Hawaiian Honeycreeper Conservation 2

Probably sometime in the 1800’s, a mosquito-transmitted avian disease (avian pox virus) was introduced to the islands, and then in the early part of the 20th century avian malaria reached Hawaii. It is likely that avian malaria spread quickly into these native Hawaiian Honeycreepers (with no prior exposure or natural immunity to this disease) and hastened the decline or extinction of several species. Only in higher elevations where colder temperatures limit the spread of mosquitoes, do native forest bird communities remain relatively intact.

Scientists are attempting to unravel the complexities and impacts of the pox virus and avian malaria in native forest birds with the hope of developing long-term strategies for preventing further extinctions. Meanwhile, the ‘Amakihi, a native honeycreeper, is mysteriously re-populating the lowlands of Hawaii, providing hope for the future of other native birds in Hawaii.

In these two videos you will follow scientists as they learn how the endemic ‘Amakihi is bucking the extinction trend through evolution.
Part One – Hawaiian Honeycreeper Conservation 1