| Abstract Detail
Extreme conservation measures for plants at the extremes in the Hawaiian archipelago model system Nagendra, Uma [1], Thorson, Amy [2], Ramelb, Ashley [3], Mo'okini-Oliveira, Puakea [3]. Weathering the extremes in restoration: lessons from landslides on Kaua’i. Climatic trends indicate that disturbances such as hurricanes, landslides and floods may become more intense and more frequent as weather patterns tend towards the extreme. The challenges posed by changing disturbance regimes are particularly relevant for restoration and conservation projects that involve highly sensitive species and isolated ecosystems. Imperiled species and ecosystems that are restricted to only a few isolated locations may be decimated by just one disturbance event. In addition, highly fragmented ecosystems are vulnerable to further degradation if recently disturbed areas become hotspots for invasive species.
As we continue to adjust restoration practices and plans for a climate change-driven future, we can also include planning for extreme weather events. While the exact impacts of future events cannot be predicted, we can modify our restoration modes to be ready for frequent disturbances. This will be important to maintain resilient ecosystems and healthy populations of imperiled plants in a changing climate.
In this talk, we share the experiences and lessons learned from habitat restoration in a lowland mesic tropical forest in Northwest Kaua’i following a historically unprecedented flood and associated landslides. On April 15, 2018, Northwestern Kaua’i experienced a record 49 inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours. The resulting floods and landslides greatly impacted both human and ecological communities. Two landslides crossed through the active fenced restoration area within Lower Limahuli Preserve. Fifteen long-term monitoring transects were established both inside and outside of the active restoration area in order to gain baseline information about landslide impacts and initial vegetative colonization. Within the first year, no noticeable differences in ecosystem resilience were seen in transects adjacent to previous restoration compared to unrestored forest. Transects will continue to be monitored as restoration activities continue in the Preserve.
The numerous logistical and philosophical challenges we experienced during landslide restoration led us to a consider what disturbance-ready restoration would entail. Recommendations include safeguarding important genetic material in multiple locations, ensuring availability of common plant seed stock, and maximizing the use of existing biotic and abiotic resources.
1 - National Tropical Botanical Garden, Limahuli Garden, 5-8291 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI, 96714, USA
2 - University of Idaho, Idaho, USA
3 - National Tropical Botanical Garden, Limahuli Garden, 5-8291 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Hawaii, 96714, USA
Keywords:
Natural Disturbance
Landslide
Hawaiian Islands
Restoration ecology
Restoration.
Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Session: COL05, Extreme conservation measures for plants at the extremes in the Hawaiian archipelago model system
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: COL05004
Abstract ID:441
Candidate for Awards:None |
