Palila restoration project 2000 report: summary of results, 1 October 1999 - 31 October 2000

Author:

Banko, Paul C., Dougill, Steve, Gold, Laurie, Goltz, Daniel, Johnson, Luanne, Laut, Megan, Leialoha, Julie, Muffler, Barbara, Murray, Chris, Murray, Colleen, Oboyski, Peter, Radasky, Kendy, Rounds, Rachel, Slotterback, John, Weddle, Heather

Title:

Palila restoration project 2000 report: summary of results, 1 October 1999 - 31 October 2000

Year:

2000

Subject:

Palila Hawaiian honeycreepers Drepanididae Loxioides bailleui Birds Mauna Kea Endangered species birds Birds habitat Hawaii Island Mamane-naio forest Birds ecology

Summary:

The Palila Restoration Project was initiated in 1995 to develop strategies and techniques for reintroducing and increasing palila (Loxioides bailleui) populations and for managing their subalpine mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) and naio (Myoporum sandwicense) forest habitat. To provide an ecological foundation on which to develop recovery techniques, the project includes analyzing results of ecological studies initiated in 1988, and evaluates factors limiting palila populations. This project was limited to portions of Mauna Kea volcano and adjacent areas in the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). This report presents results of work done from December 1996 to September 1999. The scope of work includes four major tasks: 1) developing translocation to reintroduce palila to habitat recovering from browsing from feral ungulates, 2) developing techniques to enhance the productivity of palila, 3) developing habitat management techniques and strategies to promote palila population growth, and 4) monitoring the response of palila populations and habitats to management actions. Studies were conducted at eight relatively dry, montane to subalpine woodland sites where palila occur or might be reintroduced. Four sites were situated on the western slope of Mauna Kea where palila commonly nested -- Puu Laau Mauka and Makai (PLMauka and PLMakai), or less commonly Manao and Ahumoa. One site was located at Kipuka Alala on Mauna Loa. Three sites were located elsewhere on Mauna Kea where Palila no longer or rarely occur -- North, South, Pohakuloa Flats (PFlats). PFlats, (also known as Training Areas 1 and 2), and Kipuka Alala (also known as Training Area 23), were located within the PTA. The other sites occurred on state lands managed as forest reserve or game management areas. When the four candidates sites were evaluated individually for their suitability for reintroducing palila, North and South sites exhibit the most potential, PFlats demonstrates moderate potential and Kipuka Alala seems to have low potential, at least for the immediate future. When taken together, however, South and PFlats are second only to the western slope of Mauna Kea in size and quality of suitable forest. The combined area extends sufficiently in elevation and along contour to create mamane phenology gradients in two environmental dimensions. When managed as a single tract of forest, they offer the greatest biological potential for reintroducing and maintaining a second viable population of palila.

Collection:

Monographs