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Briefing: How a seabird native to Hawaii has adapted to life in Honolulu's concrete jungle

Strategic angle: Kaʻiulani Murphy is quick to spot white terns flapping their wings when she's guiding Polynesian voyaging canoes across the Pacific.

editorial-staff
1 min read
Updated 9 days ago
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White terns, a seabird native to Hawaii, have shown notable adaptability to urban settings, particularly in Honolulu. Their ability to thrive amidst concrete structures raises questions about ecological resilience.

Kaʻiulani Murphy, a guide for Polynesian voyaging canoes, has observed these birds frequently, indicating their successful integration into the urban landscape. This behavior suggests a shift in their habitat utilization patterns.

The presence of white terns in populated areas may have implications for urban planning and biodiversity conservation strategies, necessitating a reevaluation of how infrastructure development affects local ecosystems.