UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

Habitat and food preferences of the endangered palila (Loxioides Bailleui) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Author:
Hess, Steven, Banko, Paul C., Miller, Linda Joyce, Laniawe, Leona P.
Title:
Habitat and food preferences of the endangered palila (Loxioides Bailleui) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Periodical:
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Year:
2014
Volume:
126
Pages:
728-738
Subject:
Palila Loxioides bailleui Mamane-naio forest Sophora chrysophylla Birds Mauna Kea Endangered species birds Birds habitat Hawaii Island
Summary:
Due to the degradation by non-native ungulates, the subalpine woodland habitat of Palila has been severely reduced. This study investigated Palila foraging behavior and food selection in two woodland types, mamane and mixed mamane-naio. The results suggest that Palila spent 1.7–3.9 times longer in mamane than in naio during foraging observations where naio was 1.3–4.6 times as dense as mamane. Naio fruit was readily available, but it comprised proportionally 11% of food items taken by Palila. Therefore, restoration of mamane woodland may benefit Palila more than conservation efforts in mixed-woodland.
Label:
Birds - Palila
URL:
http://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/pierc/assets/hesshabitatfoodpreferencesendangeredpalilamaunakeahawaiiwjo2014.pdf
Date:
2014
Collection:
Periodicals