Fighting extinction: Protecting endangered species on Big Island Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise for nature lovers, with its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. But it is also a hotspot for extinction, with more than 100 plant species already gone and hundreds more at risk of disappearing forever. Many of the native animals are also endangered, such as the Hawaiian monk seal, the green sea turtle, and the nene goose.

Fortunately, there are conservation efforts underway to protect and restore these precious species and their habitats. One of these efforts is to relocate some of the critically endangered forest birds from Maui and Kauai to the Big Island, where they may have a better chance of survival. These birds are the kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill), the akikiki (Kauai creeper), the akekee (Kauai akepa), and the puaiohi (Kauai thrush). They are all threatened by habitat loss, invasive predators, and diseases such as avian malaria⁴.

The Big Island has more suitable forest habitat for these birds, as well as lower mosquito populations and higher elevations that are less prone to disease transmission. The plan is to establish new populations of these birds in protected areas on the Big Island, such as Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve. The birds will be captured on their home islands, screened for health, transported by helicopter or plane, and released into acclimation aviaries before being released into the wild⁴.

The goal is to create self-sustaining populations of these birds on the Big Island that can contribute to their long-term recovery. The project is a collaboration between federal, state, and private partners, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the American Bird Conservancy, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance⁴.

But relocating endangered birds is not enough to save them from extinction. They also need ongoing protection and management of their habitats, which are home to many other rare and endemic species. For example, the Big Island has 366 plant species that are listed as endangered or threatened by federal and state governments, and many more that are not officially listed but still in need of conservation². Some of these plants are essential food sources for the forest birds, such as the lobeliads and mints that produce nectar for the kiwikiu².

To protect these plants and other native species, conservationists are working to remove invasive plants and animals that threaten their survival, such as feral pigs, goats, rats, cats, mongoose, fire ants, strawberry guava, miconia, and clidemia. They are also working to restore native vegetation by planting seeds and seedlings collected from wild populations or grown in nurseries. They are also monitoring the status and trends of the species and their habitats using surveys, cameras, drones, and other tools².

You can help support these conservation efforts by learning more about Hawaii’s endangered species and their threats, donating to or volunteering with organizations that work to protect them, visiting wildlife refuges and natural reserves that showcase their beauty and diversity, and spreading awareness and appreciation for Hawaii’s natural heritage. Together, we can fight extinction and protect Hawaii’s endangered species for future generations.

Source:
(1) Plan would move four endangered bird species to Big Island. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2022/12/26/hawaii-news/plan-would-move-four-endangered-bird-species-to-big-island/.
(2) Rare Plant Species – Department of Land and Natural Resources. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/rare-plants/species/.
(3) Threatened, Endangered and Species of Concern – Hawaiʻi Biodiversity. https://hawaiibiodiversity.org/te-and-species-of-concern/.
(4) Animals That Have Become Endangered in Hawaii – Hawaii Guide. https://www.hawaii-guide.com/hawaii-travel-tips/5-endangered-animals-in-hawaii.