Hakalau Forest Birds Project

The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated island group in the world, located about 4000 km from the nearest continent. In this profound isolation, on the new landmass created by a volcanic "hot spot" in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, evolved a spectacular array of forest birds. The Hawaiian honeycreepers (bird subfamily Drepanidinae) are a textbook case of adaptive radiation, with approximately 30 species evolving from a single cardueline finch ancestor. The Hawaiian thrushes (genus Myadestes) include 5 separate species on four different islands. Hawaiian forest birds are integral parts of Hawaiian ecosystems, serving as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect predators. Tragically, about half of the known taxa of these birds are extinct, and about half of the remaining species (31) are endangered. Information on basic biology, population size, and distribution of endangered bird species in Hawaiian rainforests, and on factors limiting these populations, is needed by land managers in Hawaii to effectively manage lands for conservation and halt the decline of native bird populations.

The Hakalau Forest Birds Project was designed to provide the information needed to inform conservation efforts for Hawaiian wet forest birds.
		The studies take place in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, on the windward slope of Mauna Kea volcano at approximately 5000 feet elevation (picture at left). First, we are collecting information on the basic demography, recuitment, survival, movements, and basic life history of wet forest birds. Secondly, we are examining potential limiting factors, using both a correlational / observational approach (see "Reproduction and survival...", below) and an experimental approach (see "Effectiveness of potential management actions...", below).
We are experimentally testing methods for increasing productivity of wet forest birds and assessing the feasibility of applying these methods in a management situation.

Reproduction and survival of Akiapolaau, Hawaii Akepa, Hawaii Creeper, and other native forest birds along a gradient of native bird density in wet forests of windward Hawaii

Effectiveness of potential management actions for increasing populations of endangered birds in wet forests of Hawaii