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Post by Melanie on Jan 24, 2007 21:21:46 GMT 1
Range Collections have been taken from populations on the upper Lihue Ditch Trail at 875 m and from Waihiawa Bog at 580 m.
Population Only three collections have been made of this small tree. The species has not been found in recent years and is now probably extinct.
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Post by Melanie on Jan 24, 2007 23:46:34 GMT 1
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE SPECIES ASSESSMENT AND LISTING PRIORITY ASSIGNMENT FORM SCIENTIFIC NAME: Melicope paniculata COMMON NAME: Alani LEAD REGION: Region 1 INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF: August 2005 STATUS/ACTION Species assessment - determined species did not meet the definition of endangered or threatened under the Act and, therefore, was not elevated to Candidate status ___ New candidate __X_ Continuing candidate ___ Non-petitioned __X_ Petitioned - Date petition received: May 11, 2004 90-day positive - FR date: X 12-month warranted but precluded - FR date: May 11, 2005 N Did the petition request a reclassification of a listed species? FOR PETITIONED CANDIDATE SPECIES: a. Is listing warranted (if yes, see summary of threats below)? yesb. To date, has publication of a proposal to list been precluded by other higher priority listing actions? yesc. If the answer to a. and b. is “yes”, provide an explanation of why the action is precluded. We find that the immediate issuance of a proposed rule and timely promulgation of a final rule for this species has been, for the preceding 12 months, and continues to be, precluded by higher priority listing actions. During the past 12 months, most of our national listing budget has been consumed by work on various listing actions to comply with court orders and court-approved settlement agreements, meeting statutory deadlines for petition findings or listing determinations, emergency listing evaluations and determinations and essential litigation-related, administrative, and program management tasks. We will continue to monitor the status of this species as new information becomes available. This review will determine if a change in status is warranted, including the need to make prompt use of emergency listing procedures. For information on listing actions taken over the past 12 months, see the discussion of “Progress on Revising the Lists,” in the current CNOR which can be viewed on our Internet website (http://endangered.fws.gov). ___ Listing priority change Former LP: ___ New LP: ___ Date when the species first became a Candidate (as currently defined): 1997___ Candidate removal: Former LP: __ ___ A – Taxon is more abundant or widespread than previously believed or not subject to the degree of threats sufficient to warrant issuance of a proposed listing or continuance of candidate status. U – Taxon not subject to the degree of threats sufficient to warrant issuance of a proposed listing or continuance of candidate status due, in part or totally, to conservation efforts that remove or reduce the threats to the species. ___ F – Range is no longer a U.S. territory. I – Insufficient information exists on biological vulnerability and threats to support listing. ___ M – Taxon mistakenly included in past notice of review. ___ N – Taxon does not meet the Act’s definition of “species.” ___ X – Taxon believed to be extinct. ANIMAL/PLANT GROUP AND FAMILY: Flowering plants, Rutaceae (Citrus family) HISTORICAL STATES/TERRITORIES/COUNTRIES OF OCCURRENCE: Hawaii, island of Kauai CURRENT STATES/ COUNTIES/TERRITORIES/COUNTRIES OF OCCURRENCE: Hawaii, island of Kauai LAND OWNERSHIP: The only known populations occur on State land. LEAD REGION CONTACT: Paul Phifer, 503-872-2823, paul_phifer@fws.gov LEAD FIELD OFFICE CONTACT: Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, Christa Russell, 808-792-9400, christa_russell@fws.gov BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION: Species Description Melicope paniculata is a small tree with new growth sparsely minutely puberulent, becoming glabrate with young branches reddish brown. Leaves are opposite, thin, leathery, elliptic or broadly elliptic, with strongly revolute margins. Male or female flowers are born in cymose panicles (Stone et al. 1999). Taxonomy Melicope paniculata was described by St. John. This species is recognized as a distinct taxon in Wagner et al. (1999a) and Wagner and Herbst (2003), the most recently accepted Hawaiian plant taxonomy. Habitat Typical habitat of Melicope paniculata is wet forest dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha (`ohi`a) (Stone et al. 1999; Steve Perlman, National Tropical Botanical Garden, pers. comm. 1997). Historical and Current Range/Current Status Historically known from four scattered populations within central Kauai and thought to be extinct, Melicope paniculata was rediscovered in the early 1990s (Stone et al. 1999, Wagner and Herbst 2003). It is currently known from four populations totaling 110 individuals (Hawaii Heritage Program 1993; Dave Lorence and S. Perlman, National Tropical Botanical Garden, pers. comms. 1995; Ken Wood, National Tropical Botanical Garden, pers. comm. 1995 and 2000; S. Perlman, pers. comm. 2004). This species is endemic to the island of Kauai (Stone et al. 1999; S. Perlman, pers. comm. 1997). THREATS: A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range. This species is highly and immmiently threatened by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) (S. Perlman and K. Wood, pers. comms. 1995). As early as 1778, European explorers introduced livestock, which became feral, increased in number and range, and caused significant changes to the natural environment of Hawaii. Past and present activities of introduced alien mammals are the primary factor altering and degrading vegetation and habitats on Kauai. Feral ungulates trample and eat native vegetation and disturb and open areas. This causes erosion and allows the entry of alien plant species (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; Wagner et al. 1999a). The pig is originally native to Europe, northern Africa, Asia Minor, and Asia. European pigs, introduced to Hawaii by Captain James Cook in 1778, became feral and invaded forested areas, especially wet and mesic forests and dry areas at high elevations. They are currently present on Kauai and four other islands, and inhabit rain forests and grasslands. While rooting in the ground in search of the invertebrates and plant material they eat, feral pigs disturb and destroy vegetative cover, trample plants and seedlings, and threaten forest regeneration by damaging seeds and seedlings. They disturb soil and cause erosion, especially on slopes. Alien plant seeds are dispersed on their hooves and coats as well as through their digestive tracts, and the disturbed soil is fertilized by their feces, helping these plants to establish. Pigs are a major vector in the spread of many introduced plant species (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; Medeiros et al. 1986; Scott et al. 1986; Smith 1985; Stone 1985; Tomich 1986; Wagner et al. 1999). No known conservation measures have been implemented to date to address this threat. B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes. None known. C. Disease or predation. Disease is not known to be a significant threat to this species. However, a tiny beetle, the black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) is known to infest a wide variety of common plant taxa, including Melicope on Kauai (Davis 1970). The black twig borer burrows into branches, introduces a pathogenic fungus as food for its larvae, and lays its eggs. Twigs, branches, and even entire plants can be killed from an infestation. In the Hawaiian Islands, the black twig borer has many hosts, disperses easily, and is probably present at most elevations up to 762 meters (2,500 feet) (Howarth 1985) and may pose a threat to Melicope paniculata. Currently, there is no effectively known control method for this threat. D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Pigs are managed in Hawaii as game animals, but many populate inaccessible areas where hunting is difficult, if not impossible, and therefore has little effect on their numbers. Pig hunting is allowed on all islands either year-round or during certain months, depending on the area (Hawaii Department of Lands and Natural Resources n.d.-a, n.d. b, n.d.-c, n.d.-d). However, public hunting does not adequately control the number of pigs to eliminate this threat to native plant species. No known conservation measures have been implemented to date to address this threat. E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. This species is threatened by several alien plant species, including Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava) (discussed below) that adversely modify habitat. With only four populations totaling slightly over 100 individuals, this species is also threatened by reduced reproductive vigor, and extinction due to stochastic events such as hurricanes, which have hit Kauai twice in the last 15 years (S. Perlman, pers. comm. 1995). The original native flora of Hawaii consisted of about 1,400 species, nearly 90 percent of which were endemic. Of the total native and naturalized Hawaiian flora of 1,817 taxa, 47 percent were introduced from other parts of the world, and nearly 100 species have become pests (Smith 1985; Wagner et al. 1999a). Confirmed personal observation (S. Perlman, pers. comm.. 1995) and several studies (Cuddihy and Stone 1990; Wood and Perlman 1997; Robichaux et al. 1998) indicate nonnative plant species may outcompete native plants similar to Melicope paniculata. Competition may be for space, light, water, or nutrients, or there may be a chemical inhibition of other plants (Smith 1985; Cuddihy and Stone 1990). In addition, nonnative pest plants found in habitat similar to that of this species have been shown to make the habitat less suitable for native species (Smathers and Gardner 1978; Smith 1985; Loope and Medeiros 1992; Medeiros et al. 1992; Ellshoff et al. 1995; Meyer and Florence 1996; Medeiros et al. 1997; Loope et al. 2004). In particular, alien pest plant species modify habitat by modifying availability of light, altering soil-water regimes, modifying nutrient cycling, or altering fire characteristics of native plant communities (Smith 1985; Cuddihy and Stone 1990; Vitousek et al. 1987). Because of demonstrated habitat modification and resource competition by nonnative plant species in habitat similar to the wet forest habitat of M. paniculata, the Service believes nonnative plant species are a threat to this species. No known conservation measures have been implemented to date to address the threat from nonnative plants. The major introduced species that is a threat to Melicope paniculata is strawberry guava (S. Perlman, pers. comm. 1997). Strawberry guava and Psidium guajava (common guava), were brought to Hawaii and have become widely naturalized on all the main islands, forming dense stands in disturbed areas. Strawberry guava, found in mesic and wet forests, develops into stands in which few other plants grow, physically displacing natural vegetation and greatly affecting Hawaiian plants, many of which are narrowly endemic taxa. Pigs depend on strawberry guava for food and, in turn, disperse the plant's seeds through the forests (Smith 1985; Wagner et al. 1999a). Strawberry guava is considered to be the greatest weed problem in Hawaiian rain forests (Smith 1985). CONSERVATION MEASURES PLANNED OR IMPLEMENTED None known. SUMMARY OF THREATS The major threats to this species are feral pigs and nonnative plants. The black twig borer may be a potential threat. No known conservation measures have been implemented to date to address these threats to Melicope paniculata. LISTING PRIORITY THREAT Magnitude Immediacy Taxonomy Priority High Imminent Non-imminent Monotypic genus Species Subspecies/population Monotypic genus Species Subspecies/population 1 2* 3 4 5 6 Moderate to Low Imminent Non-imminent Monotypic genus Species Subspecies/population Monotypic genus Species Subspecies/population 7 8 9 10 11 12 Rationale for listing priority number: Threat magnitude: This species is highly threatened by feral pigs that directly prey upon it, degrade and/or destroy habitat, and non-native plants that compete for light and nutrients. The black twig borer is a potential threat. Threats to the wet forest habitat of Melicope paniculata occur throughout its range and are expected to continue or increase without their control or eradication. No known conservation measures have been implemented to date to address these threats to M. paniculata. Threat imminence: Threats to Melicope paniculata from pigs and non-native plants are considered imminent because they are ongoing in all four known populations. Yes Have you promptly reviewed all of the information received regarding the species for the purpose of determining whether emergency listing is needed? Is Emergency Listing Warranted? No. The species does not appear to be appropriate for emergency listing at this time because the immediacy of the threats is not so great as to imperil a significant proportion of the taxon within the time frame of the routine listing process. Melicope paniculata is currently known from four populations totaling 110 individuals. If it becomes apparent that the routine listing process is not sufficient to prevent large losses that may result in this species’ extinction, then the emergency rule process for this species will be initiated. We will continue to monitor the status of M. paniculata as new information becomes available. This review will determine if a change in status is warranted, including the need to make prompt use of emergency listing procedures. DESCRIPTION OF MONITORING: The information in this form is based on the results of a meeting of 20 botanical experts held by the Center for Plant Conservation in December of 1995, and has been updated by personal communication with Steve Perlman, Ken Wood, and David Lorence of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in 1995 and Steve Perlman again in 1997. We have incorporated additional information on this species from our files and the most recent supplement to the Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii (Wagner and Herbst 2003). In addition, in 2004, the Pacific Islands office contacted the following species experts: Bob Hobdy, retired from Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife; Joel Lau, Hawaii Natural Heritage Program; Art Medeiros, U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Discipline; Hank Oppenheimer, resource manager for Maui Land and Pineapple Company; and Steve Perlman and Ken Wood, National Tropical Botanical Garden. New information was provided by Steve Perlman. New information was provided by Ken Wood in 2004. In 2005 we contacted the species experts listed below, but received no new information on this taxon. Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red Plant Data Book rarity categories, this species is recognized as Rare (could be considered at risk) by Wagner et al. (1999b). Species experts were contacted but did not provide new information this year, no new literature was found, and no known entities are studying this species. However, it is highly likely that the previously reported threats continue to impact the species at the same or an increased level. COORDINATION WITH STATES In October 2004 we provided the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife with copies of our most recent candidate assessments for their review and comment. Vickie Caraway, the State botanist, reviewed the information for this species and provided no additional information or corrections (V. Caraway, pers. comm. 2005). ecos.fws.gov/docs/candforms_pdf/r1/Q1Z9_P01.pdf |
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Post by Melanie on Jan 24, 2007 23:52:18 GMT 1
Melicope paniculata (St. John) T. Hartley & B. Stone
Melicope paniculata was previously known from only 3 collections, all from Kauai
(Stone et al. 1990: 1199): the type from the upper Lihue Ditch Trail (875 m), and 2 collections
from Wahiawa Bog (ca. 580 m). At the Wailua River site, this species is very rare
with only a single individual observed, while on Namolokama collector’s notes indicate
it is occasional. These collections represent a rediscovery of this species. The crushed
parts emit a strong anise odor (Lorence & Flynn 7110).
Material examined. KAUAI: Kawaihau District, SE of Mt Pohakupele, along N. fork of Wailua
River, N of ditch intake up unnamed tributary E. of main river, lowland forest of Metrosideros,
Antidesma, and Pisonia dominant, invaded by Psidium, Rubus, and Lantana, 366–580 m, slender tree
5 m tall, with strong anise odor, leaves with revolute margins, 1 individual seen, 4 Nov 1991, D.
Lorence & T. Flynn 7110 (PTBG, US); Hanalei District, Namolokama Mt, Halelea Forest Reserve,
Metrosideros montane wet mixed community with sedges, grasses, and bryophytes, 1100–1280 m, 2
m tall tree, 18 Jun 1991, K.R. Wood et al. 924 (BISH, PTBG, US), 19 Jun 1991, K.R. Wood et al. 946
(BISH, PTBG, US).
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Post by Melanie on Jan 25, 2007 0:01:36 GMT 1
Melicope paniculata (Alani)—The following summary is based on information contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Melicope paniculata is a small tree found in wet forest dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha on Kauai, Hawaii. Historically known from four scattered populations within central Kauai, M. paniculata is currently known impacts because of its extremely limited distribution and specific habitat requirements. Water seepage from adjacent, up-slope agricultural irrigation causes mass failures and landslides throughout the length of the White Bluffs. Approximately 35 percent of the species’ known range has been moderately to severely impacted by landslides. All mass-failures occurring along the White Bluffs, with one exception, are found in association with water seepage. Water, particularly water from irrigated agriculture adjacent to the bluffs, is the primary factor triggering the mass-failures. a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-9283.pdf |
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