Status and management of the Palila, an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper, 1987-1996

Author:

Pratt, Thane K., Banko, Paul C., Fancy, Steven G., Lindsey, Gerald D., Jacobi, James D.

Title:

Status and management of the Palila, an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper, 1987-1996

Periodical:

Pacific Conservation Biology

Year:

1997

Volume:

3

Pages:

330-340

Subject:

Palila Loxioides bailleui Mamane Sophora chrysophylla Endangered Species Birds monitoring palila Birds counting Feral ungulates Mammalian Predation Genetics Birds diseases Translocation Birds food

Summary:

A single, relictual population of a Hawaiian honeycreeper, known as the Palila (Loxioides bailleui), survives on the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano on the island of Hawaii. Here, it feeds almost entirely on the flower parts and green (unripe) seeds of the mamane tree Sophora chrysophylla. However, the Palila was listed as an endangered species by state and federal governments because of continuing damage to its habitat by browsing Feral and Mouflon Sheep Ovis aries and O. musimon and Goats Capra hircus. It was also listed as endangered due to the bird's restricted range and low numbers. As a result, the ecology of the Palila was studied from 1987 to 1996 with results reported here.

Label:

Birds - Palila

Date:

1997

Collection:

Periodicals