Team Schiedea (How to save a species from going EXTINCT) | Plants are Cool, Too

Summary

In this captivating exploration of Kauai's rarest plants, the video follows scientists studying and protecting endangered species, particularly within the genus Sheedia. Despite facing numerous challenges from invasive species and habitat loss, passionate conservationists are working tirelessly to save these plants from extinction. The story highlights the efforts of experts like Dr. Anne Sakai, Dr. Steve Weller, and Steve Perlman, who use innovative techniques such as hand-pollination and reintroduction to safeguard Hawaii's unique flora. The video is a call to action for future generations to continue the fight for plant conservation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hawaii is home to unique plant species, including the *Sheedia* genus, found nowhere else on earth.
• 😀 Many Hawaiian plants, including *Sheedia*, are critically endangered due to threats like invasive species and habitat loss.
• 😀 *Sheedia* has a high diversity of reproductive systems, making it an important subject for evolutionary studies.
• 😀 Scientists, including Dr. Anne Sakai and Dr. Steve Weller, have been studying *Sheedia* since the 1970s to understand how to protect these rare plants.
• 😀 Over the years, *Sheedia* populations have declined, with some species already lost to extinction.
• 😀 The presence of invasive species, like goats, is harming the survival of native plants, including *Sheedia*.
• 😀 Conservationists are locating and protecting new populations of *Sheedia* in remote areas that are less impacted by invasive species.
• 😀 Successful conservation efforts include growing healthy seedlings from inbred plants, cross-pollinating them, and reintroducing them into the wild.
• 😀 Pollinator studies revealed that moths play a critical role in the reproduction of *Sheedia* plants, which is crucial for the success of reintroductions.
• 😀 The collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and various agencies is essential for the survival of *Sheedia* and other endangered Hawaiian plants.

Q & A

What makes the *Sheedia* genus of plants so special?

The *Sheedia* genus is unique because all 34 species are endemic to Hawaii, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. It is considered one of the most iconic examples of island evolution and has a diverse range of reproductive systems, which makes it a critical subject for studying plant evolution.

Why are many of Hawaii’s native plant species, like *Sheedia*, at risk of extinction?

Hawaii's native plant species face threats from invasive species, such as goats and other herbivores, habitat destruction, and small, fragmented populations. These challenges make it difficult for many species, including *Sheedia*, to survive and reproduce in the wild.

How are scientists working to protect *Sheedia* species from extinction?

Scientists are working on various conservation methods, including locating, monitoring, and protecting wild plants, collecting seeds and cuttings, and outplanting species in protected sites. They also use hand-pollination techniques to improve genetic diversity and ensure healthy seedlings for reintroduction.

What role do pollinators play in the conservation of *Sheedia* plants?

Pollinators, specifically moths, are crucial for the reproduction of *Sheedia* plants. The conservation efforts focus on attracting these pollinators to the protected sites where reintroduced plants are located. This will help ensure that the plants can flower, produce seeds, and eventually create a self-sustaining population.

What is the significance of the collaboration among different groups in the conservation effort?

Collaboration is essential for successful conservation. Teams of scientists, researchers, local collaborators, and even amateur botanists contribute their expertise, resources, and time to protect and restore *Sheedia* plants and other endangered species. This collective effort ensures better outcomes for plant survival.

How did Dr. Steve Weller contribute to the recovery of *Sheedia kawaiensis*?

Dr. Steve Weller played a critical role by growing inbred *Sheedia kawaiensis* plants in his greenhouse, then performing careful cross-pollination between different populations. This resulted in healthy, outbred seedlings that were reintroduced into the wild, helping to revive the species.

What challenges did conservationists face when trying to reintroduce *Sheedia kawaiensis* plants into the wild?

One of the major challenges was the small number of plants in each population, which led to inbreeding and weak seedlings. Additionally, finding suitable and protected locations for outplanting these species was difficult due to threats from invasive species and the vulnerability of the plants.

How does Kauai’s geography contribute to its high rate of plant speciation?

Kauai's ancient geology has led to the development of unique topography and specialized habitats that support a wide variety of plant species. This has contributed to high rates of speciation, particularly in plant species like *Sheedia*, which evolved in isolation on the island.

What is the ultimate goal of the plant conservation efforts for *Sheedia* species?

The ultimate goal is to establish self-sustaining populations of *Sheedia* species in their native habitats, where they can reproduce and thrive independently. Success would be measured by the plants growing, flowering, and eventually producing seeds that create new generations of plants.

What is the significance of the work done by Steve Perlman in the conservation of Hawaii’s rare plants?

Steve Perlman has been instrumental in finding and protecting Hawaii’s rarest plants, using methods such as dropping out of helicopters and rappelling down cliffs. His dedication to saving endangered species, including *Sheedia kawaiensis*, has made a significant impact on conservation efforts across Hawaii.