WCC 2016 Res 094 - Progress Report

• Strategic conservation actions are underway for a suite of Hawai’i forest birds following the recommendations in existing planning documents. These include:
o Nihoa Millerbird – translocations of millerbirds from Nihoa to Laysan Island in 2011 and 2012 have resulted in establishment of a second breeding population for this single island endemic. Surveys in 2017 suggest that the global population has increased by 30%.
o Palila – over 20,000 native trees were planted in 2017 to restore and expand Palila habitat. The ungulate excluding fence was maintained to keep ungulate numbers at very low densities in Palila critical habitat. Annual population counts were conducted.
o Maui Parrotbill – A fenced site has been established and planting of many thousands of native trees (nearly 40,000 as of October 2015) is underway. The site is nearly ready for the translocation of parrotbill to establish a second population (in 2019). The translocation plan is in the final stages of review. TNC is also managing habitat and reducing predators in Waikomoi preserve for Maui parrotbill, I’iwi and Akohekohe.
o Kauai –Puaohi, Akeke‘e and ‘Akikiki – extensive predator control is underway across the accessible habitat for these 3 species, in an attempt to reduce nest loss to rats and other impacts. Capturing of birds is underway to try and establish a captive breeding populations for Akeke‘e and ‘Akikiki.
o Alala – Following years of planning and an initial failed release attempt (in 2016), in September/October 2017 – 11 male/female Alala were released into the Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaii. As of late February 2017, all birds are healthy, avoiding I’o predation, foraging on native foods and are traveling up to several km from the release site. The next release is planned for 2018 at a second location within the same reserve.
• Conservation actions for the 3 endemic Hawaiian seabirds are proceeding.
o Translocations of Hawaiian Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater into a predator proof fenced area at Kilauea Pt. National Wildlife Refuge continue, with 100% fledging success of healthy translocated chicks.
o New predator fences are proposed on Kauai, Lanai, Maui and Molokai to protect seabirds and all have the potential to benefit Newell’s Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel to varying degrees.
o A rat eradication was implemented on Lehua Island in August/September 2017; confirmation of success for this project is pending. A successful eradication would likely benefit Newell’s Shearwater and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel.
• In September 2016 a workshop was held to evaluate options for addressing the issue of mosquitoes in Hawai’i to benefit human health and wildlife.
o In 2016 research was initiated to develop Wolbachia infected Culex mosquitoes for potential use to suppress or eliminate this avian disease vector in Hawai’i.
o Research is proceeding with limited funding.
o Coordination to develop and implement an engagement strategy with stakeholders in Hawai’i has begun, however, the work is not funded and the strategy has not been developed.

• In addition to the progress listed above it is important to note that the I’iwi was added to the US Endangered Species list in 2017 because of declining populations.

• The American Birding Association has added Hawai’i to its North America list of avifauna.