Hawaiian Birds and Laysan Finch Conservation

Laysan Finch are endemic and year-round residents on the uninhabited island of Laysan in Papahanaumokuakea. Fossils from the main Hawaiian Islands indicate that they also occupied Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Maui. In 1967, Laysan Finch (Telespiza cantans) were captured on Laysan and introduced to Pearl and Hermes Atoll, where the population still persists. In 1998, the population on Laysan was estimated around 9,750 individuals and 373 on Pearl and Hermes Atoll.

Laysan Finch survived the occupation of Laysan by guano miners (1890 to 1910), and Japanese feather harvesters (1908 to 1910), and de-vegetation caused by introduced rabbits (early 1900s). They were also captured (1890 to 1905) and taken to Honolulu for use as cage birds despite their poor survival. In 1910, they were introduced to Midway Atoll where species persisted until rats were accidentally introduced by warships during World War II, and they were eliminated.

Laysan Finch are listed as Endangered under Federal and Hawaii State laws because of limited size of the current native distribution in relation to original distribution. Recommendations include habitat restoration, weed eradication, prevent unauthorized entry, prevent establishment of exotic organisms, prevent outbreak of avian disease, monitor populations of species and their habitats, establish additional, disjunct populations as a buffer against catastrophes.