Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife refuge in northern Koolau Mountains, Hawaii
Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge is a protected forest area on the upper slopes of the northern Koolau Range in Hawaii, spanning thousands of acres of native vegetation. The refuge preserves the habitats of native plants and animals across its forested terrain.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the refuge in 2000 to protect endangered species and maintain native Hawaiian biodiversity. This action marked a significant effort to safeguard the island's forest ecosystems.
The forest holds essential habitats for native Hawaiian species that define the character of the Koolau Ridge, including Oahu tree snails, elepaio birds, and honeycreepers. These animals shape how locals understand and relate to their island's natural heritage.
The refuge remains closed to the public due to conservation requirements and challenging terrain, with administrative offices located in Haleiwa. Visitors cannot enter the protected area but can learn more by contacting the regional office.
The refuge protects at least four endangered tree snail species and over a dozen endangered plant species found nowhere else in the world. This concentration of rare species makes the area a biological hotspot of worldwide importance.
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