Historically
, Koloa Maoli were found on all of the main
Hawaiian Islands, except Lana'i and Kaho'olawe .
There are no estimates on the population of
Koloa Maoli before 1940, but scientists believe
that Koloa Maoli were commonly found in natural
and wetland farm habitats . From the late 1800's
,the growing of taro provided wetland habitats
for the Koloa Maoli.
The decline in the number of Koloa Maoli was
caused by rats, mongooses, dogs ,cats, and
introduced fish and birds. The loss of wetlands
and local hunting also caused the decline in the
number of Koloa Maoli. By 1960, the Koloa Maoli
were gone on Maui, Moloka'i, and Oahu. They were
found in small numbers on Kaua'i and Ni'ihau.
Koloa Maoli have been restored on Hawaii, Oahu,
and Maui. They are found in elevations from sea
level to 9,900 feet. The Koloa Maoli are
endemic, found only in the wetlands of
Hawaii.
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