Lehua facts for kids
Lehua Island is a small, uninhabited island in the Hawaiian islands. It is located about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) north of Niʻihau and directly west of Kauai. No one lives on the island. The total area of Lehua is about 279 acres (1.13 km²). The famous explorer Captain James Cook was the first European to see the island in 1778. He wrote its name as "Oreehoua."
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What is Lehua Island?
Lehua Island is a small, crescent-shaped island. It is actually a part of an old volcano. The island is what remains of a volcanic cone. This type of cone is called a tuff cone. Tuff cones are formed when hot magma mixes with water, causing explosive eruptions. Over time, erosion has shaped Lehua into its unique form.
Lehua's Special Location
Lehua Island is very important because of its location. It acts as a natural barrier. This barrier helps protect the nearby island of Niʻihau from large ocean waves. The waters around Lehua are also very clear. This makes them a great spot for marine life.
Wildlife on Lehua Island
Lehua Island is a protected wildlife sanctuary. This means it is a safe home for many animals. Most of these animals are birds. The island is a critical nesting site for many kinds of seabirds.
Birds of Lehua
Many different seabirds come to Lehua to nest and raise their young. Some common birds found here include:
- Red-footed Boobies: These birds have bright red feet. They build their nests in trees and bushes.
- Brown Boobies: Similar to red-footed boobies, but with brown feathers and yellow feet. They often nest on the ground.
- Wedge-tailed Shearwaters: These birds dig burrows in the ground for their nests. They spend most of their lives at sea.
- Laysan Albatrosses: These large birds have long wings. They travel vast distances across the ocean. They return to Lehua to nest.
- Bulwer's Petrels: A smaller seabird that also nests in burrows. They are rarely seen on land.
Marine Life Around Lehua
The ocean around Lehua Island is also full of life. The clear waters are home to many fish. You can also find green sea turtles here. These turtles are an endangered species. Monk seals, another endangered animal, sometimes rest on Lehua's shores. The island's waters are part of a marine conservation area. This helps protect all the ocean creatures.
Protecting Lehua Island
Because Lehua is so important for wildlife, it is carefully protected. The island is managed by the State of Hawaii. It is a wildlife sanctuary. This means people cannot visit without special permission. This helps keep the birds and other animals safe from harm.
Island Restoration Efforts
Over the years, there have been efforts to restore Lehua Island. This means making it an even better place for native wildlife. One big project was removing invasive species. Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to the island. They can harm the native plants and animals. For example, rats were once a problem on Lehua. They would eat bird eggs and chicks. Programs were put in place to remove the rats. This helped the bird populations grow.
Another part of restoration is planting native plants. These plants provide food and shelter for the birds. They also help prevent soil erosion. All these efforts help keep Lehua Island a healthy home for its unique wildlife.
See also
In Spanish: Lehua para niños
