Distinctive Species of Laysan
Laysan is generally regarded as the "gem" of the NWHI, with the most biodiversity. It is home to the Laysan Duck, the rarest duck in the world. The other native land bird of Laysan is the Laysan Finch, an opportunistic hunter. Eighteen other bird species nest here and use Lake Laysan, the only lake in the NWHI, as a rest stop or breeding ground. Laysan also has its share of native plants, many of which, such as Eragrostis variabilis, were extirpated from Laysan during its extinction period and then reintroduced by scientists afterwards, from other Leeward islands. Like most other of the NWHI, Laysan is home to Hawaiian Monk Seals and Green Sea Turtles.
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