02-13-2011, 02:27 AM
Good question, Bullwinkle. There is a coordinated effort by many statewide and regional organizations. Go to hng.net to see some. The scope of agencies is very easily researched on Google or your favorite search engine.
As far as when a species becomes naturalized, I can see why this is a question. Fact is there are very, very few native species. Ohia Lehua, ulue, hapuu, koa, kamapua, sandalwood. These are the plants which come easily to mind. Nene, elepaio, apapane are some of the animals which come easily to mind. I Know I am leaving some out. These are plants and animals which found their way here without the help of humans. Many of the plants came in bird poop and some found their way on the jetstream, no one really knows how long ago and the odds of them finding their way here are remarkably small. These are the species that were here before the first polynesians arrived. Thus pigs are not native even though they have been here for a long time.
As far as when a species becomes naturalized, I can see why this is a question. Fact is there are very, very few native species. Ohia Lehua, ulue, hapuu, koa, kamapua, sandalwood. These are the plants which come easily to mind. Nene, elepaio, apapane are some of the animals which come easily to mind. I Know I am leaving some out. These are plants and animals which found their way here without the help of humans. Many of the plants came in bird poop and some found their way on the jetstream, no one really knows how long ago and the odds of them finding their way here are remarkably small. These are the species that were here before the first polynesians arrived. Thus pigs are not native even though they have been here for a long time.