Akiapolaau and its remaining habitat

Author:

Jacobi, James D.

Title:

Akiapolaau and its remaining habitat

Periodical:

Elepaio

Year:

1973

Volume:

34

Pages:

74-76

Subject:

Akiapolaau Hemignathus munroi Endangered species birds

Summary:

From May - December, 1972, this author had the opportunity to observe a population of the Akiapolaau, (Hemignathus wilsoni), on a regular basis. These observations were done in the Kilauea Forest Reserve that is located approximately seven miles north of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii where the dominant tree is the koa (Acacia koa). This was also where the ohia (Metrosideros collina), the olapa (Cheirodendron trigynum), the naio (Myoporum sandwicense, and the hapuu (Ciborium spp.) thrived and where an assemblage of other native birds existed such as the Amakihi (Loxops virens), akepa (L. coccinea), creeper (L. Maculata), elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis), apapane (Himatione sanguinea), iiwi (Vestaria coccinea), omao (Phaeornis obscura), and the occasional io (Buteo solitarius). During his studies, the author was able to record 60 Akiapolaau on 34 occasions, and eight birds in four different groups. In addition, immature akiapolaau were also seen with adults on nearly every sighting that was done between October and December, 1972. This indicated a successful breeding during the months of the previous summer. The author was also able to distinguish at least three distinct vocalizations during his observations. However, the total population of the akiapolaau has become markedly reduced in the last century. This is because the mamane-naio forest has been subjected to heavy feral sheep and goat populations that have affected the replacement of tree seedlings on Mauna Kea. Likewise, the Kilauea koa forests have been literally plowed under by feral pigs. As a result, extending the length of sport hunting and retaining as pristine a condition as possible of the remaining native bird habitat is essential for the survival of the akiapolaau.

Label:

Birds - Akiapolaau

Date:

1973

Collection:

Periodicals