Palila restoration: roost site selection and behavior of a Hawaiian finch

Author:

Wiley, Michael R., Gray, Elizabeth M., Banko, Paul C., Dougill, Steve D., Johnson, Luanne M., Semones, John David

Title:

Palila restoration: roost site selection and behavior of a Hawaiian finch

Year:

2006

Volume:

2007

Subject:

Palila Loxioides bailleui Birds habitat Hawaii Island

Summary:

The palila (Loxioides bailleui) is an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii. The palila is a non-territorial, omnivorous passerine with a monogamous mating system. Annual population estimates (1980 to 1998) have fluctuated widely, with current estimates of 4811 plus or minus 395 birds. The palila currently occupies approximately 5 percent of its historic range. The extant population is located on the west slope of Mauna Kea volcano in a dry subalpine mixed mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) and naio (Myoporum sandwicense) forest. Palila depend on mamane trees for the majority of their dietary and nesting requirements. This mamane forest has become degraded due to browsing pressure by introduced herbivores. Restoration is required to speed the recovery of the population and return it to areas of its former range. Relocation efforts began in 1997 and continued in 1998, with a total of 53 birds moved to the north slope of Mauna Kea (approx. 18 km from the west slope core population). Research investigating roosting behavior of radio tagged palila was initiated during 1998 and continues in 1999.

Date:

Dec. 2006

Collection:

Monographs