The Hawaiian archipelago, stretching 1,600 miles across the North Pacific Ocean, is one of the most isolated areas on Earth. Located more than 2,500 miles from the nearest continent, this spectacular group of islands has the world's highest percentage of unique terrestrial species. There are over 1000 species of native plants, approximately 135 different types of native birds and at least 5000 insect forms in the Aloha state. This miracle of evolution was made possible by the combined forces of time, extreme isolation, diversified terrain, and the adaptive capabilities of newly arrived species.
            Occupying just 0.2% of the total land area of the United States, Hawaii is both the endangered species capital of the world and the extinction capital of the United States with over 72% of our country's extirpated species. The islands are in the midst of an ecological catastrophe and the world is losing one of its great biological masterpieces.
            Many factors have contributed to this great environmental destruction. These include habitat loss due to agricultural, residential and commercial development; predation of native species by introduced cats, rats , and mongooses; severe forest damage by non-native pigs, goats, sheep, cattle and deer; competition from alien plants and birds, hunting, collecting and avian diseases such as malaria and pox. Perhaps the most regrettable factor contributing to this natural holocaust is widespread public apathy and the lack of care for our environment.
            Perhaps anyone who might observe Hawaii's unique organisms will be moved by their sublime beauty and motivated to help defend their right to exist. That is my hope and reason for starting Oahu Nature Tours and for writing books and publishing photographs of Hawaii's native flora and fauna. I believe it is both our responsibility and moral duty to preserve the native Hawaiian species that remain for all future generations to behold.