The ‘Akikiki, a native Hawaiian endangered honeycreeper species, is teetering on the brink of extinction. As of July 12, 2023, only five of these birds remain in the wild, and their chances of survival are dwindling with each passing day. This alarming news was shared by Justin Hite of the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP) during a community open house.
The ‘Akikiki, along with two other species, the ‘akeke’e on Kaua‘i and kiwikiu on Maui, are facing imminent extinction. The primary threat to these species is avian malaria, carried by mosquitoes that have been moving higher into the mountain habitats of the birds to escape warmer temperatures.
Efforts to save the ‘Akikiki have included collecting unhatched eggs from nests high in the forest canopy. Eleven of twelve eggs hatched successfully, and the chicks are now in bird conservation centers on Kaua‘i and Maui, managed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. These chicks will be raised in safety until the threat of avian malaria is eliminated in the wild.
The ray of hope in this dire situation is the planned implementation of the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT). This technique involves releasing male mosquitoes carrying a strain of a naturally occurring bacteria (Wolbachia) that is different from the strain in female mosquitoes. This results in female mosquitoes not having viable eggs and offspring, thereby reducing the mosquito population.
David Smith, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Administrator, explained that mosquitoes are not native to Hawaii and do not play a crucial ecological role. Suppressing mosquitoes, therefore, has a huge environmental upside and almost no downside. It could even help with human health issues.
However, the IIT project has faced opposition from groups seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the effort. Smith acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes that the fate of up to 17 species of Hawaiian honeycreepers is at stake.
The fight to save the ‘Akikiki and other endangered honeycreepers is a testament to the importance of biodiversity and the lengths to which conservationists will go to protect it. These birds are emblematic of the native ecosystems in Hawaii and are an important part of our natural heritage.
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.