Hawaii's offshore islets are the last refuge for many rare coastal species and hold the hope for
becoming a safe haven for many more. Many islets are relatively isolated from the threats that
plague Hawaii's native species, over 470 of which are listed as threatened, endangered or candidate
species under the Endangered Species Act. Because of this isolation, many offshore islets in Hawaii
still harbor rich coastal resources, including 22 species of seabirds in the largest Hawaii seabird
colony outside of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Five new species were first described from Hawaii offshore islets. Eight threatened and
endangered species are currently found on the islets and eight additional federal species of concern
are present. The islets are home to large numbers of endemic (i.e., species found only in Hawaii) plants, insects, birds, and marine creatures.
(Text courtesy of OIRC)