December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
Our new online shop is live!
Published on
September 21, 2017
Written by
Emily Heber
Photo credit
Emily Heber
Hawai’i’s Scarlet Honeycreeper, also known as the ‘I’iwi was once one of the most common species found throughout native ʻŌhiʻa forests, but converging threats have led to dramatic declines in its population. After years of research, the ‘I’iwi has officially been listed under the Endangered Species Act. Listing the ‘I’iwi will also benefit other native Hawaiian birds which share similar habitat and face the same challenges.
A combination of factors is responsible for the decline in the ‘I’iwi population. One part of the problem is a loss of native forests due to development and human use. Another issue is the presence of invasive feral pigs, which contribute to habitat loss by digging up native plants, a behavior that also results in ample habitat for mosquitoes to breed. The presence of mosquitoes has led to the spread of avian malaria, which has harmed Hawaiian Honeycreepers and the ‘I’iwi in particular.
After exhaustive research into these reasons for decline, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the species needs further conservation efforts. Currently, 90% of the I’iwi population lives within a small patch of Eastern Maui forest. Although the ’I’iwi population is the target of future conservation efforts, protections that will be put in place to aid the species will also benefit other native Hawaiian species. Mary Abrams, project leader for the Service’s Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office commented:
In recent years, the ‘I‘iwi population has been in sharp decline due to threats from habitat loss, invasive species and avian diseases, particularly avian malaria. These threats have affected all forest birds, not just the ‘I‘iwi. Conservation that benefits the ‘I‘iwi will undoubtedly benefit other Hawaiian forest birds.
Listing the species under the Endangered Species Act will give the ‘I’iwi key protections. A recovery plan will be created in order to establish the best course of action for conservation efforts. Addressing the major issues that the ‘I’iwi faces will not only help this rare bird, but also other native Hawaiian species. Hopefully, the Scarlet Honeycreeper will one day thrive again in the forests of Hawai’i.
Featured Photo: ‘I’iwi at Hakalau Forest. Credit: Dan Clark/US Fish and Wildlife Service
Source: Big Island Now
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
December 4, 2024
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
November 22, 2024
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
October 3, 2024
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
September 10, 2024
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
September 5, 2024
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
December 14, 2023
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
November 28, 2023
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
November 28, 2023
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!
October 24, 2023
For Immediate Release Conservation powerhouse BirdLife South Africa has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) – a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities – to support its work to save internationally significant albatross populations…