KAPA‘A — Hosting its 10th virtual “Forest Friday” conversation on Friday, May 6, at 4 p.m., the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee and Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project will devote an hour-long discussion on the rapidly declining numbers of endemic forest birds — specifically ‘akikiki and ‘akeke‘e — on Kauai‘i.
“Current data shows a grim future for our forest birds,” says Dr. Lisa “Cali’ Crampton, KFBRP project leader.
“Without intervention, at least one species is headed for extinction within the next two years. We’re seeing fewer birds in drastically reduced range, unable to escape disease-carrying mosquitoes. What will losing these species mean for our forests, our watersheds, our ecosystem?”
Avian malaria, a disease transmitted by invasive mosquitoes, is driving the potential extinction. The recent acceleration of climate warming has allowed mosquitoes to expand their range into upper-elevation forests on Kaua‘i, the last refuge of safety for these avifauna. At greatest risk are a family of endemic birds known as honeycreepers.
‘Akikiki are small, pale gray and white honeycreepers that once inhabited forests down to sea level. A single bite from an infected mosquito has the potential to kill it. The same is true of another honeycreeper said to be an icon of the native Hawaiian forest — the distinctive ‘i‘iwi with its bright scarlet feathers and its long, pink, de-curved bill.
The virtual event will also share the many connections these birds have with Hawaiian culture. Crampton will be joined by Sabra Kauka, revered kumu and recent recipient of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ DLNR &YOU Citizen Conservationist award for her outstanding, lifelong contributions to the betterment of natural and cultural resources on Kaua‘i and across Hawai‘i.
If the field schedule allows, KFBRP’s Field Supervisor and resident ‘akikiki expert, Justin Hite, will also join the panel. Chucky Boy Chock, executive director of the Kaua‘i Museum, will share his insights on the relationship between forest birds and Hawaiian culture via a pre-recorded video.
This virtual talk story series is a unique opportunity to discover what is happening with forest conservation on Kaua‘i. People are encouraged to participate in the conversation by submitting questions during the event or in advance by emailing saveohia@hawaii.edu.
Registration is required to participate on Zoom, and can be done at bit.ly/kauaiforestbirds. Participants can watch live on Facebook at the KISC or KFBRP pages. Previous Forest Friday conversations can be found on YouTube at KISC’s and KFBRP’s channels.
