Hawaiian tropical high shrublands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawaiian tropical high shrublands |
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| Ecology | |
| Realm | Oceanian |
| Biome | Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands |
| Borders | Hawaiian tropical rainforests and Hawaiian tropical dry forests |
| Geography | |
| Area | 1,900 km2 (730 sq mi) |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| Conservation | |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
| Global 200 | No |
The Hawaiian tropical high shrublands are a special kind of tropical savanna ecoregion found in the Hawaiian Islands. An ecoregion is a large area of land or water that has its own unique set of plants, animals, and climate. These shrublands are located high up on the slopes of Hawaii's big volcanoes. They are a unique home for many plants and animals that can only be found here.
Where are these Shrublands?
These high shrublands cover about 1,900 square kilometers (about 734 square miles). You can find them on the upper parts of big volcanoes like Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai, and Haleakalā. These volcanoes are on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. The high elevation means the weather can be very different from the beaches below, often colder and drier.
Amazing Plants of the Shrublands
The plants in these high shrublands are very tough! They have to be, because the weather can be harsh with strong winds, cold temperatures, and sometimes not much rain. You'll find different types of plant areas here:
- Open shrublands: These areas have lots of bushes and shrubs. Some common plants include `ōhelo `ai (Vaccinium reticulatum), which has yummy berries, and `iliahi (Santalum haleakalae), a type of sandalwood tree.
- Grasslands: Higher up, you'll see grasslands with tall, clumpy grasses called tussock grasses. These grasses are very strong and can handle the windy conditions.
- Deserts: On the coldest and driest mountain peaks, you'll find small desert areas. Only super hardy plants can grow here. One amazing plant is the `āhinahina (Argyroxiphium sandwicense). This plant looks like a shiny silver ball and can live for many years before blooming just once and then dying.
Animals of the Shrublands
Even though the high shrublands are a tough place to live, some special animals call this ecoregion home.
- Nēnē: The nēnē (Branta sandvicensis), also known as the Hawaiian goose, is one of the few birds that can be found in these high, open areas. It's the state bird of Hawaii and is very rare.
- `Ua`u: The `ua`u (Pterodroma sandwichensis) is a seabird that nests in this ecoregion. Even though it spends most of its life flying over the ocean, it comes to these high mountain slopes to dig burrows and lay its eggs.
