At the
upper reaches of the montane forest zone near the temperature
inversion layer, as well as in areas of transition between windward
and leeward slopes, the forests are mesic, or moist, rather than
extremely wet. In general, mesic forests receive less rainfall
than rainforests (often 75 inches per year, or less) but do not
suffer actual moisture shortages. Mesic forests lack the dense
tree fern layer and abundant epiphytes so prominent in rain forests,
however, they may be particularly species-rich, and are the habitat
of many rare plant and bird species.
 One type of vegetation
formerly common in this area of transition from montane wet forest
to subalpine communities, is a parkland, or open woodland, of koa.
Koa is the dominant tree of this zone, and was of prime importance
to ancient Hawaiians who used it for building canoes, and structures
for their houses. |
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Koa trees
are also the home to many other species such as the iridescent
koa bug, and the Blackburn butterfly, one of only two native
Hawaiian butterflies. The preferred food of the Blackburn butterfly,
when it is in the caterpillar stage, are the young leaves, buds,
and flowers of the koa tree.
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 The
`io, or Hawaiian hawk, can be seen flying above the mesic forests.
Found only on the island of Hawai`i, the `io is a symbol of royalty
in Hawaiian legends. |
 Koa continues to be a wood
in high demand by the public for furniture and other crafts. However,
unless we protect and restore koa forests, the demand will surpass
the supply. Government agencies, such as the Department of Land
& Natural Resources, are researching ways to develop forestry as
an economic alternative to cattle ranching, thereby encouraging
the restoration of forests and a future supply of koa for human
needs. |
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