Author Archives: Sebastian Marquez

Return of the Kings

Let’s talk about the plight of 2 Ko`olau endemic taxa who were both on the very brink of extinction but are now on a tenuous path toward recovery. It’s a tale of destruction and despair but also of compassion and … Continue reading

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #43 Lobelia oahuensis

Lobelia oahuensis

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The Luzon Giant Cloud Rat

I just got back from a trip to Japan a few days ago and I was pleasantly surprised by the Kobe Animal Kingdom. It deserves a longer post on it’s own but for now I really wanted to highlight one … Continue reading

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Snapshot: Bacopa

Areas of frequent washouts are prime habitat for weedy, ruderal species. These areas of persistent disturbance are highly susceptible to colonization by non-native species here in Hawai`i. Most stream and canals here in the state are filled with some of … Continue reading

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Snapshot: A path to native forests

How can a tiny seedling bring me so much joy? Last week, I was clearing around the base of several large olapa trees when I came across this little guy. Almost a decade ago, I did a post on identifying … Continue reading

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`O`opu of Limahuli Stream

For as much as Hawai`i is known for rainforests and waterfalls, freshwater streams seem surprisingly depauperate compared to continental ecosystems. They like many other native Hawaiian habitats are imperilled, making this encounter with a fairly healthy stream with native fish … Continue reading

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Getting to know your Hawaiian Lobeliads #42 Cyanea coriacea

Cyanea coriacea

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Grackles and spectres of Ole Owyhee

Many species of grackles (Qusicalus spp) have adapted fairly well to the human landscape. I came across them in large numbers in and around San Antonio a few years back. Here on my trip to Puerto Rico it was no … Continue reading

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More on Olonā

While we’ve been lucky to have an intimate knowledge with olonā, there is so much more to this plant that I’m not familiar with, especially culturally. I’ve been lucky to be part of a project to bring more attention to … Continue reading

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Taxa that break my brain

First of please check out Gabriel Ugueto’s artwork. He is an amazing paleoartist that brings to life many obscure taxa one hardly finds quality images of. You can check out his twitter here and his facebook page here I made … Continue reading

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