List of species of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands facts for kids

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are a special chain of islands, atolls, and reefs. They stretch far into the Pacific Ocean from the main Hawaiian Islands. These islands are mostly empty of people. Only a few researchers and volunteers live on Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll, and Tern Island. But these islands are home to an amazing variety of wildlife!

Scientists have found at least 7,000 different kinds of animals and plants here. These include cool marine mammals, many types of fish, sea turtles, and lots of birds. There are also countless tiny creatures called invertebrates. Many of these species are rare or even endangered. What's really special is that about 25% of these species are endemic. This means they are found nowhere else in the world! This article will tell you about some of the amazing animals and plants that call these islands home.

Animals of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are a vital home for many different animals. These islands provide safe places for them to live, feed, and raise their young.

Birds

The islands are especially famous for their incredible bird populations. Millions of seabirds nest here every year. Many different kinds of birds live on these islands.

Albatrosses and Boobies

Two types of large seabirds you'll find are albatrosses and boobies. The Laysan albatross and Black-footed albatross are very common. They are found on almost all the islands. Another interesting one is the Short-tailed albatross. It's a rarer bird that also visits these islands. Boobies, like the Red-footed booby, Brown booby, and Masked booby, are also widespread. They are known for their strong fishing skills.

Terns and Noddies

Smaller seabirds like terns and noddies are also abundant. The Grey-backed tern, White tern, and Sooty tern are found across many islands. Noddies, such as the Brown noddy, Black noddy, and Blue noddy, are also common. They often nest in large groups.

Shearwaters and Petrels

You might also spot shearwaters and petrels. The Wedge-tailed shearwater and Christmas shearwater are found on many islands. The Bonin petrel is another bird that nests here. These birds spend most of their lives at sea. They only come to land to breed.

Endemic Birds

Some birds are unique to these islands. The Nihoa finch lives only on Nihoa Island. The Nihoa millerbird is another bird found only on Nihoa. The Laysan finch is special to Laysan Island and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. The Laysan duck is a very rare duck. It lives on Laysan, Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll. These endemic birds are very important. They show how special and isolated these islands are.

Migratory Birds

Many shorebirds also visit the islands during their long migrations. The Bristle-thighed curlew, Pacific golden plover, and Ruddy turnstone are common visitors. They stop here to rest and feed before continuing their journeys.

Plants of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Just like the animals, the plants on these islands are also very special. They have adapted to the harsh island environment. This includes strong winds and salty air.

Types of Plants

The islands have a variety of plants, from small grasses to shrubs. Many of these plants help stabilize the sandy soil. They also provide food and shelter for the animals.

Grasses and Herbs

You can find different types of grasses like Eragrostis variabilis. This grass grows on many of the islands. Other common plants include Boerhavia repens and Fimbristylis cymosa. These plants often grow close to the ground. This helps them survive the strong winds.

Flowering Plants

Several flowering plants add color to the islands. Ipomoea indica and Ipomoea pes-caprae are types of morning glories. They have beautiful flowers. Portulaca lutea is a succulent plant. It has thick leaves that store water. Tribulus cistoides is another flowering plant found here.

Endemic Plants

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to several unique plants. Amaranthus brownii is a rare plant found only on Nihoa Island. Cyperus pennatiformis is a type of sedge. It is endemic to Laysan Island. The Pritchardia remota is a type of palm tree. It grows only on Nihoa. Schiedea verticillata is another plant found only on Nihoa. These endemic plants are very fragile. They need special protection to survive.

Shrubs and Other Plants

Some larger plants like Chenopodium oahuense and Sesbania tomentosa are also present. Sesuvium portulacastrum is a plant that can grow in salty conditions. These plants form important parts of the island ecosystem. They provide habitat for insects and birds.