Since publication in 1986 of Forest Bird Communities of the Hawaiian Islands by J. M. Scott et al., research emphasis at the PIERC has shifted from surveys to population ecology and restoration. The new volume, Forest Birds of Hawai`i, will bring together results of the many, separate studies conducted by PIERC and its collaborators. The approach will extend beyond the reporting of research and will provide an overview of what has been learned and accomplished and of what lies ahead.
Production of the new volume is envisioned to occur in two phases. First, it will be necessary to publish in the primary literature a backlog of unreported research. To accomplish this, several PIERC scientists will be devoting the better part of 1999 and 2000 towards data analysis and writing, and we have requested funds to support this effort, primarily to relieve scientists of field and laboratory commitments. Another, concurrent aspect of the first phase will be to update the distribution and population estimates of forest birds through data analysis and summaries of the dozens of surveys conducted since 1985. The first phase alone will be beneficial by encouraging the completion of old projects and by increasing the Center's presence in the literary forum.
The second phase will entail the writing of the book, with a first draft prepared by July, 2000. An outline for the book has now been prepared and consists of a series of chapters to be researched and written by authorities in their field. Chapters, each being a synoptic review, will be arranged in four sections: (1) an account of the Hawaiian avifauna and the history of alteration of Hawaiian ecosystems, to provide a background for (2) the biology of Hawaiian forest birds and factors limiting their populations, with chapters on subject areas of concern to conservationists and land managers, leading to (3) the application of research to management, also including four case studies. A concluding section (4) will sum up the direction of avian populations, conservation trends, and future directions for research. The book will be written so that any reader with a general knowledge of birds and conservation can develop an informed understanding of conservation of Hawaiian forest birds. The book will be produced through a publisher with the best distribution to readers in Hawai`i and beyond.
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