Hawaiian Forests are the Most Threatened Bird Habitats in the United States

February 8, 2007
The forests of the Hawaiian Islands are the most threatened bird habitats in the United States, according to a new report, Top 20 Most Threatened Bird Habitats in the United States, published today by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC).  The continued threat to the species that live in these habitats is occurring despite measures being taken to save them by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and non-governmental conservation organizations like the San Diego Zoo.

"At the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, we work to save a number of bird species such as the alala and the Maui parrotbill," said Alan Lieberman, director of the program for the San Diego Zoo.  "Saving these species is important but meaningless if the habitats they come from are not protected."

According to the study (which can be viewed online), agriculture, logging, and development are responsible for the loss of more than half of Hawaii's native forests.  The report indicates that the greatest imminent threats are invasive animals such as cats and pigs, invasive plants such as guava, and avian diseases.  As habitats disappear, so do the species that depend on them.  There are 30 Hawaiian birds listed under the Endangered Species Act as Endangered or Threatened.  Species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as being of special concern include the akekee, Hawaii and Kauai creepers, akiapolaau, Maui parrotbill, Nihoa finch, omao, Oahu elepaio, and the Nihoa millerbird.

"Many Hawaiians love to watch birds, whether on organized outings or in their own backyard," said George Fenwick, president of ABC.  "Without stronger action to protect bird habitats in Hawaii, there will be fewer and fewer of these wondrous creatures for everyone to enjoy."

The Hawaiian Islands are home to many endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. When Captain Cook landed on the Islands in 1778, there were at least 71 endemic bird species.  Since then, at least 24 of those species have gone extinct, several others are on the brink of disappearing forever, and most others are dependent on intensive conservation measures.

The po'ouli, a small bird species native to the Alakai forests, is recently believed to have become extinct when the last known individual died at the San Diego Zoo's Maui Bird Conservation Center in 2004.

"The Po'ouli represents all those species which cannot be saved by traditional captive breeding," said Alan Lieberman.  "These are the species we need to save by protecting their homes."

ABC indicates that there are economic as well as aesthetic reasons for conserving these endangered habitats.  Bird watching and other wildlife viewing by 66 million Americans contributes $43 billion annually to the nation's economy, according to a 2006 report by the Outdoor Industry Foundation.  Retail sales of birding gear, birding trips, and state and federal tax receipts comprise a substantial portion of this.

"Hawaii benefits from a large number of birders who go to the Islands specifically to see the unique birds," said Mr. Fenwick. "As well as a biological imperative, it makes good economic sense to conserve Hawaii's native habitats.  In addition to the direct economic benefits of bird watching, birds play an important role in maintaining the ecosystems on which humans ultimately depend."

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News Archives: 200th Hatching of Rare Hawaiian Bird, Seven Palila Flying: Rare Birds Released, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Awards Funds to Aid Critically Endangered Hawaiian Bird Species, Rare Hawaiian Bird Released on Kauai, Po'ouli Cells Added to Frozen Zoo, Po‘ouli Death Leaves Species' Future Uncertain, Po`ouli Brought To Breeding Center in "Last Ditch" Effort to
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Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program