THREATS
Mauna Kea’s high-elevation dry forest and the palila that live here are under constant threat from introduced animals, plants, insects, diseases, drought, and fire.
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Invasive plants
Weeds pose threats to māmane forest habitat by escalating fire risks and displacing native plant species. Invasive plants in Palila Critical Habitat on Mauna Kea include fireweed, fountain grass, cape ivy, and gorse. Alien plant pathogens, such as the fungus Armillaria mellea, also may kill māmane trees.
Fountain grass is an aggressive invasive grass that constantly needs to be kept in check.
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