Palila restoration: exploring methodologies for the reintroduction of an endangered Hawaiian finch

Author:

Gray, Elizabeth M. et al.

Title:

Palila restoration: exploring methodologies for the reintroduction of an endangered Hawaiian finch

Year:

2006

Subject:

Palila Loxioides bailleui Birds Mauna Kea

Summary:

The palila (Loxioides bailleui) is an endangered finch-billed honeycreeper endemic to the Island of Hawaii. Currently, the palila occupies less than 5 percent of its historic range). The extant population is located in subalpine dry forest on the west slope of Mauna Kea volcano, with greater than 90% of individuals concentrated within 25 km2. Natural expansion outside this core area is limited by a fragmented, degraded landscape and presumed strong site tenacity. As a result, the population is highly vulnerable to extinction by a single catastrophic event such as fire. To decrease extinction risk, we conducted a series of three reintroductions to a site on the north slope of Mauna Kea, approximately 18 km from the core population, where palila have been extinct for over 25 years. This area was chosen after comparing 1) food availability, 2) forest composition, structure and regeneration, and 3) disturbance from military training and other human activity among four possible reintroduction sites within the historic range. During 1997 to 1998, we reintroduced palila to the north slope of Mauna Kea by moving birds from the primary population on the west slope. Additional reintroductions are planned.

Date:

Dec. 2006

Collection:

Monographs