered. Despite decades of active TDF restoration, there remains limited information on the potential for long-term success, since there are few studies of natural regeneration. We assess natural regeneration of endangered plants at Ka‘ūpūlehu dryland forest, a Hawaiian biocultural restoration initiative. Drawing on 6 annual censuses we (1) assess rates and patterns of natural regeneration across species and as a function of rainfall and (2) identify bottlenecks. Our surveys document natural recruits of 11 of the 12 endangered species first outplanted 15–20 years ago. Higher annual rainfall increased the number of new recruits per year and growth, but decreased survival of larger recruits. The total number of natural recruits increased three-fold over the study period and varied across species. For nearly half of the species, we documented a second generation of recruits. Successes appear to be a function of time, including a changing microclimate and adaptive management practices. Remaining bottlenecks include lack of seed dispersal, and seed predation and herbivory by introduced species. The success at Ka‘ūpūlehu highlights the potential for TDF restoration and the value of a biocultural approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Reko Libby & Aimee Y. Sato & Lehua Alapai & Wilds Pihanui Brawner & Yvonne Yarber Carter & Keoki Apokolani Carter & Kekaulike Tomich & Tamara Ticktin, 2022. "A Hawaiian Tropical Dry Forest Regenerates: Natural Regeneration of Endangered Species under Biocultural Restoration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-16, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:3:p:1159-:d:729244
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ian M. Ware & Rebecca Ostertag & Susan Cordell & Christian P. Giardina & Lawren Sack & Camila D. Medeiros & Faith Inman & Creighton M. Litton & Thomas Giambelluca & Grace P. John & Christine Scoffoni, 2022. "Multi-Stemmed Habit in Trees Contributes Climate Resilience in Tropical Dry Forest," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Julio Campo & Christian P. Giardina & Rodolfo Dirzo, 2023. "Tropical Dry Forest Restoration in an Era of Global Change: Ecological and Social Dimensions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-5, February.

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