Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Sporck, Maggie J [1], Koehler, Tobias B [2], Marquez, Sebastian N [3], Waite, Mashuri [4], Williams, Adam M [5].

A new Cyanea (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae) from the Hawaiian Islands; morphology, conservation, and a novel approach to monitoring a remote species.

The Campanulaceae is a large, diverse, and cosmopolitan plant family with representatives inhabiting a wide range of ecosystems including tropical, subtropical, temperate, and even frigid zones, with exceptional diversification in South Africa and the Hawaiian Islands. One of the most extraordinary adaptive radiation events known in the family is the monophyletic lobelioid group in Hawaii, composed of six genera (Brighamia, Clermontia, Cyanea, Delissea, Lobelia, and Trematolobelia) descended from a single colonization event. The Hawaiian lobelioids make up a combined total of 128 endemic species, 78 of which are federally listed as Threatened or Endangered (T & E). All genera except Lobelia are also endemic, with the most species-rich genus of the group being Cyanea, comprised of 79 currently recognized species (54 T & E). Despite this diversity, we have discovered a new species of Cyanea from the well-explored island of O‘ahu, adding another narrowly endemic species to a long list of rare and endangered taxa. A possible explanation for the impressive speciation in this genus is that the fleshy fruits are poorly distributed by forest birds, which do not typically travel long distances, leading to parallel speciation events on multiple islands. In late 2012, we encountered a Cyanea species with densely pubescent leaves and noticeably long calyx lobes during a vegetation survey in the wet forest of the Ko‘olau Mountains, which we determined to be unknown to science. Using morphological data we describe the species, identify the likely closest relative, consider the conservation status of this and some other rare Cyanea species, and experiment with a novel means of monitoring remote plant populations using a game camera and cellular telephone signal in order to carry out management actions with greater efficiency. We present the results of our ongoing morphological investigation, including current conservation needs and the management future of the species.

1 - State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl Street #325, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, United States
2 - Koehler Enterprises, L.L.C. , Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, USA
3 - Hui Kū Maoli Ola , 46-403 Ha‘ikū Road , Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA
4 - Ko‘olau Mountains Watershed Partnership, 2551 Waimano Home Road Bldg. #202 , Pearl City, HI, 96782, USA
5 - State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 3060 Eiwa Street, Rm. 306, Lihue , HI, 96766, USA

Keywords:
Campanulaceae
Conservation
endemic
Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
rare species.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 16
Location: Firs North/Boise Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 16004
Abstract ID:513
Candidate for Awards:None