Mosquitoes

Tag: Mosquitoes

Disappearing Mosquitoes Leave Clues About Basic Ecology

In 2011, Island Conservation, USFWS, and TNC removed invasive rats from Palmyra Atoll to protect native species. Now researchers have found that disease-carrying mosquitoes have disappeared. By: Rob Margetta Palmyra Atoll is a tiny speck in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 1,000 miles south of Hawai’i and less than 3 square miles in area. Its only […]

Written by on March 1, 2018

I’iwi at Risk: A Scarlet Bird’s Dangerous Migration

As environmental impacts unfold in Hawaii, I’iwis’ seasonal migrations turn deadly. The scarlet I’iwi is hard to miss, standing out vibrantly against the deep green backdrop of Hawaii’s foliage. The native bird, a Hawaiian honeycreeper, fits gracefully into its natural habitat. Its curved bill, for example, matches the shape of the native ‘Opelu flower, which makes […]

Written by on June 13, 2017

Evidence Suggests that Galápagos Finches Self-medicate, using Native Guava Leaves to Repel Invasive Insects

A new report released in the journal Nature examines never before seen self-medicating behavior in Galápagos Finches. Galápagos Finches served as inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in the 19th century. Today, these iconic birds, commonly referred to as “Darwin’s finches”, have drawn the attention of scientists once again–but this time it’s not because of the size and shape […]

Written by on October 20, 2016

Birds at the Edge: The Plight of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers

Hawai’i’s iconic Honeycreepers face a number of threats. To avoid extinction, these beautiful native birds are in need of immediate conservation intervention.  Bright red wings streak across a grey sky. Yellow feathers flash amid quivering green leaves. Soft songs punctuated by raspy cheeps rise up from trees swathed in the dawn’s faint light. Long, narrow bills plunge […]

Written by on September 21, 2016