Hawaiian Birds – Akekee Conservation

The ‘Akeke’e population was once relatively stable, even while other endemic Kaua’i birds were sharply declining, and its population was estimated to be nearly 8,000 birds in 2000. However, the population dropped to approximately 3,500 birds by 2007, which caused it to be protected under the Endangered Species Act in 2010.

Like other endemic Kaua‘i birds, long-term survival of ‘Akeke‘e depends on preservation of large tracts of native forest – particularly ‘ohi‘a. As with other native forest birds, vigilance is essential to prevent additional introductions of noxious plants, potential predators, and alien birds. The ʻAkekeʻe is threatened by the introduction of plants like the banana pōka that displace native plants. Feral pigs, goats, and deer also destroy native growth. Eventually, the insects on which the ʻAkekeʻe feeds will disappear from such areas, as they on longer find their usual host plants.

Natural hurricanes, as well as human development in the Koke‘e region reduces the amount of habitat available and increases breeding sites for mosquitoes. The spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes into native forests probably poses the greatest long-term threat to their survival. This is the reason why these birds are rarely found at lower altitudes, but only in higher, cooler regions where mosquitos do not occur. Efforts to prevent further habitat degradation will probably be most effective in maintaining this species.