Botanical survey of the Astronomy Precinct and 500-meter buffer zones on Mauna Kea

Author:

Gerrish, Grant

Title:

Botanical survey of the Astronomy Precinct and 500-meter buffer zones on Mauna Kea

Periodical:

Mauna Kea Plans

Year:

2012

Subject:

Botanical surveying Mauna Kea Lichen Plants

Summary:

This report is part of a botanical baseline survey of all the University of Hawaii Management Lands on Mauna Kea. This report covers only the Astronomy Precinct and a buffer zone extended 500 m beyond all the observatories, roads and other facilities that are near the boundaries of the Astronomy Precinct. We used transect-based sampling in the majority of the study area, with transects 30 m (100 ft.) apart and sample points spaced 100 m (328 ft.) apart on the transects. Transects and sample points were located using the GPS. In general, the study area has the appearance of a barren vocanic landscape. Although fifteen species of plants were found in all of the surveys, their combined cover is too low to measure. Only grasses, ferns and herbs were found. Plants rarely grow in the open. Rather, they grow in hidden sites protected from the harsh climatic conditions, such as in crevices, under overhangs or at the base of boulders. The cinder surfaces of the puu and all other surfaces of loose material were devoid of life. We did not find any endangered or threatened plants. Lichens are the most widely distributed life-form at the summit.

Date:

March 15, 2012

Collection:

EIS