48 Species to be Protected on Hawaiian Island

In a move being heralded by conservationists, the Bush Administration is proposing to list 48 species found only on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i as endangered.

The striking thing about the proposal -- besides that it comes from an administration that has resisted listing new species as endangered -- is that it for the first time seeks to group listed species in entire ecosystems in need of protection. Until now, threatened species have been thought of individually, and protection plans have considered each individually. Combining endangered species that occupy a common habitat will not only save money for the Fish and Wildlife Service, but presumably better protect the species and other non-threatened species living nearby.

Among the areas to be targeted for action due to the new listing is the Wainiha Valley, a private preserve being protected with guidance from the Nature Conservancy.

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