USGS PIERC - PUAIOHI RECOVERY PROJECT 2

PUAIOHI RECOVERY PROJECT

Breeding biology of the critically-endangered Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Biological Resources Division, USGS
Principle Investigator: S. G. Fancy
Research Project Coordinator and Field Project Leader: T. Snetsinger
Field Ornithologist: C. M. Herrmann

Recovery of the Puaiohi and other critically-endangered forest birds on Kauai cannot proceed without basic information on their population status, distribution, life history, and potential limiting factors. The objective of this study is to provide basic ecological and behavioral information on the Puaiohi that is needed to inform conservation efforts. In addition, we have located nests and eggs for establishment of a captive breeding flock, and have identified potential release areas for reintroduction efforts. Puaiohi have been found in several drainages along the edge of the Alakai Plateau, and the total population may contain as many as 300 individuals, but approximately 75% of the population occurs in an area of approximately 5 km. Nests are densely packed into a few drainages, and Puaiohi seem slow to disperse outside of these population centers. We located 145 active nests over 3 breeding seasons, but the length of the breeding season and nesting success was highly variable among years. Reproductive output per pair is high, with as many as 4 clutches laid each season, but only one chick usually fledges from each nest (picture at left). One of five Puaiohi tested had antibodies for avian malaria, and observed resistance to avian malaria and avian pox in the closely-related Omao, as well as the presence of a few Puaiohi in lower- elevation areas where mosquitos are more common, suggest that some Puaiohi can develop resistance to avian malaria.

Publications completed:
1. Herrmann, C. M., and T. J. Snetsinger. 1997. Pox-like lesions on endangered Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) and occurrence of mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) populations near Koaie Stream. Elepaio 57:73-75.
2. Snetsinger, T. J., K. M. Wakelee, and S. G. Fancy. Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri. No. 461 In The Birds of North America (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and the American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.

Publications in progress:
1. Snetsinger, T. J., C. M. Herrmann, D. E. Holmes, C. D. Hayward, and S. G. Fancy. Breeding ecology of the Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri.
2. Snetsinger, T., C. Herrmann, and S. G. Fancy. Helping behavior in the Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri.
3. Snetsinger, T., C. Herrmann, and S. G. Fancy. Techniques for sexing and aging Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri.
4. (Authorship to be determined). Foraging ecology of the Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri.
5. (Authorship to be determined). Status and distribution of the critically-endangered Puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri.

Technical reports:
1. Snetsinger, T. J., C. M. Herrmann, and S. G. Fancy. 1997. Initiating the recovery of the critically-endangered solitaire, the Puiaohi. Annual report to cooperators, July 1996 to June 1997.
2. Snetsinger, T. J., C. M. Herrmann, and S. G. Fancy. 1998. Initiating the recovery of the critically-endangered solitaire, the Puiaohi. Annual report to cooperators, July 1997 to June 1998.

Presentations:
1. Snetsinger, T. J., C. M. Herrmann, and S. G. Fancy. Breeding biology of the endangered Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri). 1997 Hawaii Conservation Conference, Maui, Hawaii.