Animal Species

HOʻOMAU RANCH provides excellent conditions and a safe place for the production of queen bees.

Black Angus cattle are favored in Hawaiʻi for their hardiness and high-quality beef. Ranching on the Big Island dates back over 180 years and is an enduring part of paniolo life and local food systems.

A resident tortoise enjoys a hibiscus flower snack, hand-fed by a friend. Known to be a conservation participant because it eats invasive plants rather than native species.

A touching moment between a rider and her horse, exemplifying the strong bond between paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and their mounts.

A close-up of a Hawaiian orb-weaving spider (Argiope appensa), a common native spider known for its large, symmetrical webs and striking striped patterns.

The vibrant red ʻapapane (Himatione sanguinea) is one of Hawaii’s most striking honeycreepers. A highly active and vocal bird, it flits through native forests, feeding primarily on the nectar of ʻōhiʻa lehua blossoms. This species plays an essential role in pollination, helping to sustain native plant populations. Unlike many other Hawaiian birds, the ʻapapane has remained relatively abundant.

The ʻelepaio (Chasiempis spp.) is a curious and intelligent monarch flycatcher, often seen flitting through the understory of Hawaiian forests. Three distinct species exist, each inhabiting a different Hawaiian island. These birds are skilled insect hunters and have cultural significance, historically serving as guides to canoe builders who sought out strong, rot-resistant trees.

The ʻio (Buteo solitarius) is Hawai‘i’s only native raptor and a symbol of royalty in Hawaiian culture. This powerful hawk is an agile hunter, preying on small birds, rodents, and insects. Once listed as endangered, the ʻio has made a recovery and is now classified as near threatened. It remains an important predator in maintaining the balance of Hawai‘i’s ecosystems.

The Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) is one of Hawai‘i’s only two native butterflies and is named after King Kamehameha I. It relies on native māmaki and related plants for its larvae, making it an important species for native forest health. Conservation efforts are in place to ensure its survival as habitat loss and invasive species threaten its populations.

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a well-known migratory species that has adapted to Hawai‘i’s climate. These butterflies depend on milkweed plants for reproduction, as their caterpillars exclusively feed on them. Though not native to Hawaii, monarchs are a familiar sight and contribute to local pollination.

The Pueo (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) is a diurnal owl that thrives in open landscapes, hunting for small mammals, birds, and insects. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day, often seen soaring gracefully over fields and grasslands.

Hawaiian land snails, often referred to as "tiny jewels of the forest," play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on decaying plant matter and fungi. Many native species are extremely rare due to habitat destruction and invasive predators like rats and invasive snails. These small but ecologically important creatures are a priority for conservation efforts.