These Botanists Are Scaling Cliffs to Save Endangered Plants

Adam Williams and Ben Nyberg are like the Indiana Joneses of plant conservation, leading the crusade to preserve Hawaii’s most distinct - and endangered - plants.
Hawaii’s biodiversity is unique, largely because of its isolation: Nearly 90% of native plants don’t grow anywhere else in the world, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. But that isolation has also left it vulnerable to threats like invasive species and environmental changes. So even though Hawaii makes up less than 1% of U.S. landmass, it’s now home to nearly 45% of all endangered and threatened plants in the U.S.
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[@VICENews]

Meet Hawaii's Indiana Joneses of rare plant conservation. WATCH NEXT: Feral Hogs Are Tearing Up Texas, So Tourists Are Shooting Them from Helicopters - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpmve2SnjNGBppY

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

1:05 shows a SPECIES FROM AFRICA-Angraecum leonis. (Orchidaceae). I know because I own one. That plant is NOT native to Hawaii. The LEAST you could do, vice, is show HAWAIIN PLANTS IN A documentary about HAWAIIAN PLANTS.

[@Sijan.G]

“I take it personally as a responsibility to maintain the things that we have” Respect🙏🏻

[@thagreatfrank3071]

This Is Beyond Awesome!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@AzriRich88]

These guys are taking huge risk going to the edge of cliffs which are great effort, and suddenly "Probably it is not necessary to conserve, because there is not much use" that part makes me wonder why and curious why wouldn't it be conserved. But anyway, to these wonderful guys in the video making this effort and to whoever that are doing this kind of effort of finding and saving the endangered species, thank you, you are amazing.

[@CS-RAVAGE]

@ 1:56 a drone capturing a drone. . .

[@DTB3378]

6:18... yes a useful plant is more important for conservation? lol

[@srcstcgngr2905]

YaBoi im pretty sure they are referring to a monetary value kinda things as apposed to just increasing the natural biodiversity of Hawaii

[@dysay]

You have much to learn

[@backsfx]

drone runs dry of energy mid flight back oooooooooooh shit

[@Seriouslioness]

mahalo

[@FoxMcovitch]

nice

[@shekharmoona544]

Some of the compounds could have been used in pharmaceuticals.

[@DavidRodriguez-gl5pn]

Want to help? Get rid of humans

[@starriderkittykat9064]

Sure they are.. Right!. And thats the Only reason to they flying around..wink wink.

[@BBY_Sitta_]

The Amazon has rare plants than Hawaii, and you can even say better plants🤔🤔🤔

[@TheJttv]

I see you vice. Filming a drone with a drone.

[@hannesgolem]

Jttv basically droneception

[@VICENews]

Drones on drones!

[@fatesfn7104]

VICE News lmfao

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Drones on drones. Lol What do you do when a drone catches an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

[@user-qw4zv6xr2x]

@@r.williamcomm7693 charge the animal with poaching by poaching the endangered animal

[@thomaskwan3251]

This is the vice i like to see

[@VICENews]

Thank you Thomas! We appreciate the support!

[@thomaskwan3251]

@@VICENews No problem keep on keeping on

[@DrCJones]

At 1:50 I felt like a was suddenly watching a Disney Movie.

[@bok..]

I love botany so much, these guys are doing great work. Losing a species is losing millennia of evolution, not saving them is pointless.

[@Kevin-fj5oe]

"So what are doing for a job ?" "Just scalling cliff everyday" " wow, what is your job ?" "Botanist"

[@April_Vicious]

Thank you dudes for helping our planet 💙

[@sidjtd]

April Vicious They’re helping Hawaii. Localize you’re thanks and mission! Helping the world isn’t much help if you don’t have concrete steps to help a specific part. My point is, ur efforts may not even help the world but are worthy

[@conventionalfusion6416]

The earth don't need this fucken botanists to save it

[@tedkaczynski3126]

@@conventionalfusion6416 stfu

[@chcgostyle]

Just because we don't understand a plant's purpose, doesn't mean it doesn't have one. Everything was put here for a reason. I agree, all plants deserve to live. ... in support of the comments below, yes... great video work on this one. Nice to see a story on something other than the homeless, refugees, and addicts.

[@finalform4971]

0:40 Goats just casually strolling across death drop cliff.

[@CaylaFenton-Reeder]

That was nothing you should see the ones on dams that grow moss and grasses with only a inch gap to cling to before dropping down hundreds of feet.

[@legros731]

@@CaylaFenton-Reeder they climb to lick the salt not grass grass is everywere lol

[@wishingonthemoon1]

I just left Hawaii after my second vacation to there. It’s my dream to spend a longer time there and help the Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) grow. If you go south on the Big Island, they sure don’t look endangered-but they’re the main food source for the Palila (a type of endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper), and the Mamane isn’t flourishing in the Palila’s habitat, even tho it’s found all over the island. Mamane is ENDEMIC, this means growing *only* in Hawaii. This is different than indigenous, which means originating from a place but found elsewhere. The Mamane has a *less than* 5% germination rate. Which is so odd, because the seed pods are enormous and plentiful on each plant. Walking in late February through volcano national park is like walking through a maraca festival haha. When I was there, I would open the seed pods and distribute them as much as I could, and I took some seeds and planted them in the Palila’s habitat. I hope I made a little bit of a difference.

[@zureai]

Man drones can do everything .. can’t wait until i turn into a cyborg

[@iralamborn9984]

This is the vice that I’ve missed. It makes me so happy seeing quality stuff like this getting uploaded. Vice is back on the right track

[@irishabella3350]

No joke, but this is my dream job (Botanist)

[@k.3004]

Irish Abella It's my hobby. Citizen science, scientists 😁 I don't have the time and money to pursue STEM courses and have a degree, but I can try to be well versed in the topic and promote the knowledge of the topic (like for example: Botany) in my everyday civilian life.

[@raphlvlogs271]

Those plants need conservation for a variety of reasons.

[@jerickodoggo9595]

Like the music. really set the tone for looking at Hawaii as a magical special place. :)

[@kingjames4886]

those plants look straight outta Dr seus.

[@Edits-vd5ru]

Wow. It is so difficult to think fpr a whole species of a plant to go extinct, but it really happens.

[@wwechampion]

This video is the perfect example to combining information and entertainment. I don't even care about endangered plants, trees, shrubs, or botany in general but it felt like I was watching a movie, especially so with the cinema-like film score. Good job Vice!

[@FlingflingTv]

Beautiful story!

[@ijaychannel3759]

VICE YOU DONT UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS VIDEO

[@hassanm.hassan4799]

Honestly I've always liked most Vice videos but you guys are fire lately with your content. Bravo!!

[@AATfilms1]

Why do all the interview shots look like they were directed by Wes Anderson?

[@LMAO-ef3ip]

amazing work, i am amazed by your commitment, wish i could join you!

[@amandahug-n-kiss3749]

Is the fungi natural phenomenal ? humans are the invacive species ? can you shoot the goats?🤔🤔🤔

[@TupacWestsideOregon]

This was awesome. Good job guys!!!

[@pandemonium3910]

Thank you for your amazing work. Reminds me of the Karate Kid when Daniel scaled down the cliff face for that bonsai 🌲🌱🌳

[@sooocheesy]

Now go find Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't and do a documentary on him. The man is a botany legend.

[@Tertiantoon]

Brian some of the best stuff on KZbin!

[@WiseSnake]

4:28 That music is giving me major _Walking With Dinosaurs_ vibes. (The original.)

[@trbgraphics5557]

I feel you

[@jyvaineorchids2255]

Collecting seeds of endangered plants species is my dream job. But i can't do all the studies to become a botaniste... 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Hmongboi228]

It's people like these conservationists that want to make me go back to obtaining a job in "science.." I could easily go volunteer my services (very little to offer, just a Associates in Biology) but what about my bills, food on the table and health insurance? Screw the main stream life style. I'm fine with rotating between 10 (or less) sets of clothes and living in a room/trailer or dormitory. These two botanists will make a difference in the world yet so few people will recognize their contribution to the scientific field and future generations. Keep up the good hard, honest work.. 👍

[@YoMamaRice]

I thought Steve Pearlman was the Indiana Jones of Kauai. Too old for Vice?

[@glenmorrison8080]

As a botanist (in California), I can assure you that other botanists in Hawaii talk about how cool these guys are. :)

[@ellengoode1855]

God is so much smarter than man, yet man does not ever ask God what man should do. Dumb and dumber ideas come forth to Rob nation's money for fake research.

[@pepticrose]

The music is majestic

[@tonylo.6766]

Sounds like mother earth is in an abusive relationship with humans.

[@masonrabe7630]

I feel vice news is if not one of the best news platforms in America today.

[@bobtheprophet8006]

AWESOME

[@Ganttura1]

5:20 lower right, you can see insect nest.

[@liang2492]

Helinä Keijo woe

[@aniryoj5022]

BEST KZbin CHANNEL PERIOD DOT DOT DOT DOT DOT NO ONE ELSE

[@Ice_Karma]

Wow. "Let's just mash up a bunch of pieces of Holst's _The Planets!"_ Nobody'll know, and it sounds awesome! /s

[@taka-taktak]

These people are so fucking cool.

[@BananaBabys]

No cap I lived in that valley for 6 months with my family.

[@cordwoodenties5505]

It’s beautiful.

[@puprilla]

Im here for the cannabis yall find any of that?

[@forme3h]

I wouldn’t mind working in that kind of beauty. Wow! And thanks for saving these plants.

[@averagebloke4474]

So let me get this straight, these guys get paid and paid good money to look for plants? Wow must be nice

[@brolygvc]

Where did you see how much they get paid

[@ismackherbiehind]

Sculpin probably not as easy as you would think man these guys a repelling of of massive fucking cliffs.

[@averagebloke4474]

@@brolygvc I'm sure they so alright, they travel to Hawaii and make a career out of it. Think for a second.

[@Zackattack94]

@@averagebloke4474 probably went to and paid for college 8+ years also

[@k.3004]

I think what you have to focus on is how they got the job, a federal job at that. (Not all governments care about the unique species that exist in and only in their borders.) Being well versed in plant taxonomy, morphology, botany. Studying how many years to become a Botanist. What is "nice" is that there are programs like these that enables botanists to save this world's vanishing plant biodiversity. Easy for you to say it's "nice". You did not choose to become a botanist.

[@ronsmith1364]

Crime Pays but, Botany Doesn't has been remiss in not approving the video...

[@anaskhoiri3653]

Plant is medicine save of all cost take sample from leaf for research

[@kemster9495]

Exactly there are so many undiscovered compounds from plants that could be become used for future cures

[@ozypops5586]

Damnnnn how do I get this job? Cuz I'm in debt for the wrong degree.

[@lucastea9533]

get a degree in botany/ horticulture. i don’t know if it’s too late cause u choose the wrong degree but you can work your way up still. i am going to college next year and majoring in horticulture & minoring in botany

[@miguelmaldonado2645]

Thank you to Ben and Adam !!

[@pacocastillo5474]

The stupid Jurassic park soundtrack crap rest seriously of the documentary

[@corbinbowen9708]

???

[@SwampyMusic]

God damn big banana

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

I love these men. These men are heroes.

[@JohnSmith-oe5rx]

Forgot to mention that the US DOD is giving the people drone’s in Hawaii.

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

1:05 SHOWS AN AFRICAN SPECIES. That is angraecum leonis. I have one in my orchid collection. The LEAST you could do, vice, is show plants that are ACTUALLY NATIVE TO HAWAII.

[@rubenrego1958]

Had the pleasure of meet and watch Ben Nyberg do a presentation of their work with drones recently.

[@thunder956]

i kind of find this weird. whole lot of human self-importance savior complex

[@gune678]

high quality docs not some dull nonce doing fucking 1 star reviews, right on vice!

[@Laaaa]

It’d be cool if we can find plants that provide antibiotic properties.

[@k.3004]

Laaaa Lot of plants need not be discovered just tested whether or not such properties exists. The issue of antibiotic resistance also comes to mind.

[@prorussianman]

bro are you dumb

[@thomaskwan3251]

There are

[@thomaskwan3251]

Garlic, Honey, Echinachea etc..

[@francois9747]

Nice editing

[@bryanflores4691]

white people calling them ours no white man ur not a kanaka maoli

[@ammo2960]

Why?

[@MADTYGER66]

Botanist, its like a perk in dead by day light.

[@erickrodriguez3827]

80 percent trust equipment 20 percent confidence

[@adamperry7934]

why do you have drone footage of a drone getting footage?

[@kathyh.3677]

Where do I sign up

[@mattwurth066]

Great topics that I am concerned about!

[@michaeldemotta7724]

I am Kanaka Indy. Hawaiians saving Hawaiians!

[@kavikanaveli8348]

learn to say Hawaiʻi correct.

[@mungolianbeef]

I love drones!

[@TKO593]

If you do please fight against the FAA pushing remote ID laws.

[@MrEtherShot]

Doctah Drones

[@crunchyburrito2257]

What in the karate kid 3 is this?

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

Our VICE drone will follow your bio drone... OK? Action!

[@daplantbaby]

ROD is the worst :(

[@GlennCallcott]

Heroes

[@matchabish4981]

Why do the interviews look like a Wes Anderson movie? Great video!

[@goyaguy]

yuh my coworkers

[@Vryaer]

Wow good job on the music

[@bentitus6939]

Intense botany.

[@raymondmejias8071]

Yes!! Thank you so much for your hard work and love of our only life supporting planet we have, greed & people like Trumpy grumpy are the ones that have been destroying this planet....#blueplanet

[@rick-yo]

Amazing

[@elizabethsharp3318]

So badass

[@voyager8187]

I just wish every Indonesian documentary are this simple, quick and interesting 🇮🇩 Vice won't you come to Indonesia?? ☹☹

[@ADHDCREATIVE]

Marijuana is the only flower I'll save!!🤷🏾‍♂️

[@bequakynskagroupie3751]

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEY......!!! Who dropped SCP 610 on the middle of Hawai'i with all that sporulating?! Someone's fixing to be deleted... other than all the earthling D-class.

[@bhickey2012]

Vice Editor: “hey we need some beautiful classical music to accompany this B-roll of these amazing cliffs, mountains and such.” Junior Editor/Pop-plebeian: “hey there’s this, it is VERY NICE (high five), they call it “The Moldau””. Other in back of room: “hey wasn’t that written about a river?” Vice Editor: “eh, yeh, it’s fine, there’s water in the shot.” A for effort guys 😂👌🏽

[@ristube3319]

Why can’t they be irradiated with high intensity UV light to kill the fungi? Or something like selective thinning or foster environments to keep the genes from extinction. Are you sharing your finds with Svalbard seed vault?

[@lockdahubz3383]

Kauai, boyz . Garden isle!!! hold it down

[@BLUEGENE13]

i don't understand why drones didn't exist sooner? didn't we have all the tech for them?