Mosquitoes Pushing These Bird Species to the Brink: Scientists Scramble to Prevent Extinction
The 'akikiki, a small gray bird native to Hawaii, is on the brink of extinction due to the relentless threat of mosquitoes With only 5 remaining in the wild, scientists are urgently racing against time to save this precious species
The akikiki, a native gray bird from Hawaii, may not appear distinctive, but its scarcity is astounding. It is believed that there are only five of them left in the wild. The state's Department of Land and Natural Resources has warned that the species could become extinct in a matter of months.
The tiny birds face their biggest threat from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These honeycreepers have thrived in the cool and lush mountains of Kauaʻi, seemingly safe from non-native mosquitoes. However, as temperatures rise due to climate change, these insects are now making their way up to higher altitudes, resulting in devastating consequences.
"Over the past 15 to 20 years, the bird populations have significantly declined due to changing climate and the increasing presence of mosquitoes at higher elevations," explains Hannah Bailey, the wildlife care manager of the Hawaii Endangered Forest Bird Conservation Program for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Since the birds lack immunity to mosquito-borne diseases, they inevitably fall prey to avian malaria, which is almost always fatal for the small honeycreepers.
The birds, around 13 centimeters in length, are critically endangered, with only five thought to exist in the wild.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is working closely with the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prevent the extinction of a species that is currently facing an alarming decline in population. Conservationist Bailey, along with these organizations, is increasing their efforts to establish a stable population for this species by establishing bird conservation centers on the islands of Kauaʻi and Maui. It is worth noting that the center on Maui was fortunately unaffected by the recent wildfires that caused significant damage to the area.
"Our objective is to safeguard endangered populations of species, offering them a secure refuge until the conditions are suitable for their long-term survival, enabling us to reintroduce them into their natural habitats," she explains.
Searching for eggs
The team has recently shifted their focus towards collecting unhatched eggs instead of capturing the remaining birds and bringing them to safety. During each nesting season, they venture to KauaÊ»i's mountainous plateaus and search the top of Ê»ÅhiÊ»a trees using a camera attached to a long pole, based on previous nest locations. Upon discovering an occupied nest, they set up a ladder system and sometimes climb up to 48 feet (14 meters) to reach it.
During this summer, the team successfully rescued 10 eggs, which were placed in a portable incubator and safely transported back to the Kauaʻi Bird Conservation Center. The collected eggs are nurtured and monitored, with successful hatchlings being integrated into the existing group of around 50 akikiki under the team's care.
The akikiki lives in the lush mountainous rainforests of Hawaii's Kauaʻi island.
The rescued birds will reside in enclosures that have been meticulously created to replicate their natural surroundings while safeguarding them from mosquitoes. Additionally, human interaction is strictly restricted to ensure that the birds retain their innate behaviors.
Eradicating mosquitoes
To ensure the survival and future generations of akikiki, it is essential to eliminate the threat of avian malaria. Once this eradication is achieved, the birds can be safely reintroduced to their natural habitat, providing them with the best chance of thriving. This strategy, encompassing the raising of young chicks, holds the potential to give rise to the next generation of akikiki.
The challenge at hand is the eradication of avian malaria, a threat not only to the akikiki but also to other endangered forest birds. In the past, Hawaii was home to over 50 honeycreeper species, songbirds that rely on nectar and insects for sustenance. However, the population now stands at a mere 17, as they have been greatly affected by mosquito-borne diseases, habitat loss, and invasive species.
In a bid to prevent the imminent extinction of Hawaiian forest birds, the US government has pledged a financial commitment of almost $16 million. These funds will be utilized for initiatives such as expanding captive care programs and implementing measures to control and eliminate invasive mosquitoes.
Other honeycreeper species, like the palila, are also threatened by malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources in Hawaii is presently seeking approval from regulators to utilize the "incompatible insect technique (IIT)." This method entails the release of male mosquitoes carrying a naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia. When these males mate with wild females, it results in non-viable eggs and offspring.
The process has the potential to decrease the risk of forest birds being impacted by avian malaria, a disease transmitted exclusively by female mosquitoes. Yet, for now, Bailey emphasizes the importance of concentrating efforts on increasing populations and ensuring a stable genetic diversity.
She expresses her greatest aspiration for our center to become unnecessary, with the ability to effectively manage mosquito populations and mitigate other risks. This would allow these birds to be reintroduced into their natural habitat and thrive.
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