Which two islands are identified as the key geographic areas of concern for the most critically threatened Hawaiian Hylaeus populations?
Answer
Oahu and Molokai
While the genus *Hylaeus* has a global distribution, the primary focus for conservation tracking and intervention concerning federally listed species is heavily concentrated within the Hawaiian Islands, where many species evolved in isolation. Based on historical range data and current recovery efforts for the most imperiled populations of yellow-faced bees, the two islands demanding the most attention from wildlife services are Oahu and Molokai. These locations harbor populations that are either restricted entirely to the island or represent critical segments of species whose ranges might span both islands, such as *Hylaeus assimilans*.

Related Questions
How do yellow-faced bees belonging to the genus Hylaeus store pollen for transport?How many distinct Hawaiian yellow-faced bee species have been listed as endangered by the USFWS?Which two islands are identified as the key geographic areas of concern for the most critically threatened Hawaiian Hylaeus populations?What specific habitat types are frequently cited as essential locations for endangered Oahu Hylaeus species like *Hylaeus anthracinus*?What term describes the evolutionary phenomenon where Hawaiian *Hylaeus* species are found only within the Hawaiian Islands and nowhere else on Earth?Which specific mountain system on Oahu is mentioned as a confirmed historical and current location for the endangered species *Hylaeus anthracinus*?What necessity has made military lands like Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) important refugia for native Hylaeus bees on Oahu?What is the practical focus of conservation efforts in the management areas on MCBH concerning the habitat of yellow-faced bees?Which specific island, besides Oahu, is mentioned as a potential location for the endangered species *Hylaeus assimilans*?The genus *Hylaeus* is nearly cosmopolitan, being found everywhere except for which single continent?