Koa wilt They are a dominant forest species. Koa wilt has been found on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. Most diseased trees are found at elevations below 3,000 feet. However, it has also been observed at elevations as high as 7,000 feet. Fusarium, the primary cause of Koa wilt, May be found in a variety of environments but thrives with the high temperatures and moist soils of Hawaii. It survives in the soil. "F. oxysporum" is a soil-borne pathogen, and currently sanitation, controlling the initial inoculum, is the best means to control it. One should avoid bringing infected soil
Lesser koa finch was smaller than the other scientifically described koa finches, measuring on average only five inches in length. Its life cycle and feeding habits apparently centered around the koa plant from which it got nectar and fruit (and for which it was named). The koa also provided refuge for small flocks of the finch as it avoided people and the noon high sun. It was seen congregating with its larger relative, the greater koa-finch. Several specimens were collected and sent to London, Cambridge, New York, Philadelphia, and Berlin. The bird appeared to have always had a small population. When people brought