Population estimates and trends of three Maui Island-endemic Hawaiian Honeycreepers

Population monitoring is critical for informing the management and conservation of rare Hawaiian forest birds. In 2017, we used point-transect distance sampling methods to estimate population densities of birds on Haleakala Volcano on east Maui island. We estimated the populations and ranges of three island-endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers, including the endangered 'Akohekohe (Palmeria dolez), the endangered Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill; Pseudonestor xanthophrys), and the Maui 'Alauahio (Paroreomyza montana newtoni). We examined population trends back to 1980, and our 2017 density estimates were the lowest ever recorded for each species. Most concerning was the status of Kiwikiu, with a 71% decline in population since 2001 to a current population of 157 (95% CI 44-312) birds. The population of 'Akohekohe similarly decreased by 78% to a current population of 1768 (1193-2411) birds. For both species, population declines were due to declines in density and contraction of ranges from lower elevations. Both species are now restricted to ranges of less than 3000 ha. We surveyed similar to 91% of the range of Maui 'Alauahio and estimated a population of 99,060 (88,502-106,954) birds, a 41% decrease since the highest estimate in 1992. Contraction of ranges to higher elevations is consistent with evidence that the impacts of avian malaria are being exacerbated by global warming trends. Our results indicate that the landscape control of either avian malaria transmission or its vector (Culex mosquitoes) will be a pre-requisite to preventing the extinction of endemic forest birds in Hawaii.

Automated summary

Population monitoring of rare Hawaiian forest birds is crucial for conservation efforts. A study on Haleakala Volcano in east Maui island found that population densities of three island-endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers have been declining, with the endangered Kiwikiu experiencing the most severe decline. Efforts to control avian malaria transmission or its vector are necessary to prevent the extinction of endemic forest birds in Hawaii.