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When the first Polynesians came to Hawai`i, they encountered lush tropical forest scenes like the one here on Moloka`i. But decades of ranching, the introduction of goats and pigs, and the invasion of aggressive alien species have devastated native ecosystems on this Hawaiian island, and many others. In fact, twelve of the federally listed plants that once grew on Moloka`i have been completely wiped out, while dozens of others teeter on the brink of extinction.

Earthjustice is urgently working to see that these plants are brought back from the edge. Under court order, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency responsible for protecting endangered and threatened species on land, is currently making critical habitat determinations for 255 endangered and threatened plant species found throughout Hawai`i. Critical habitat plays a valuable role in promoting the conservation of Hawai`i's imperiled native species and ecosystems by prohibiting federal agencies from funding, approving, or carrying out projects that destroy habitat the species need for their long-term survival and recovery.

The photo here shows the Pu`u Ali`i Natural Area Reserve, one of the areas currently proposed for protection on Moloka`i.