Home > Islets > Kahoolawe > Puukoae ISLETS: KAHOOLAWE > PUUKOAE Puukoae   Puukoae - Photo: K Wood Puukoae - Photo: K Wood   Puukoae - Photo: K Wood Puukoae - Photo: K Wood   Puukoae - Photo: K Wood Physical Features Puukoae is a 13 acre, 380 foot seastack located on the south shore of Kahoolawe. It is steep, rocky, has little soil and, like the rest of Kahoolawe, was previously subject to military target practice for many years. Regulations Public access to Puukoae is restricted and a special permit is required from the KIRC in order to land. All native plants and wildlife on the islet are protected by state and/or federal law. Birds ‘Koae’ means tropicbird and, true to its name, Red-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda) still nest there. Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) also nest on the islet. Dead Bulwer’s petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) adults and fledglings have been observed on recent visits, apparent victims of owl predation. It is likely that the Bulwer’s are attempting to nest. Black noddies (Anous minutus) and Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) forage near the islet. Plants Puukoaea has 21 native plant species; a remarkably high number for any coastal habitat in Hawaii. Fifteen of these are endemic, native only to Hawaii. The islet also has the only remaining population of endangered Ohai (Sesbania tomentosa) on Kahoolawe. Puukoae and Aleale also have the two largest and most secure populations of Portulaca molokiniensis, a rare and diminishing species. In 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat on Puukoae for the endangered plant, Kanaloa kahoolawensis. Although this plant is not currently present, establishing a population on Puukoae would be an important step towards species recovery. Insects Limited insect collections have been made. The most exciting discovery was new species of endemic Rhyncogonus beetle. However, large numbers of alien Fire ants (Solenopsis geminata) are present and may be outcompeting native insects. This ant species is also known to harass and sometimes kill seabird chicks. In 2001, biologists observed that fire ants had eaten holes in the feet of Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) chicks on Puukoae. Marine Organisms Although marine surveys have not been conducted directly adjacent to Puukoae or Aleale, surveys around several areas of Kahoolowe, including nearby Kamohio Bay, indicate that marine resources are generally in good condition. For example, scientists did not detect any alien marine algae or invertebrates around Kahoolawe in a 1998 survey, despite their increasing prevalence throughout the state. Kahoolawe also has a wide range of reef habitats and a high diversity of corals and reef fishes. Green sea turtles, Spinner dolphins, Humpback whales, and Hawaiian monk seals are also present. However, sediment input from eroded areas of Kahoolawe and illegal fishing are taking a toll on coral reefs and fish. Human Uses Several rock platforms are present, indicating use by ancient Hawaiians. The purpose of the platforms is unknown but they could possibly have been used for catching seabirds to gather feathers. There are no current human uses. Threats Barn owls (Tyto alba) are suspected to be eating seabirds. Fire ants are also harassing seabird chicks and are likely reducing their survival. Invasive grasses, such as Beach Cenchrus, and other weed species are competing for space with native plants. Soil erosion and periodic drought also threaten native species. > Back to top of page Home  Islets  Species  Projects  Outreach  Links  About Us