Restoring Paradise: Rethinking and Rebuilding Nature in Hawaii - Softcover

Cabin, Robert J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0824836936 ISBN 13: 9780824836931

Publisher: Latitude 20, 2013

Synopsis

Three quarters of the U.S.’s bird and plant extinctions have occurred in Hawai‘i, and one third of the country’s threatened and endangered birds and plants reside within the state. Yet despite these alarming statistics, all is not lost: There are still 12,000 extant species unique to the archipelago and new species are discovered every year. In Restoring Paradise: Rethinking and Rebuilding Nature in Hawai‘i, Robert Cabin shows why current attempts to preserve Hawai‘i’s native fauna and flora require embracing the emerging paradigm of ecological restoration―the science and art of assisting the recovery of degraded species and ecosystems and creating more meaningful and sustainable relationships between people and nature.

Cabin’s extensive experience as a research ecologist and applied practitioner enables him to provide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at successful and inspiring restoration programs. In Part 1 he recounts Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge’s efforts to restore thousands of acres of degraded pasture on the island of Hawai‘i back to the native rain forests that once dominated the area and sheltered native birds now on the brink of extinction. Along the way, he presents an overview of Hawaiian natural and cultural history, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. Following chapters look at restoration work underway by the U.S. Park Service to reestablish native species within the vast Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; by a charismatic scientist and dedicated volunteers to restore the native forests of Auwahi on the southern slopes of Haleakalā; and by the Limahuli branch of Kauai’s National Tropical Botanical Garden to revive a thousand-year-old taro plantation. To investigate the compelling and often conflicting philosophies and strategies of those involved in restoration, Cabin opens Part 3 with interview excerpts from a cross-section of Hawai‘i’s environmental community. He concludes with a provocative and insightful discussion of the contentious, evolving relationship between humans and nature and the power and limitations of science within and beyond Hawai‘i.

About this title

About the Author

Robert J. Cabin is associate professor of ecology and environmental science at Brevard College. Before returning to academia, he worked as a restoration ecologist in Hawai‘i for the U.S. Forest Service and the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Reviews

Geographic isolation has fostered the evolution of many species of birds and plants entirely unique to the Hawaiian Islands, yet these islands are home to three quarters of all of America's extinctions—most of which have been caused by the human introduction of non-native species. Here, Brevard College professor of ecology and environmental science Cabin (Intelligent Tinkering: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice) details the effort to mitigate the destruction wrought by invasive species and to restore natural habits for threatened native species. Even though such a task is daunting, Cabin's tone is hopeful and inspiring, showcasing real and heartening examples of success. Primarily through the use of fences to exclude and eventually eliminate goats, wild pigs, and other alien species, conservation teams have successfully established plantings of native trees and plants, which subsequently sustain the growth of other native flora and encourage the return of native bird species. Cabin raises philosophical questions about what exactly it means to be "native" or "natural," and the difficult issue of prioritizing restoration efforts in a threatened landscape. He also contrasts the value and effectiveness of academic science and theory against the accumulated wisdom of grassroots conservationists with years of experience. The book as a whole is a dynamic exploration of conservation efforts in native habitats. Illus. and maps. (July)

Hawaii may be a garden paradise but that doesn’t mean it’s an ecological Eden. More plants and birds go extinct in Hawaii than anywhere else in America, a notoriety that is slightly offset by the discovery of unique new species every year. Although Hawaii is perceived as a fertile wonderland, its tropical lushness perilously falls prey to the devastation of marauding ungulates like feral pigs and goats, while the few native plant species still clinging to life are in danger of being overrun by alien invasive species, who like the islands’ famous hospitality a little too much. Yet all is not doom and gloom, as restoration ecologist Cabin passionately illustrates through a series of in-depth chronicles of innovative and experimental work accomplished by the remarkable collaborative efforts among governmental, private, and volunteer entities. Exploring the philosophical and scientific issues that drive and shape these projects, Cabin sheds light on the critical environmental challenges facing one of the most beloved and important habitats on earth. --Carol Haggas

Edition details

• Publisher: Latitude 20
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0824836936
• ISBN 13: 9780824836931
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280