Endangered Species in

Hawai’i

Hawaii Wildlife Fund Organization

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Report
Krupa
Table of Contents

Abstract 3
What Are the Human Activities that are impacting Endangered
Species 4
Deforestation 4
Constructions 5
Pollution 5
What May Happen If Endangered Species are not Protected 6
Short-term Effect 6
Impact of Tourism 6
Pharmaceutical Impact 6
Long-term Effect 6
Actions That Needs to Be Taken Before It Is Too Late 7
Conclusion 8
References 9

Table of Figures
Figure 1 3

Figure 2 4

Figure 3 7

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 Abstract
Islands are overwhelmed with beauty and unique species. Hawaii is a popular island
and tourist destination where travelers visit commonly due to its natural beauty. As
Figure 1 shows, Islands are land surrounded by water, and may be found in the ocean,
lakes and rivers (Royle 23). There are various types of islands and species, however,
the type of species depends on the island (National Geographic Society). Hawaii is one
of the top islands to have the most endangered species in the world. Due to many
travelers, Hawaii builds new attractions constantly and that is done through
deforestation and construction. Human activities are one of the main causes of
endangered species in Hawaii. It is important to reduce the endangered species
because, without species, the ecosystem
wWould gradually fall. Species,Species directly and indirectly contribute to purifying the
environment and keep the overall ecosystem stable (Endangered Species Coalition).
Some of the solutions to the issue are educating people more about the importance of
healthy environment balance and setting up more trashcans in populated areas for the
public to use in places such as parks and beaches. The more educate the public is, the
more importance will be given to the endangered species. Environment education will
inform people and explain the harmful effects that human activities leave on the
environment. Increasing trashcans in public areas will reduce litter, because people will
be willing to walk to one to throw away any trash if it is nearby than hold on to It and
wait.

Islands in Hawaii

Figure 1- An example of an island

Source: Forbes 3
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 What Are the Human Activities Tthat Aare Iimpacting
Endangered SpeciesSpecies?

Deforestation
Deforestation is a big issue in Hawaii, which is leading to great consequences for the
environment and wildlife. An island is already small, so if humans continue to take over
lands that are already small it has a greater effect on the species. Deforestation has
many negative impacts such as soil erosion, loss of habitats, and may lead to global
warming. Due to deforestation so many of the wildlife in Hawaii is in danger. The Union
of Concerned Scientists reports, “When trees are cut down and burned or allowed to rot,
their stored carbon is released into the air as carbon dioxide. And this is how
deforestation and forest degradation contribute to global warming. According to the
Union of Concerned Scientists, deforestation is responsible for about 10 percent of all
global warming emissions” (Tropical Deforestation and Global Warming). The quote
indicates that deforestation leads to climate change, which is a negative effect on the
environment and later on impacts the wildlife that had their habitats on the trees. Since
oxygen is vital for life, the more trees that are cut down the more affected the animals
will be, especially species that are already in danger of becoming extinct. According to
Wildlife Festival, “Trees create shelter from the elements, like wind and sun, and
provide a place for animals to feed, nest, breed and hide from predators” (How
Deforestation Impacts Animals). According to the quote, one can indicate if endangered
species do not have trees to protect themselves from predators or be able to breed, it is
more difficult for them to survive. Destroying trees means taking away food the animals
depend on. Figure 2 shows how deforestation actually looks and how many species
lose their homes through this action. Deforestation occurs everywhereeverywhere, and
it is often necessary to cut down trees, however, when trees are eliminated past limits,
species’ lives are in danger of becoming extinct.

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 Deforestation in Hawaii

Figure 2 - The image shows the deforestation that occurred in Hawaii.

Source: Green Matters

Constructions
Construction often occurs when buildings are needed to be built often for humans’
needs and comforts. Construction requires land, which means it can directly and
indirectly impact the animals that live on that land. Conservation Folks states,
“Over time, destruction to habitats can severely damage large and stable ecosystems,
leading to massive losses of common species. Since the 1970s, America has lost more
than 3 million birds, primarily to habitat loss” (What Can The Construction Industry Do
To Decrease Habitat Destruction?). Through the quote, one can indicate that
deforestation has to occur for construction to happen, however both cause ecological
stress and destruction for animals.

Pollution
Pollution impacts all life on earth including humans. Pollution impacts animals in two
main ways: Quality of habitat and availability of food supply (Air Pollution: Effects OnOn

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Wild Animals). As more and more trees are cut down, pollution will increase. Acid rain
can change the chemistry and quality of soils and water (Air Pollution: Effects On Wild
Animals), which means water may become too acidic for animals to drink. Air pollutants
can lead to impacting wildlife’s organs and lower reproductive success, and possible
death (Air Pollution: Effects On Wild Animals). As the ecosystem follows the food chain
of one species consuming another for survival, if endangered species and extinction
continue to rise, the food chain will be affected leading to other animals becoming
endangered due to food shortage.

What May Happen If Endangered Species are not

Protected

Short-term Effect
There are many effects that may take place if endangered species continue to rise. A
few of the short termshort-term effects such as economic effects and loss and/or
change of certain medical sources. When one vanishes, it often interrupts a stable
cycle.

Impact of Tourism

Animals are often popular attractions for tourists and places that can provide certain
animals benefit greatly financially. However, Ifif species become extinct if proper actions
are not taken when they are endangered, tourists may not come to a certain place or
country anymore after the animal vanishes (Endangered Species: Causes, Effects,
Solutions). This is a short termshort-term effect, because often countries find other ways
to attract tourists.

Pharmaceutical Impact

Many ingredients in drugs are extracted from plants and if the plants become
endangered or extinct so will the consumers (Endangered Species: Causes, Effects,
Solutions). Without certain plants, scientists will have to redo research on related plants

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to find new medicines, which can be a hassle for the economy due to more cost of
researching and testing.

Long-term Effect
Long-term effects often leave bigger negative effects for a long time. There are many
effects that are left from species if they become endangered or extinct such as
biodiversity reactions and diseases. Nature is an enormous system that is continuing to
be studied. Species depend on each other to function and keep the chain going. For
example, according to Environmental Conscience, “ . . .“. . . if a species A which eats
another species B goes extinct, the number of species B would increase dramatically.
Since species B will also eat other species C, species C will now be endangered. This
circle continues and will often have profound effects on the ecosystem” (Endangered
Species: Causes, Effects, Solutions). According to the quote, one can indicate that one
chain of a species disappearing causes the whole chain to be interrupted. It is very
important to maintain the chain and prevent it from being interrupted.

Many species protect and reduce the risk of humans

getting certain diseases. For example, frogs prevent mosquitoes from overpopulating,
and if frogs become extinct, humans are more likely to get Malaria. Animals lower the
chances of humans contracting certain diseases, therefore if endangered species in
small islands like Hawaii become extinct, humans are more likely to get diseases and
pass it on more easily due to the limited space (Endangered Species: Causes, Effects,
Solutions).

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 Actions That Needs to Be Taken Before It Is Too Late
It is still not too late to take action to prevent endangered species from becoming
extinct. Some ways are preventing unnecessary expansion for human comfort,
Educateeducate people around us, and reduce pollution.

Preventing unnecessary expansion for human comfort is one of the most important
actions that will save many endangered species. In Figure 3, the species is known as
the Green Sea Turtle and is highly endangered species in Hawaii for a long time. The
Green Sea Turtle’s eggs are often destroyed on beaches and many times the turtles are
harmed through water pollution such as plastic. For example, building a fast food
restaurant from the same franchise a few miles away from the first one. Limiting the
number of constructions will saveEndangered
numerous species because that is the top reason for
Species
endangered species. Cutting down trees for human comfort will impact not just animals
for humans in the long run as well.

Figure 3 -
Sea Turtles are one of the most Green Sea Turtle, highly endangered
speciesendangered species in Hawaii

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Bringing awareness by educating people about the issue is very important. Many people
are not aware of the issue at all while some may not simply care, however, we must
educate many as possible. For example, educating people not to buy products that are
made from endangered species would be a big action since the animals have to die for
the product to be made. It is important to educate people to change their behavior
towards plants and animals so we can see a better tomorrow.

Since pollution reduces the success rate of reproduction and leads to many other
negative impacts, it is important to lower pollution as much as possible. Ways to reduce
pollution is reducing the number of trips you make using your car, using the bus, and
avoiding burning leaves or other materials. It is important to support companies that
contribute to protecting the environment, which can be done through research.

Setting up more trashcans in populated areas such as beaches and parks may help
tremendously when it comes to reducing the amount of litter. When litter is thrown on
areas such as beaches where there are varieties of wildlife, greater risk also follows for
the death of the species. For example, many times species, such as seagulls mistake
plastic for food and consume it. This damages their internal organs and may lead to
death. If the litter is not eaten, then it may act as a trap for some animals. Either way,
the litter is harming animals in the ocean.

How the Solution Helps the Problem

The solution mentioned earlier greatly helps and allows species to be able to reproduce
and thrive with limited danger, which will allow an increase in the number of species
being produced, reducing the number of endangered species. Many times people are
unaware of how their actions may impact the environment, therefore when they are
educated about actions such as not pouring harmful chemicals down the drain, it can
greatly benefit the environment. As they share with others, the benefit of education can
only grow.

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Increasing the number of trashcans in populated areas will only help the issue. The
more the public is provided with places where they can throw trash away, the more
likely they are going to throw their trash properly rather than littering. Many times,
people dislike the idea of holding on to trash while on a trip and decide to throw it where
they can due to lack of trashcans, however, if they are provided with trashcans, I believe
they would not mind walking a few steps to the trashcan. An increasing number of
trashcans can only benefit the environment and wildlife, such as the endangered
species.

Conclusion
Hawaii is popular due to its natural beauty and rich history,history; howeverhowever, it
is important to understand how endangered species are being affected through the acts
of human activities and the importance of taking actions to protect the wildlife of islands.
Some of the biggest things that are endangering species on islands are deforestation,
new construction, and pollution. If we are able to control these things, it will greatly
reduce the environmental stress that many islands endure. Not only is this beneficial in
the short term, it will also be helpful for many endangered species in the long run. Due
to the limited space of small islands, species are greatly affected by human activities,
which is why it is important to be educated about how wildlife contributes to the
environment and its importance.

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 References

Andreas. “Causes, Effects and Solutions for the Endangered Species

Problem.” E&C, 12 July 2020, environmental-conscience.com/causes-effects-
solutions-for-endangered-species/.

Brierley, Kate. “Wondering Why Deforestation Is Such a Big Deal? Here Are the
Facts.” Green Matters, Green Matters, 23 Apr. 2020,
www.greenmatters.com/p/why-is-deforestation-a-problem.

Canada, Environment and Climate Change. “Government of Canada.”

Canada.ca, 29 May 2012, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-
change/services/air-pollution/quality-environment-economy/ecosystem/wild-
animals.html.

Conservationfolks. “What Can the Construction Industry Do to Decrease

Habitat Destruction?” Conservation Folks, Emily Folk, 3 Jan. 2020,
conservationfolks.com/what-can-the-construction-industry-do-to-decrease-
habitat-destruction/.

Endangered Species Coalition. “Importance of the Endangered Species Act.”

Endangered Species Coalition, www.endangered.org/importance-of-the-
endangered-species-act/.

National Geographic Society. “Island.” National Geographic Society, 9 Oct.

2012, www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/island/.

Parker-Magyar, Katherine. “The Ultimate Guide To The Hawaiian Islands.” Forbes,

Forbes Magazine, 30 Dec. 2019,
www.forbes.com/sites/katherineparkermagyar/2020/12/29/the-ultimate-guide-to-
the-hawaiian-islands/.

“Post Navigation.” Wild Life Festival, 12 Apr. 2018,

wildlifefestival.org.uk/how-deforestation-affects-animals/.

Royle, Stephen A. Islands: Nature and Culture. Reaktion Books, 2014.

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“The Hawaiian Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas).” The Hawaiian Green Turtle,
www.turtles.org/hawgrnd.htm.

“Tropical Deforestation and Global Warming.” Union of Concerned

Scientists, 9 Dec. 2012, www.ucsusa.org/resources/tropical-deforestation-
and-global-warming.

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